Using Zebrafish to Study Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Discover Treatments
Speaker: A/Professor Summer Thyme
University of Massachusetts,
Amherst, USA
Title: Using Zebrafish to Study Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Discover Treatments
Abstract: There are no effective treatments for most genetic neurodevelopmental disorders and particularly intellectual disabilities. These disorders pose a steep challenge for drug development, as cell-based screens lose the complexity fundamental to the problem, and we currently lack sufficient understanding for more targeted approaches. Using the zebrafish model and highly sensitive brain mapping approaches, my lab studies the effects of many genetic and chemical perturbations on brain development and function. We have established larval zebrafish phenotypes of mutants for genes involved in autism, Down syndrome, childhood-onset schizophrenia, and typical schizophrenia, as well as hundreds of FDA-approved molecules. In one recent work, we uncovered convergent phenotypes for genes involved in autism, as well as commonly affected brain areas. Using RNA sequencing, we defined molecular drivers of the observed phenotypes, identifying targetable disruptions in neuropeptide signaling, neuronal maturation, and cell proliferation. Beyond the larval stages, we discovered deficient social interaction at 21 dpf for three mutants for autism-linked genes, which could be mitigated with an oxytocin receptor agonist for kmt5b mutants, which have reduced oxt transcript levels. Ultimately, we expect the characterization of these zebrafish lines to nominate downstream targets of disease genes for rational drug development and illuminate new screening strategies.
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.
