Structural and Mechanistic Insights into Nutrient Transport at the Blood Brain Barrier
Speaker: Dr Rosemary Cater
Institute for Molecular Bioscience
University of Queensland
Title: Structural and Mechanistic Insights into Nutrient Transport at the Blood Brain Barrier
Abstract: The human brain is infiltrated by more than 600 km of blood vessels which are lined by endothelial cells that separate the blood from the brain parenchyma. These cells are tightly packed together and feature reduced rates of endocytosis – features which are referred to as the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). These blood vessels and the BBB are critical for supplying our brains with essential nutrients and protecting it from noxious stimuli. Transporters play a very important role in this process. We have structurally and functionally characterized two different transporters – MFSD2A and FLVCR2 – that are highly expressed at the BBB and are critical for the import of the essential nutrients DHA and choline into the brain.
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.
