QBI Neuroscience seminar: Regulation of synaptic specificity in a developing neural circuit

Primary Information
Date:	Thursday, 12 November 2009
Time:	12:00pm - 1:00pm
Room:	Auditorium, level-7
UQ Location:	Queensland Brain Institute (St Lucia)
Event Information
Description:	Speaker: Professor Anirvan Ghosh, Professor and Chair, Section of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego Title: Regulation of synaptic specificity in a developing neural circuit Abstract: We have been investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate the establishment of functional connections in the mammalian brain. First, we are examining the mechanisms that allow neurons to select appropriate synaptic partners and have found that neurons are able to identify and innervate their correct targets independent of patterning cues and activity, supporting a role for molecular recognition in target selection. Second, we have been investigating the regulation and dynamics of synapse formation. We find that axons make many transient synapses before stabilizing a small subset of potential connections. This decision is regulated by reverse signaling by AMPA receptors. Finally, we have been studying the role of activity-dependent transcription in regulating the development of neural circuits. We find that different activity-dependent transcription factors regulate distinct aspects of neuronal development including dendritic growth and synapse maturation. These observations provide a molecular framework for understanding how activity-independent and activity-dependent mechanisms contribute to the development of functional neural circuits.
URL:	http://www-biology.ucsd.edu/faculty/ghosh.html
Event Category:	Featured Events / Public lectures / Science/Medical / Seminars & workshops /
Contact Information
Name:	Mr Reeza Palamoodu Nazer
Phone:	66416
Email:	r.nazer@uq.edu.au
Org. Unit:	Queensland Brain Institute
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