Overview

• The study directly identified proliferating neural progenitor cells and immature neurons in the adult human hippocampus, confirming ongoing neurogenesis.
• Tissue samples from donors aged 0 to 78 underwent single-nucleus RNA sequencing, flow cytometry enrichment for dividing cells, and machine learning to classify developmental stages.
• Spatial transcriptomics localized new neuronal precursors to the dentate gyrus, a key site for memory formation and learning.
• Significant interindividual variability emerged, with some adults displaying high progenitor counts and others showing minimal neurogenic activity.
• The findings suggest avenues for regenerative therapies that stimulate neuron formation to address neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.