Postnatal neuronal migration in health and disease

Postnatal neuronal migration modulates neuronal circuit formation and function throughout life and is conserved among species. Pathological conditions activate the generation of neuroblasts in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) and promote their migration towards a lesion. However, the neuroblasts generally terminate their migration before reaching the lesion site unless their intrinsic capacity is modified or the environment is improved. It is important to understand which factors impede neuronal migration for functional recovery of the brain. We highlight similarities and differences in the mechanisms of neuroblast migration under physiological and pathological conditions to provide novel insights into endogenous neuronal regeneration.