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MNN Seminar - Dr. J. Kong Nov 30/12
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 16 Nov '12

16 Nov '12

Manitoba Neuroscience Network Seminar | Dr. Jiming Kong Date: Friday, November 30, 2012 Time: 9:00 - 10:00am Location: PZ236/238 PsychHealth, Bannatyne Campus Dr. Jiming Kong Professor - Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science University of Manitoba Topic: Neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases: the BNIP3 pathway Dr. Jiming Kong earned his Bachelor of Medicine in 1983 from Luzhou Medical College and PhD degree in 1994 from the First Military Medical University in China. After a short visiting scholarship in Baylor College of Medicine, he did three postdoctoral fellowships in University of Massachusetts and University of Manitoba. He joined the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba as an Assistant Professor in 2002. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2006 and Professor in 2011. Dr. Kong's research program is directed to the understanding of molecular regulation of neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. Using in vivo and in vitro models of stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheim-er's disease, schizophrenia and depression, his group examines posttranslational oxidative modification of SOD1 as a factor of age-related onset of neurodegenerative diseases, investi-gates the role of mitochondrial death-inducing proteins in regulating mitophagy and delayed neuronal death in stroke, and tests a demyelinating hypothesis of schizophrenia. Dr. Kong is a recipient of the prestigious Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada New Investigator award (2004-2009) and a principal investigator of the Canadian Stroke Network (since 2007), which is one of the Centers of Excellence of Canada. His research program is continuously support-ed by international and national grant agencies such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association (USA), National Natural Science Foundation of China, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Stroke Network, Canada Foundation for Innovation, and Heart and Stroke Foun-dation of Canada. He has about 70 publications. In recent 5 years, he has 36 peer-reviewed publications and 3 book chapters. For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca Presented in co-operation with University of Manitoba Clinical Neuroscience Rounds An initiative of: Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca

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Visiting Speaker Lecture - Dr. Long-Jun Wu
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 13 Nov '12

13 Nov '12

View online: http://www.sbrc.ca/2012/11/pharmacology-invited-speaker-lecture-dr-long- jun-wu/ Invited Speaker Lecture - Dr. Long-Jun Wu DATE: Friday, Nov 16, 2012 TIME: 12:00 noon LOCATION: A229 Chown Bldg., Bannatyne Campus ** **Video-linked to R1002 SBHR Bldg. (St. Boniface Campus) <http://www.sbrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/web_Long-Jun-photo.jpg> Long-Jun Wu, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ TOPIC: Microglia-neuron communication in normal and diseased brain The long-term goal of my lab is to understand microglia-neuron communication in the brain. Microglia are the principal immune-response cells in the central nervous system. Resting microglia constantly survey the microenvironment in the normal brain. Upon brain dysfunction, microglia are activated and exert detrimental or beneficial effects on the surrounding neurons. Microglia have remarkably fast and dynamic activities in both the normal and pathological brain. An exciting possibility is that they are communicating with neurons through ion channel mechanisms. In neuronal circuits, microglia are assumed to be crucial to synaptic pruning and plasticity, yet no direct evidence has been identified. Microglia are strongly activated in pathological conditions such as pain, stroke and neurodegeneration, however, the molecular mechanisms for microglial activation and function in brain diseases are still controversial. Overall, we are interested in three interrelated topics on microglia-neuron communication: (1) The ion channel mechanism of microglia-neuron communication; (2) Microglia in synaptic function; and (3) Microglia's contribution to neuropathic pain. We have been exploring microglia chemotaxis (Wu et al., Glia, 2007, Fig.1), microglia in synaptic plasticity (Wu and Zhuo, J Neurophysiol, 2008), as well as an unique microglial voltage-gated proton channel, Hv1, in the brain (Wu et al., Nat Neurosci, 2012). Taking Hv1 proton channel as an entry point, our initial project will study direct communication from microglia to neurons through microglial Hv1. We will then explore how microglia function in neuronal circuits under normal and pain conditions. The results from our studies would advance the understanding of microglia function in the brain and provide therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain treatment. SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Research Articles 1. Wu LJ*, Wu G*, Sharif MR, Baker A, Jia Y, Fahey FH, Luo HR, Feener EP, Clapham DE. 2012. The voltage-gated proton channel Hv1 enhances brain damage from ischemic stroke. Nature Neuroscience, 15(4): 565-573. 2. Jin J, Wu LJ, Jun J, Cheng X, Xu H, Andrews NC, Clapham DE. 2012. The channel kinase, TRPM7, is required for early embryonic development. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, USA, 109(5): E225-233. 3. Wang H*, Xu H*, Wu LJ*, Kim SS*, Chen T, Koga K, Descalzi G, Gong B, Vadakkan KI, Zhang X, Kaang BK, Zhuo M. 2011. Identification of an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor for treating neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Science Translational Medicine, 3 (65): 65ra3 4. Slusky I, Abumaria N, Wu LJ, Huang C, Zhang L, Li B, Zhao X, Govindarajan A, Zhao MG, Zhuo M, Tonegawa S, Liu G. 2010. Enhancement of learning and memory by elevating brain magnesium. Neuron, 65 (2): 165-177. 5. Wu LJ, Mellstrom B, Wang H, Ren M, Domingo S, Kim SS, Li XY, Chen T, Naranjo JR, Zhuo M. 2010. DREAM (Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator) contributes to synaptic depression and contextual fear memory. Molecular Brain, 3 (1): 3. 6. Wu LJ, Li X, Chen T, Ren M, Zhuo M. 2009. Characterization of intracortical synaptic connections in the mouse anterior cingulate cortex using dual patch clamp recording. Molecular Brain, 2 (1): 32. 7. Wu LJ, Steenland HK, Kim SS, Isiegas C, Ted A, Kaang BK, Zhuo M. 2008. Enhancement of presynaptic glutamate release and persistent inflammatory pain by increasing neuronal cAMP in the anterior cingulate cortex. Molecular Pain, 4 (1): 40. 8. Wang H*, Wu LJ*, Kim SS*, Lee FJ, Gong B, Toyoda H, Ren M, Xu H, Liu F, Zhao MG, Zhuo M. 2008. FMRP acts as a key messenger for dopamine modulation in the forebrain. Neuron, 59 (4): 634-647. 9. Xu H*, Wu LJ*, Wang H*, Zhang X, Vadakkan KI, Kim SS, Steenland HW, Zhuo M. 2008. Presynaptic and postsynaptic amplifications of neuropathic pain in the anterior cingulate cortex. Journal of Neuroscience, 28 (29): 7445-7453. 10. Hines RM*, Wu LJ*, Hines DJ, Steenland H, Mansour S, Dahlhaus R, Singaraja RR, Cao X, Sammler E, Hormuzdi SG, Zhuo M, El-Husseini A. 2008. Synaptic imbalance, stereotypies and impaired social interactions in mice with altered neuroligin 2 expression. Journal of Neuroscience, 28 (24): 6055-6067. 11. Wang H, Wu LJ, Zhang F, Zhuo M. 2008. Roles of calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV in the regulation of FMRP by Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. Journal of Neuroscience, 28 (17): 4385-4397. 12. Zhang F, Vadakkan K, Kim SS, Wu LJ, Shang Y, Zhuo M. 2008. Selective activation of microglia in spinal cord but not higher cortical regions following nerve injury in adult mouse. Molecular Pain, 4 (1): 15. 13. Wu LJ*, Zhang XH*, Fukushima H, Zhang F, Wang H, Toyoda H, Li BM, Kida S, Zhuo M. 2008. Genetic enhancement of trace fear memory and cingulate potentiation in mice overexpressing Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV. European Journal of Neuroscience, 27 (8): 1923-1932. 14. Wu LJ, Zhuo M. 2008. Resting microglial motility is independent of synaptic plasticity in mammalian brain. Journal of Neurophysiology, 99 (4): 2026-2032. 15. Wu LJ*, Ren M*, Wang H*, Kim SS, Cao X, Zhuo M. 2008. Neurabin contributes to hippocampal long-term potentiation and contextual fear memory. PLoS ONE, 3 (1): e1407. 16. Duan B*, Wu LJ*, Yu YQ, Ding Y, Jing L, Xu L, Chen J, Xu TL. 2007. Upregulation of acid-sensing ion channel ASIC1a in spinal dorsal horn neurons contributes to inflammatory pain hypersensitivity. Journal of Neuroscience, 27 (41): 11139-11148. 17. Wu LJ, Vadakkan KI, Zhuo M. 2007. ATP-induced chemotaxis of microglial processes requires P2Y receptor-activated initiation of outward potassium currents. Glia, 55 (8): 810-821. 18. Wu LJ, Xu H, Ren M, Cao X, Zhuo M. 2007. Pharmacological isolation of postsynaptic currents mediated by NR2A- and NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex. Molecular Pain, 3 (1): 11. 19. Wu LJ, Xu H, Ren M, Zhuo M. 2007. Genetic and Pharmacological studies of GluR5 modulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice. Developmental Neurobiology, 67 (2): 146-157. 20. Wu LJ*, Ko S*, Toyoda H*, Zhao MG*, Xu H, Vadakkan KI, Ren M, Knifed E, Shum F, Quan J, Zhang XH, Zhuo M. 2007. Increased anxiety-like behavior and enhanced synaptic efficacy in the amygdala of GluR5 knockout mice. PLoS ONE, 2 (1): e167. 21. Zhao MG*, Ko S*, Wu LJ*, Toyoda H*, Xu H, Quan J, Jia Y, Li JG, Ren M, Xu Z, Zhuo M. 2006. Enhanced presynaptic neurotransmitter release in the anterior cingulate cortex of the mice with chronic pain. Journal of Neuroscience, 26 (35): 8923-8930. 22. Wu LJ, Toyoda H, Zhao MG, Lee YS, Tang J, Ko S, Jia Y, Shum F, Zerbinatti CV, Bu G, Wei F, Xu TL, Muglia LJ, Chen ZF, Auberson YP, Kaang BK, Zhuo M. 2005. Upregulation of forebrain NMDA NR2B receptors contributes to behavioral sensitization after inflammation. Journal of Neuroscience, 25 (48): 11107-11116. 23. Zhao MG*, Toyoda H*, Lee YS*, Wu LJ*, Ko S*, Zhang XH*, Jia Y, Shum F, Xu H, Li BM, Kaang BK, Zhuo M. 2005. Roles of NMDA NR2B subtype receptor in prefrontal long-term potentiation and contextual fear memory. Neuron, 47 (6): 859-872. 24. Wu LJ, Zhao MG, Toyoda H, Ko S, Zhuo M. 2005. Kainate receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the adult anterior cingulate cortex. Journal of Neurophysiology, 94 (3): 1805-1813. 25. Wu LJ, Duan B, Mei YD, Gao J, Chen JG, Zhuo M, Xu L, Wu M, Xu TL. 2004. Characterizations of acid-sensing ion channels in dorsal horn neurons of rat spinal cord. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 279 (42): 43716-43724. 26. Wu LJ, Li Y, Xu TL. 2002. Co-release and interaction of two inhibitory co-transmitters in rat sacral dorsal commissural neurons. NeuroReport, 13 (7): 977-981. 27. Wu LJ, Lu Y, Xu TL. 2001. A novel mechanical dissociation technique for studying acutely isolated maturing Drosophila central neurons. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 108 (2): 199-206. Reviews 1. Wu LJ, Sweet TB, Clapham DE. 2010. Current progress in the mammalian TRP ion channel family. Pharmacological Reviews, 62 (3): 381-404. 2. Wu LJ, Zhuo M. 2009. Targeting the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Neurotherapeutics, 6 (4): 693-702. 3. Wu LJ, Wang YT, Zhuo M. 2009. Hook-up of GluA2, GRIP and liprin-alpha for cholinergic muscarinic receptor-dependent LTD in the hippocampus. Molecular Brain, 2 (1): 17. 4. Wu LJ, Kim SS, Zhuo M. 2008. Molecular targets of anxiety: from membrane to nucleus. Neurochemical Research, 33 (10): 1925-1932. 5. Wu LJ, Ko S, Zhuo M. 2007. Kainate receptor and pain: from dorsal root ganglion to the anterior cingulate cortex. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 13 (15): 1597-1605. 6. Wu LJ, Zhuo M. 2006. Supraspinal electrophysiological models for studying chronic pain. Drug Discovery Today: Disease Models, 3 (4): 405-411. 7. Wu LJ, Xu H, Ko S, Yoshimura M, Zhuo M. 2005. Feed-forward inhibition: a novel cellular mechanism for the analgesic effect of substance P. Molecular Pain, 1 (1): 34 For more information: Ben Albensi Seminar Coordinator & Associate Professor, Pharmacology & Therapeutics T: 204.235.3942 E: balbensi(a)sbrc.ca Kelly Jorundson Administrative Manager Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders St. Boniface Hospital Research Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics University of Manitoba Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sbrc.ca/dnd OR www.umanitoba.ca/medicine/units/pharmacology

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Erika Couto - tomorrow at SCRC Journal Club
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 08 Nov '12

08 Nov '12

Hi everyone, This is a reminder that tomorrow (November 9th) we have SCRC Journal Club session. This Friday Erika Couto, MSc student from Dr. Larry Jordan lab is presenting her data about: "Counting serotoninergic neurons in the parapydamidal region after unrestrained locomotion" Come and learn about our Stereo Investigator microscopy/software system sitting in Room 418!! Esteli Esteli Vasquez PhD Student Spinal Cord Research Centre Department of Physiology, University of Manitoba 745 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9 Phone: (204) 789-3274, Fax: (204) 789-3930 E-Mail: esteli(a)scrc.umanitoba.ca Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca

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Neuroscience Seminar - Dr. Kunjumon Vadakkan | Nov 2 @ 12:00noon
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 31 Oct '12

31 Oct '12

Everyone invited! Neuroscience Seminar - Dr. Kunjumon Vadakkan (Hosted by Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba) view online: http://www.sbrc.ca/2012/10/neuroscience-seminar-dr-kunjumon-vadakkan/ Date: Friday, November 2, 2012 Time: 12:00 - 13:00 Location: Samuel Cohen Auditorium, St. Boniface Research Centre (Video-linked to Bannatyne Campus, Pharmacology Library | Room A229 Chown Building) <http://www.sbrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Vadakkan.jpg> Kunjumon Vadakkan, Ph.D. Post-Graduate Medical Education Student University of Manitoba TOPIC: "Formation of internal sensations of higher brain functions: How can we get some grip on it?" Recently large number of pharmaceutical companies pulled out of Neuroscience drug development research. This is likely to impact the field. Why did they leave? My research interest may have some explanations to offer. Behavioral motor effects can be studied using animals; but not the internal sensations of higher brain functions. Since understanding the latter is required to reverse its defects in most of the disorders of higher brain functions, studies in this direction may help to select appropriate pharmaceutical agents that can reverse the disease symptoms. I will focus my talk on some of the theoretical approaches that I have been taking to understand internal sensations. Research summary: I am interested in understanding how internal sensations are created from neuronal activities. Specific features of some of the diseases are likely to provide clues to understand the normal functioning of the nervous system from which formation of internal sensations may be understood. Short bio sketch: After graduating Medicine in 1988 and practicing family medicine for a short period, I did MD program in Biochemistry at the Calicut University, India. This was followed by a Research Associate position at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi to study negative regulatory elements upstream of p53 gene. I moved to Canada in 1999, did MSc (under Dr.Umberto DeBoni) and PhD (under Dr. Min Zhuo) from the University of Toronto. Later, I did post-doctoral training in Dr. Mark Zylka's laboratory at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Currently, I am a 4th year Resident in Neurology at the University of Manitoba and am spending part time in Dr. Albensi's laboratory to identify a biomarker for stroke. For further information please contact: Dr. Ben Albensi, Seminar Coordinator T: 204.235.3942 E: balbensi(a)sbrc.ca Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: wcsn(a)sbrc.ca

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Neuroscience Seminar - Dr. K. Vadakkan
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 25 Oct '12

25 Oct '12

(Hosted by Dept Pharmacology, University of Manitoba) Kunjumon Vadakkan, Ph.D. Post-Graduate Medical Education Student University of Manitoba TOPIC: "Formation of internal sensations of higher brain functions: How can we get some grip on it?" Friday, November 2, 2012 12:00 - 13:00 Samuel Cohen Auditorium, St. Boniface Research Centre** **Video-linked to Pharmacology Library Room A229 Chown Building Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca

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REMINDER - MNN SEMINAR FRIDAY OCT 26
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 24 Oct '12

24 Oct '12

Manitoba Neuroscience Network Seminar Friday, October 26th, 2012 | 9:00 - 10:00 am Dr. Jun-Feng Wang Associate Professor - Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Adjunct Professor - Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine University of Manitoba TOPIC: "Oxidative stress in bipolar disorder: implications for mood stabilizing treatment." Location: PZ236/238 Psychiatry Bldg., Bannatyne Campus Short Biosketch: Dr. Jun-Feng Wang recently joined the University of Manitoba, in March 2012, as Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry. His research focuses on the role of oxidative stress and oxidative stress-induced protein modifications in bipolar disorder; and on understanding the neuroprotective mechanisms of mood stabilizing drugs. Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 1991 from Peking University. He did his Post Doc training at University of California San Francisco and McMaster University. Dr. Wang received his first academic appointment as Assistant Professor at McMaster University from 2001 to 2003. Later he joined the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University of Toronto as a Research Scientist and Assistant Professor from 2003 to 2007. Dr. Wang was at in the Department of Psychiatry at University of British Columbia as Assistant Professor from 2007-2010, and as Associate Professor from 2010-2012. Dr. Wang has received considerable research support, including grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Ontario Mental Health Foundation, Stanley Foundation Research Grants, and the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation. He has twice received National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression Young Investigator Awards. His research is currently supported by grants from the Manitoba Health Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and University of Manitoba start-up funding. Dr. Wang has some 72 publications including 59 articles, 7 reviews and 6 book chapters. For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca Presented in co-operation with University of Manitoba Clinical Neuroscience Rounds Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca

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MNN Seminar - Oct 26/12 DR. JUN-FENG WANG
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

Manitoba Neuroscience Network Seminar Friday, October 26th, 2012 | 9:00 - 10:00 am Dr. Jun-Feng Wang Associate Professor - Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Adjunct Professor - Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine University of Manitoba TOPIC: "Oxidative stress in bipolar disorder: implications for mood stabilizing treatment." Location: PZ236/238 Psychiatry Bldg., Bannatyne Campus Short Biosketch: Dr. Jun-Feng Wang recently joined the University of Manitoba, in March 2012, as Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry. His research focuses on the role of oxidative stress and oxidative stress-induced protein modifications in bipolar disorder; and on understanding the neuroprotective mechanisms of mood stabilizing drugs. Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in Neuroscience in 1991 from Peking University. He did his Post Doc training at University of California San Francisco and McMaster University. Dr. Wang received his first academic appointment as Assistant Professor at McMaster University from 2001 to 2003. Later he joined the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University of Toronto as a Research Scientist and Assistant Professor from 2003 to 2007. Dr. Wang was at in the Department of Psychiatry at University of British Columbia as Assistant Professor from 2007-2010, and as Associate Professor from 2010-2012. Dr. Wang has received considerable research support, including grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Ontario Mental Health Foundation, Stanley Foundation Research Grants, and the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation. He has twice received National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression Young Investigator Awards. His research is currently supported by grants from the Manitoba Health Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and University of Manitoba start-up funding. Dr. Wang has some 72 publications including 59 articles, 7 reviews and 6 book chapters. For more information, contact the MNN Office at (T) 235.3939 or email: mnn(a)sbrc.ca Presented in co-operation with University of Manitoba Clinical Neuroscience Rounds Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca

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REMINDER: DND SPEAKER | DR. SHEENA JOSSELYN - TODAY NOON THEATRE C
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 19 Oct '12

19 Oct '12

DND Visiting Speaker - Dr. Sheena Josselyn Date: Friday, October 19, 2012 Time: 12:00 noon Location: Theatre C, Banantyne Campus <http://www.sbrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/josselyn.jpg> Dr. Sheena Josselyn <http://www.sickkids.ca/AboutSickKids/Directory/People/J/Sheena-Josselyn .html> Senior Scientist, Neurosciences & Mental Health Canada Research Chair <http://www.chairs.gc.ca/> , Molecular and Cellular Cognition Associate Professor, Department of Physiology University of Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON TOPIC: Making and Breaking Memories A fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how memories are encoded and stored in the brain. Indeed, identifying the physical basis of memory within the brain (the memory trace) has been a long-standing challenge for scientists since Karl Lashley's "search for the engram" in the 1950's. Memories are thought to be encoded by sparsely distributed groups of neurons. However, identifying the precise neurons supporting a given memory (the memory trace) has been a long-standing challenge. We have shown previously that lateral amygdala (LA) neurons with increased CREB are preferentially activated by fear memory expression, suggesting they are selectively recruited into the memory trace. Here we used an inducible diphtheria-toxin strategy to specifically ablate these neurons. Selectively deleting neurons overexpressing CREB (but not a similar portion of random LA neurons) after learning blocked expression of that fear memory. The resulting memory loss was robust and persistent, suggesting that the memory was permanently erased. These results establish a causal link between a specific neuronal subpopulation and memory expression, thereby identifying critical neurons within the memory trace. Short bio: The research in Dr. Josselyn's lab is dedicated to understanding the neural basis of cognitive function and dysfunction. To unravel the molecular, cellular and circuit processes that underlie learning and memory, her lab uses a multidisciplinary approach include the use of genetically-engineered mice, viral vectors, cellular imaging, electrophysiology and detailed behavioral analysis. Her program of research focuses on two main elements 1) examining the brain regions and molecules responsible for normal memory formation and 2) using this knowledge to intervene in conditions in which memory is impaired (for instance in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease). She has published extensively in the top scientific journals on these subjects and has shown that fear memories in mice can be "erased" and is currently examining novel treatments for the memory disorders that characterize Alzheimer's disease. For more information, please contact the DND Office at : t. 204.235.3939 e: dnd(a)sbrc.ca Kelly Jorundson Administrative Manager Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders St. Boniface Hospital Research Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics University of Manitoba Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca Website: www.sbrc.ca/dnd OR www.umanitoba.ca/medicine/units/pharmacology

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NEW U of M Neuroscience Faculty positions available
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 17 Oct '12

17 Oct '12

Dear Neuroscientists, Exciting times for neuroscience at the University of Manitoba continue with a new recruitment drive for 2 tenure-track faculty positions in the Traumatic Brain Injury Program at the Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine. Please see the attached advertisement and help bring the best candidate pool forward by encouraging qualified collaborators, acquaintances and past colleagues to apply. If you have any questions, let me know at canderson(a)sbrc.ca. Chris Anderson President, Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience

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Pharmacology/DND Seminar - Oct 12 @ noon
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 10 Oct '12

10 Oct '12

Everyone invited... Pharmacology Seminar - Dr. Jim Davie view online: http://www.sbrc.ca/2012/10/pharmacology-seminar-dr-jim-davie/ Print PDF <http://www.printfriendly.com/print/v2?url=http://www.sbrc.ca/2012/10/ph armacology-seminar-dr-jim-davie/> Date: Friday, October 12, 2012 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Pharmacology Library A229 Chown Bldg. Bannatyne Campus** **Video-linked to R1002 SBRC, St. Boniface Campus <http://www.sbrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/jim_davie.jpg> Jim Davie, Ph.D. Leader - Terry Fox Research Institute Prairie Node Scientific Director - Manitoba Health Research Council Scientist, Manitoba Institute of Child Health Senior Scientist, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology Professor, Dept Biochemistry and Medical Genetics TOPIC: Histone modification dynamics and regulation of gene expression Jim Davie received his B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of British Columbia. His post-doctoral training in the area of chromatin structure and function was done in the lab of Dr. Ken van Holde at Oregon State University. Dr. Davie is presently the Scientific Director of the Manitoba Health Research Council, Leader of the Terry Fox Research Institute Prairie Node, and Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba. He serves on several Editorial Boards of journals publishing in Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Molecular Biology and is Editor of the journal Biochemistry and Cell Biology. He has served as a Chair and panel member on CIHR and NCIC/CCSRI Peer Review Committees. His research interests include epigenetic regulation of gene expression in normal and disease (cancer) cells, nuclear matrix structure and function, sub-cellular trafficking of transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes, signal transduction pathways, chromatin structure and function, and biomarkers in the early detection of disease. He currently holds a Canada Research Chair in Chromatin Dynamics (Tier 1). Dr. Davie is the Past-President of the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences. /sent on behalf of Dr. Ben Albensi Seminar Coordinator, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics University of Manitoba e: balbensi(a)sbrc.ca Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca

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