Neurogenesis outside the central nervous system (an overview)

Adult neurogenesis in the mammalian central nervous system is restricted to small, embryonic germinal layer-derived neurogenic sites localized in the forebrain. This neurogenic process is sustained throughout life by neural stem cells harboured within well characterized niches. Persistent neurogenesis is also known to occur in various organs of the peripheral nervous system, (e.g., retina, olfactory mucosa, gut, and carotic body). Ongoing research is trying to describe the atypical niches in which different types of new neurons are produced, with the aim of unraveling the mechanisms which regulate them at different locations.