Molecular genetic analysis to identify relevant factors in rat cochlear nucleus neurogenesis over time

Neurogenesis describes the process of new nerve cell formation from neural stem cells. The existence of neural stem cells in the rat cochlear nucleus has already been demonstrated from postnatal to adult animals. At the molecular genetic level, neurogenesis is subject to complex regulatory mechanisms, which are controlled by the expression of various genes.

The aim of the study was to determine the gene expression of neurogenic factors of the cochlear nucleus over time and to analyse their significance for neurogenesis.

For this purpose, DNA was isolated from the cochlear nucleus of postnatal to adult rats. Subsequently, the gene expression of relevant factors of neurogenesis was analysed with microarrays and, after investigating their significance and expression, the importance of these factors for neurogenesis of the cochlear nucleus was determined.

The gene expression of neurogenetic factors could be detected from early postnatal to adult stage but was subject to age-specific differences. After further analysis, various factors were identified whose expression showed significant differences over time and allowed conclusions to be drawn regarding the complex interaction of neurogenetic factors.

In these studies, it was shown that neurogenesis of the rat cochlear nucleus is subject to complex regulation at the molecular genetic level, based on age-dependent expression of specific factors. The identification of these molecular genetic factors and their interplay over time can contribute to a better understanding of the development and plasticity of the auditory pathway. Knowledge of molecular genetic processes of the auditory pathway represents a potential starting point for diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022