Professor Zhiheng Xu
Director, Centre for Brain Disorders
Zhejiang University
P.R.China
Title: Brain asymmetry and autism
Abstract: The brain’s hemispheres exhibit profound lateralization, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Analyses of the bilateral striatum, a hub for important brain functions and a common node of autism pathophysiology, reveals significant phosphorylation asymmetries. Notably, autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related protein SH3RF2 forms a complex with CaMKII (an ASD-associated protein) and PP1. Loss of SH3RF2 disturbs the CaMKII/PP1 “switch”, resulting in impaired functional lateralization of striatal neurons and autism-like behavior. Therefore, it reveals for the first time the molecular mechanism governing brain lateralization in mammals and links it to the development and treatment strategies of autism.
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.
