SUSTech-UQ Centre for Neuroscience and Neural Engineering (CNNE) Seminar Series

Speakers: Dr Odette Leiter, UQ and Dr SONG Kun, SUSTech
Hosted by: Professor Pankaj Sah & Professor Shengtao Hou
Date: Friday, November 5, 2021
Time: 12PM (noon) – 1PM Shenzhen // 2PM – 3PM Brisbane
Zoom: https://uqz.zoom.us/j/89149801628

Meet the speakers

Dr Odette Leiter

Walter Benjamin Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr Tara Walker Research Group, Centre for Restorative Neuroscience, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland

Title: “From blood to brain: How platelets mediate adult hippocampal neurogenesis”

Abstract: Physical exercise promotes new neuron formation in the adult hippocampus and is associated with improvements in learning and memory. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are largely unknown. Our data show that platelets play an important role in regulating exercise-induced adult neurogenesis, with mice depleted of circulating platelets lacking the running-induced increase in neural precursor proliferation. We found that platelets become activated following exercise and release the protein platelet factor 4 into the blood. Intravenous injections of this protein lead to increased hippocampal neurogenesis in young and aged sedentary mice. Moreover, aged mice showed significant improvements in learning and memory tasks compared to control animals. Together these data suggest a fundamental role of platelets and the factors they release following exercise in mediating neurogenesis-related learning and memory.

Dr SONG Kun, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biology, SUSTech

Title: “Investigation of core body temperature regulation using mouse models”

Abstract: Body temperature homeostasis is critical for survival and requires precise regulation by the nervous system. The hypothalamus serves as principal thermostat that detects and regulates internal temperature. We demonstrate that the ion channel TRPM2 is a temperature sensor in a subpopulation of hypothalamic neurons. TRPM2 limits the fever response, and may detect increased temperatures to prevent overheating. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation or inhibition of hypothalamic TRPM2- expressing neurons in vivo decreased and increased body temperature, respectively. Such manipulation may allow analysis of the beneficial effects of altered body temperature on diverse disease states. Identification of a functional role for TRP channels in monitoring internal body temperature should promote further analysis of molecular mechanisms governing thermoregulation and foster the genetic dissection of hypothalamic circuits concerned with temperature homeostasis.