Dr Dhanisha Jhaveri - QBI: "Adult-born hippocampal neurons: Deciphering regulatory mechanisms for improving cognition and mood"
Speaker:
Dr Dhanisha Jhaveri
Mater Research Institute & Queensland Brain Institute
University of Queensland
Title: Adult-born hippocampal neurons: Deciphering regulatory mechanisms for improving cognition and mood
Abstract: Mammalian hippocampal circuit is extensively remodelled through adult neurogenesis. Unique properties of immature adult-born neurons, such as heightened excitability and the pattern of connectivity are functionally important; however, underlying mechanisms regulating these are not fully understood. Our recent findings provide new insights into the role of an extracellular matrix component in controlling the production of these neurons and show the requirement of long-range cholinergic inputs in regulating their survival and maturation. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the excitability and structural connectivity of these immature adult-born neurons is impacted by chronic stress exposure. Using selective ablation and optogenetic strategies, we provide evidence causally linking immature adult-born hippocampal neurons to stress-induced anxiety-like behaviour. Notably, we find that resilience-promoting effects of a clinical antidepressant are associated with preventing stress-induced morphological, physiological, and transcriptional changes in these immature neurons. Collectively, our findings provide a new framework to understand how genetically defined populations of immature neurons in stress-sensitive brain circuits regulate cognition and mood.
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 on Level 7 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.
