Most nerve cells (neurons) in the adult human organism exist from birth. In the adult brain, only a few specific regions have the ability to generate new neurons. One of these is the hippocampus, the area mainly involved in memory formation. The formation of new neurons from adult neural stem cells is called adult neurogenesis.

About 60 years ago, Dr Joseph Altman discovered adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus and there is increasing evidence that it is important for cognitive function and mood regulation. In old age, however, adult neurogenesis decreases gradually – the reasons for this are not yet fully understood.

Neuronal consistency as a risk of ageing

In order to understand how ageing affects adult neurogenesis and why, Toda examined long-lived cellular components. Most cellular components, such as RNA and proteins, turn over to maintain cellular homeostasis. Toda and others were able to show that some of these components do not turn over for years and that these stable proteins or RNAs are important for maintaining adult neural stem cells. Their low turnover rate could make them a target for cell ageing, as these long-lived cellular components could accumulate damage. Todas’ serial studies have identified the potential role of long-lived cellular components in brain plasticity and open new avenues of research into brain aging, plasticity and neurodegenerative diseases.

About the Joseph Altman Award

On April 19, 2016, Dr. Joseph Altman, who discovered neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain and received the International Prize for Biology from His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, passed away. Dr. Shirley A. Bayer, Dr. Altman’s widow who conducted research with him for over 30 years, offered to make a donation to the Japan Neuroscience Society (JNS) with the goal of instituting an award in developmental neuroscience. Accordingly, after discussion in the JNS special committee, the Board of Directors of JNS, at the Board meeting on July 19, 2016, decided that JNS would establish and administer the Altman Award in Developmental Neuroscience.

The prize honors research in developmental neuroscience at the tissue and cellular levels. The scope of the Award is not limited to phenomena during fetal or developmental stages; it also includes adult neurogenesis and its biological significance and its changes resulting from aging and diseases. The Award recipient will be recognized at the meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society held July 24th – July 27th, 2025 and is endowed with prize money of 10,000 USD.