S E M I N A R & V I S I T I N G S P E A K E R S E R I E S
D AT E
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
12:00 PM (Noon)
*** Followed by a trainee lunch in SR415 Kleysen Institute for Advanced
Medicine , Boardroom
LO C AT I O N
BMSB, Theatre C, Bannatyne Campus
S P E A K E R
Alyson Fournier, PhD
Professor
Faculty of Medicine
McGill University
T O P I C
Small molecule stabilization of protein interactions to promote axon
regeneration
A B S T R A C T
Damaged central nervous system (CNS) neurons have a poor ability to
spontaneously regenerate, causing persistent functional deficits after
injury. Therapies that stimulate axon growth are needed to repair CNS
damage.
14-3-3 adaptors are hub proteins that are attractive targets to manipulate
cell signaling. We have identified a positive role for 14-3-3s in axon
growth and have shown that fusicoccin-A (FC-A), a small-molecule stabilizer
of 14-3-3 protein-protein interactions, stimulates axon growth in vitro and
regeneration in vivo. Further screening of FC-A derivatives has revealed
potent axon growth-promoting compounds. Through mass spectrometry, we find
that FC-A and a potent derivative, stabilize interactions between 14-3-3
proteins and multiple components of the Rap1 pathway to facilitate axon
growth. Thus, FC-A and its derivatives exhibit remarkable polypharmacology
facilitating axon regeneration. These findings show that 14-3-3 adaptor
protein complexes are druggable targets and identify a new class of small
molecules that may be further optimized for the repair of CNS damage.
O B J E C T I V E S
1. Define 14-3-3- adaptor proteins and small molecules targeting these
proteins
2. Describe the influence of small molecules targeting 14-3-3 proteins on
axon regeneration in a pre-clinical optic nerve injury model
3. Discuss the mechanism used by these small molecules to promote axon
regeneration
B I O
Dr. Alyson Fournier (PhD) is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at
McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She completed her Ph.D. in
Neuroscience at McGill University (1998) and conducted her postdoctoral
training at Yale University with Dr. Strittmatter working on
neurodevelopment and regeneration. Since 2003 Dr. Fournier has led a
research lab at the Montreal Neurological Institute studying molecular
mechanisms
regulating axon degeneration and regeneration. Dr. Fourniers group studies
neuronal signaling in response to acute nerve cell injury and inflammation
for the conception and validation of new therapeutic targets to
promote neuroprotection and repair.
Tabrez Sidddiqui
Chair, MNN Visiting Speaker & Seminar Series
Tabrez.siddiqui(a)umanitoba.ca <mailto:Tabrez.siddiqui@umanitoba.ca>
Kelly Jorundson
Executive Assistant
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca>
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
******************************************
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/sent on behalf of Miyoung Suh
Date: Friday, November 1, 2019 2:30 PM
Location: Fort Garry Library 1360 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg
SPEAKER:
Miyoung Suh, PhD
Professor, Department of Human Nutritional Sciences,
Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences, University of Manitoba
Nutrition management of aging eyes
Over 65% of individuals over the age of 50 have some form of visual
impairment. These visually impaired individuals are 1.7 times more likely to
fall than individuals with adequate vision, which can lead to a reduction in
quality of life. The retina, the inner most layer of the eye, is highly
enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)s. With plenty of light
exposure over time, PUFAs can become oxidized, damaging the sensitive
tissues of the retina. However, some nutrients play a protective role within
the eye by maintaining the structure and function of the retina, and
providing protection from light induced damage. This talk will provide
evidence that consuming these nutrients in the diet can improve retina
function, thereby improving vision with aging. Overall our research will
contribute to the development of valuable prevention strategies for the eye
health for older adults.
For more information, visit www.umanitoba.ca/aging
<http://www.umanitoba.ca/aging>
This presentation will be available via facebook live
Kelly Jorundson
Executive Assistant
Manitoba Neuroscience Network
Email: <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> kjorund(a)sbrc.ca
Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092
St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre
Room R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA
******************************************
<http://www.manitobaneuroscience.ca/>
<https://www.facebook.com/manitobaneuroscience/?fref=ts>
<https://www.instagram.com/manitobaneuroscience/>
<https://twitter.com/manitobaneuro>