Neurogenesis in adult subventricular zone.

Much excitement has been generated by the identification of adult brain regions harboring neural stem cells and their continual generation of new neurons throughout life. This is an important departure from traditional views of the germinal potential of the postnatal brain. However, a more profound paradigm shift may be emerging. Studies of adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) have revealed unexpected properties of neuronal progenitors and new mechanisms of neuronal migration. Here we discuss some recent findings that examine the origin, migration, and function of SVZ-derived new neurons in adult brain and highlight areas that offer exiting opportunities for future research.