Professor Lijun Kang - Zhejiang Univeristy, China : "Sensory glia modulate neuronal activity and behavior in C. elegans"
Speaker:
Professor Lijun Kang
Zhejiang University
China
Title: "Sensory glia modulate neuronal activity and behavior in C. elegans"
Abstract:
"Glia are typically considered as supporting cells for neural development and synaptic transmission. Here we report an active role of a glia in olfactory transduction. As a polymodal sensory neuron in C. elegans, the ASH neurons are previously known to detect multiple aversive odorants. We reveal that the AMsh glia, a sheath for multiple sensory neurons including ASH, can also directly respond to aversive odorants via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) distinct from those in ASH. Upon activation, the AMsh glia suppresses aversive odorants-triggered avoidance and promotes olfactory adaptation by inhibiting ASH via GABA signaling. Thus, we propose a two-receptor model where the glia and sensory neuron jointly mediate adaptive olfactory avoidance. These studies underscore a previously unknown active role of glia in olfaction, which may provide new insights into the glia-like supporting cells in mammalian sensory transduction."
About Neuroscience Seminars
Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.
Seminars in the QBI Auditorium are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details.
