Dr Itia Favre-Bulle - QBI: "Optogenetics, photoactivation and manipulation to study zebrafish sensory perceptions and cognitive functions”
Speaker: Dr Itia Favre-Bulle
Queensland Brain Institute
University of Queensland
Title: “Optogenetics, photoactivation and manipulation to study zebrafish sensory perceptions and cognitive functions.”
Abstract: In the past decades, optical methods to interrogate neuronal networks have flourished. These new advancements have allowed neuroscientists to design complex studies with unprecedented precision. For this talk I will discuss three different use of photons (particle of light) that I employ in zebrafish brain: photoconversion, photoactivation and optical trapping. With these methods, photons are used to either manipulate proteins (convert their stable configuration), manipulate neurons (open or close ion channels) or apply forces on biological matter in vivo. I will focus the rest of the talk on the use of those methods for a new project: the study of the noradrenergic system and locus coeruleus (LC) in zebrafish, a key brain region for the regulation of arousal, attention, cognitive function, and stress reactions. I am particularly interested in the regulation of sensory information by the LC and will show preliminary results of the influence of the noradrenergic system on hearing and finally discuss future perspectives.
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.
