Virus-like intercellular communication - roles in synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration
Speaker: Associate Professor Jason Shepherd
School of Medicine
University of Utah
USA
Virus-like intercellular communication - roles in synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration
Abstract: The immediate early gene Arc is critical for long-term memory consolidation. We discovered that the Arc gene evolved from an ancient retrotransposon and has retained viral-like biology, such as capsid formation. Arc capsids are released from neurons in extracellular vesicles that can deliver Arc mRNA. This intercellular signaling mediates a novel form of intercellular synaptic plasticity. Arc also packages tau into EVs, which may contribute to the intercellular transmission of tau in neurodegenerative disorders.
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.
