Dr Adam Walker, UQ : "Mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia"
Speaker :
Dr Adam Walker
Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland
Title: "Mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia"
Abstract: Pathology formed by the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 is the primary hallmark of disease in almost all cases of motor neuron disease (MND) and approximately half of all cases of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In disease, TDP-43 relocates from the nucleus and accumulates in the cytoplasm, where it is extensively post-translationally modified and aggregates to form characteristic intracellular inclusions. There is remarkable heterogeneity in the structure and distribution of TDP-43 inclusions in disease, and how TDP-43 aggregation causes neurodegeneration remains unclear. In this presentation, I will discuss recent studies in my laboratory using cell and mouse models of TDP-43 pathology coupled with biochemistry, proteomics and whole-genome CRISPR screening approaches aimed towards identifying mechanisms involved in TDP-43-associated neurodegeneration and characterising potential targets for future therapeutic development for people living with MND and FTD.
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.