International Leaders in Neuroscience Seminar : Professor Elly Nedivi, USA : "Visualizing molecular events in synapse formation in vivo"
Speaker:
Professor Elly Nedivi
Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA 02139, USA
Title: "Visualizing molecular events in synapse formation in vivo"
Abstract: The introduction of two-photon microscopy for in vivo imaging has opened the door to chronic monitoring of individual neurons in the adult brain, and the study of structural plasticity mechanisms at a very fine scale. Perhaps the biggest contribution of this modern anatomical method has been the discovery that even across the stable excitatory dendritic scaffold there is significant capacity for synaptic remodeling, and that adjusting synapse strength and number are key mechanisms mediating neural circuit adaptation and behavioral plasticity in the adult. The activity-regulated gene cpg15/neuritin has been previously implicated in stabilization and maturation of excitatory synapses. We combined multicolor two-photon microscopy with genetic and sensory manipulations to delineate, in vivo, steps in synapse formation and maturation, and examine sufficiency and requirement for activity and CPG15 at these defined steps.
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 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.
