A/Professor Victor Anggono - QBI : Activity-dependent Regulation of Glutamate Receptor Trafficking: The Ins and Outs of It.
Speaker: A/Professor Victor Angonno
Title: Activity-dependent Regulation of Glutamate Receptor Trafficking: The Ins and Outs of It.
Efficient communication between neurons is crucial for physiological functions ranging from muscle movement, vision and hearing to higher-order information processing and cognitive functions such as learning, attention, reasoning and emotions. This communication relies on a precise number and arrangement of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels on the neuronal plasma membrane. The release of excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate activates ligand-gated ion channels, including the AMPA-type glutamate receptors, which mediate most excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. Activity-dependent changes in the number of AMPA receptors at the post-synaptic membrane underpin the expression of synaptic plasticity, a cellular correlate of learning and memory. Perturbation in glutamatergic synaptic transmission is tightly associated with neurological disorders. For example, AMPA receptor gain of function can lead to seizure and excitotoxic neuronal death commonly associated with epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, their hypoactivation can cause synaptic depression linked to cognitive decline and intellectual disability. The subcellular targeting and membrane trafficking of AMPA receptors must therefore be tightly regulated to control their spatial and temporal distribution in neurons. Here, I will discuss our efforts in elucidating the mechanisms that control the insertion of AMPA receptors into the plasma membrane following neuronal activity, as well as those that regulate their degradation in neurons.
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.
