SUSTech-UQ Centre for Neuroscience and Neural Engineering (CNNE) Seminar Series

Speakers: Ms Montana Samantzis, UQ and Dr Jing Bo, SUSTech
Hosted by: Professor Shengtao Hou
Date: Friday, September 9, 2022
Time: 12PM (noon) – 1PM Shenzhen // 2PM – 3PM Brisbane
Zoom: https://uqz.zoom.us/j/88301061063

Meet the speakers

Ms Montana Samantzis

PhD Student, Dr Matilde Balbi, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland

Title: "Effects of 40Hz non-invasive brain stimulation on neural and behavioural changes following photothrombotic ischemic stroke"

Abstract: 

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability worldwide, however, current therapeutics are limited. Previous research in mice has demonstrated that optogenetic stimulation in the gamma frequency range, specifically at 40Hz, is beneficial for recovery post-stroke. However, this treatment option is highly invasive and not able to be easily translated to human patients. Thus, our project is investigating whether delivering non-invasive brain stimulation at 40Hz could be a potential therapeutic to restore neuronal dynamics and improve behaviour.  

Dr Jing Bo

Research Assistant Professor, Professor Xiao Bo lab group, Department of Biology, SUSTech

Title: “Oligodendrocyte Differentiation Inhibitor DLK1 Underlies Myelination Deficit in Neuronal Rheb Knockout Mouse”

Abstract: Myelination deficit in the brain is implicated in developmental neurological and psychiatric disorders. Aberrant neuronal signals could affect developmental myelination and even remyelination in disease. How altered neuronal signaling affects oligodendrocyte formation/myelination remains poorly understood. Using a neuronal Rheb knockout (KO) mouse, we have identified neuronal Rheb was critical for oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination in the brain. This effect of Rheb was linked to elevated neuronal expression of Dlk1. Genetic deletion of Dlk1 in neuronal Rheb KO mouse ameliorated myelination deficit in the Rheb/Dlk1 double KO mouse, which suggests that activated neuronal expression of Dlk1 contributes to impairment in oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination in Rheb KO mouse. We further demonstrated that Dlk1 was an inhibitor of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination by culturing OPC with the purified secreted form of DLK1 and membrane-bound DLK1 expressed on heterologous cells. These results identify a novel mechanism linking neuronal dysfunction and oligodendrocyte deficit, which opens a new avenue for investigating myelination deficit in disease.

About CNNE Seminar Series

The CNNE Seminar Series provides a forum for SUSTech and QBI members to showcase collaboration in key thematic areas and foster new projects.

All are welcome to join this meeting via ZOOM.