9415122 Macklis Nottenbohm Kirn Many brain disorders, result from the death of brain cells. We do not know how to replace these cells, or even if this is possible. However, death and replacement of brain cells (neurons) occurs spontaneously in the brain of adult birds. The new neurons are born in the walls of the lateral ventricle of the brain. Some of these cells are part of the vocal control system, and are known to be involved in controlling the learning and remembering of song. Since this constant replacement is not preceded or accompanied by overt pathology, it can be thought of as a form of brain rejuvenation. In collaborative research proposed here by Drs. Nottenbohm, Macklis and Kirn, a new technique for inducing selective cell death in the brain will be used and resulting effects on the generation and function of new brain cells will be tested. The questions that will be answered are: 1) Is cell replacement restricted to a few kinds of cells, or will any type of brain cell that dies be replaced by another one of the same kind? 2) Do signals emitted by dying cells play a role in the birth, migration, and survival of the new cells? 3) Does cell replacement affect memory and the acquisition of new memories? The answers to these questions will help reveal the cellular dynamics underlying memory formation, and may help in the development of new approaches to repairing brains and controlling the decrement of function that accompanies aging.***
