Professor Helen Cooper - QBI : "Deciphering the role of autism genes in cortical development: from stem cells to synapses"
Speaker: Professor Helen Cooper
Title: Deciphering the role of autism genes in cortical development: from stem cells to synapses
The frequent occurrence of disruptive mutations in genes regulating synaptogenesis and the development of the neocortex, particularly those associated with the actin cytoskeleton, strongly implicates actin remodelling pathways in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our lab studies a network of actin regulators associated with ASD (including cadherins, the netrin/RGM receptor Neogenin, and the actin effector, the Wave Regulatory Complex). Our latest studies support a central role for these genes in the regulation of actin remodelling underpinning cortical progenitor function, dendritic spine morphogenesis and BDNF-dependent synaptic plasticity. We further show that disruption of this network of actin regulators leads to cortical malformations and post-synaptic deficits.
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.
