Fusogen-mediated neuron-neuron fusion: impact on neuronal function, connectivity, and behaviour
Speaker: Professor Massimo Hilliard
Queensland Brain Institute
University of Queensland
Fusogen-mediated neuron-neuron fusion: impact on neuronal function, connectivity, and behaviour
Abstract: The neuron doctrine, proposed over 100 years ago by Ramón y Cajal, states that the nervous system is made of individual neurons, rather than being a fused nerve net as proposed by Camillo Golgi. However, fusogens - specialised molecules necessary and sufficient to fuse cells - are expressed in the nervous system of different species during development and under conditions of viral infection, stress, or disease. Despite these findings, whether expression of fusogens in neurons leads to cell-cell fusion, and if so, whether this affects neuronal fate, circuit function, and animal behaviour, is still poorly understood. Our recent results provide new insights into how fusogens and viral infections affect the nervous system, impacting its development, function, and connectivity.
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.
