Dr Harrison Tudor Evans - New York University, USA : "Translational control in physiology and neurodegeneration"
Speaker: Dr Harrison Evans
New York University
USA
Title: Translational control in physiology and neurodegeneration
Abstract: The formation, updating and extinction of long-term memory is dependent upon the highly dynamic and precise control of mRNA translation. We have recently developed a novel in vivo technique which allows for the labeling and visualization of new protein synthesis, in short-time windows, throughout the mouse brain. We have utilized this technique to identify changes in mRNA translation in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, as well as microglia and astrocytes, during various rodent behavioral paradigms. Using this technique, we have also shown that long-term memory-induced de novo protein synthesis is blocked in a mouse model of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) which expresses FTD-mutant human tau. We go on to characterize the effect that FTD-mutant tau has upon protein synthesis and explore a potential interaction between tau and ribosomes in various in vitro models of FTD, including FTD-patient IPSC-derived excitatory neurons. Together, our results hint toward tau having an endogenous role in regulating translation, with this role being perturbed in FTD.
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.
