Systems Neurobiology Spring School 2006 |
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講義 | in English |
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(in alphabetical order) |
Speaker | Dr. George Augustine (Duke University) |
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Title | Dendritic signal transduction underlying cerebellar long-term synaptic depression |
Abstract | The goals of this lecture are to: (1) introduce students to caged compounds, light-activated molecules that can be used to examine the temporal and spatial characteristics of chemical signaling; and (2) show how my laboratory has used caged compounds to tease apart the signaling events involved in cerebellar long-term synaptic depression (LTD). LTD is a form of synaptic plasticity that is caused by a reduction in the number of functional AMPA-type glutamate receptors, so that the postsynaptic Purkinje cell is less capable of responding to glutamate released by the presynaptic parallel fibers. A complex network of signal transduction events transduce a brief bout of synaptic activity into a long-lasting change in AMPA receptors. This signal transduction network includes several protein kinases that work in a positive feedback loop that initiates and prolongs the duration of LTD. |
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Speaker | Dr. Michael Hausser (University College London) |
Title | Dendritic integration in mammalian neurons |
Abstract | Communication between neurons in the brain occurs primarily through synapses made onto their dendrites. New electrical and optical recording techniques, in conjunction with modelling, have led to tremendous advances in our understanding of how dendrites contribute to neuronal computation in the mammalian brain. The varied morphology and electrical and chemical properties of dendrites enable a spectrum of local and long-range signaling, defining the input-output relationship of neurons and the rules for induction of synaptic plasticity. In my lecture I will describe how the diversity in dendritic signaling allows individual neurons to carry out specialized functions within their respective networks. |
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Speaker | Dr. Yasunori Hayashi (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) |
Title | Visualizing molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity |
Abstract | So far the synaptic plasticity has been exclusively measured by means of functional read-out: synaptic currents. However, the recent advance in the imaging technology allows us to visualize the biochemical process underlying the synaptic plasticity. This revealed a highly dynamic nature of postsynaptic molecules both under basal and activated status. I will first describe the trafficking of AMPA type glutamate receptor as the underlying mechanism of functional plasticity. Then I will cover the plasticity of the cytoskeletal component, mainly actin, as the underlying mechanism of the structural plasticity of the dendritic spines. I will also describe some preliminary data on the new role of CaMKII as a cytoskeletal component necessary for keeping the spine structure. |
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Speaker | Dr. Alex Mogilner (University of California, Davis) |
Title | Recent quantitative models of protrusion of crawling cells |
Abstract | Actin-based protrusion is the first step in cell crawling. In the last two decades, the studies of actin networks in the lamellipodium and Listerias comet tail advanced so far that the last goal of the reductionist agenda reconstitution of protrusion from purified components in vitro and in silico became viable. Earlier models dealt with growth of and force generation by a single actin filament. Modern models of tethered ratchet, autocatalytic branching, end-tracking motor action and elastic- and nano- propulsion have recently helped to elucidate dynamics and forces in complex actin networks. I will introduce these models, discuss their limitations and relationships to recent biophysical data and progress being made toward a unified model of protrusion. |
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Speaker | Dr. Hitoshi Okamoto (RIKEN Brain Science Institute) |
Title | Zebrafish as a Model System to Study Neural Circuit Development |
Abstract | Formation of the neural circuits proceeds in strictly regulated manner. Although study using invertebrate model organisms has lead to discoveries of many important molecules regulating behaviors of growing neurons, it is also desirable to decode the genetically inscribed program for neural circuit formation by directly analyzing the vertebrate model organisms in which both cell biological and genetic manipulations are amenable. I will try to familiarize the participants with zebrafish as a suitable experimental model animal for this study because of its amenability to genetics and various genetic and cellular manipulation by taking our own studies as examples on the hindbrain motor neurons and the asymmetric efferent projection from the habenular nuclei. |
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Speaker | Dr. Hongjun Song (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) |
Title | Molecular mechanisms regulating adult mammalian neurogenesis |
Abstract | During the last decade, it became well established that neurogenesis, a process of generating functional new neurons from neural stem cells, occurs throughout life in discrete regions of the mammalian central nervous system. Adult neurogenesis recapitulates the process of neuronal development in a mature CNS environment, including proliferation and fate specification of neural progenitors, neuronal maturation, targeting and integration of newborn neurons. In my lecture I will describe the history of the field and general approaches to study adult neurogenesis. I will also discuss recent findings on the molecule mechanisms regulating distinct steps during the adult neurogenesis process. |
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