PREGNANCY-RESPONSIVE POOLS OF ADULT NEURAL STEM CELLS FOR TRANSIENT NEUROGENESIS IN MOTHERS

Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) contribute to lifelong brain plasticity. In the adult mouse ventricular-subventricular zone, NSCs are heterogeneous and, depending on their location in the niche, give rise to different subtypes of olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons. Here we show that multiple regionally-distinct NSCs, including domains that are usually quiescent, are recruited on different gestation days during pregnancy. Synchronized activation of these adult NSC pools generates transient waves of short-lived OB interneurons, especially in layers with less neurogenesis under homeostasis. Using spatial transcriptomics, we identify molecular markers of pregnancy-associated interneurons, and show that some subsets are temporarily needed for own pup recognition. Thus, pregnancy triggers transient, yet behaviorally-relevant neurogenesis, highlighting the physiological relevance of adult stem cell heterogeneity.