- Neuro-All - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

upcoming talks in September
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 14 Sep '11

14 Sep '11

I apologize for any duplicate emails. Please POST/CIRCULATE..... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DND Visiting Speaker - Dr. Sean Mulligan DATE: Friday, September 23, 2011 TIME: 12:00 pm LOCATION: Room 431 Basic Medical Sciences Bldg. (Physiology Conference Room) Dr. Sean Mulligan Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology University of Saskatchewan TOPIC: Functional optical imaging in free nerve endings: a pain in the dura. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PUBLIC LECTURE: NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM CANDIDATE Dr. Véronique André TOPIC: "Striatal Circuitry and Dopamine Modulation in Huntington's Disease" Thursday, September 29, 2011 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Location: Theatre C, Basic Medical Sciences Bldg. Dr. Véronique André, Associate Research Physiologist - Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center - UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute For more information, contact Dr. Kevin Coombs Neuroscience Research Program, Faculty of Medicine at (204)789-3375 or kcoombs(a)cc.umanitoba.ca ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Everyone welcome! Friday September 30th, 2011 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm in P412 Duff Roblin Building Department of Psychology Colloquium "A cholinergic explanation of dense amnesia?" Mark G. Baxter Associate Professor Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Abstract: Episodic memory depends on a network of interconnected brain structures. Damage to either the fornix or mammillary bodies causes amnesia in both humans and nonhuman primates. We have found that the severity of amnesia after damage to either of these structures is modulated by prior loss of cholinergic projections to the inferotemporal cortex, the cortical region through which visual information reaches these structures. Macaque monkeys with cholinergic depletion of inferotemporal cortex had unimpaired episodic memory performance. However, these monkeys were substantially more impaired following additional lesions of either the fornix or the mammillary bodies than were monkeys with intact temporal cortical cholinergic input. Reversing the order of the lesions resulted in less severe amnesia, indicating that the presence of cholinergic projections to temporal cortex at the time of fornix or mammillary body damage facilitates recovery. These findings show that humans with loss of cortical cholinergic function, for example in Alzheimer's disease, may be less able to adapt to the impairments caused by neuronal damage within cortical and subcortical structures important for memory. Consequently, drugs that increase cortical cholinergic neurotransmission may slow disease progress by augmenting this adaptive process. Sponsors: Department of Psychology & Arts Endowment Fund Wine & Cheese to follow talk in the Psychology Lounge. Contact: Tammy L. Ivanco, PhD. Associate Professor, Department of Psychology P415 Duff Roblin Building, 190 Dysart Road University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, R3T-2N2 204-474-7375 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Tache Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 Tel: 204.235.3939 Fax: 24.237.4092 Website: sfn-manitoba.ca

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--CANCELLED-- Research Lecture: Dr. Sean Mulligan Friday, Jun 17, 2011
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 15 Jun '11

15 Jun '11

Dr. Sean Mulligan's lecture scheduled for Friday June 17th has been CANCELLED. Kelly Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA Tel: 204.235.3939 7Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: wcsn(a)sbrc.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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DND Visiting Speaker (Note change in time/location)
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 14 Jun '11

14 Jun '11

(Judy/Sharon, can you circulate to Physiology staff?) DND Visiting Speaker - Dr. Sean Mulligan http://www.sbrc.ca/content/view/926/593/ DATE: Friday, June 17th, 2011 TIME: 1:00 pm LOCATION: Room 431 Basic Medical Sciences Bldg. (Physiology Conference Room) Dr. Sean Mulligan <http://www.medicine.usask.ca/physiology/people/faculty-members/sean-mulliga…> Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology University of Saskatchewan TOPIC: Functional optical imaging in free nerve endings: a pain in the dura. Biosketch: Dr. Sean Mulligan Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology Neural Systems & Plasticity Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Postdoctoral Fellow (Psychiatry) Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia Ph.D. (Neuroscience) Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary M.Sc. (Biology/Neurobiology) Simon Fraser University B.Sc. (Kinesiology/Anatomy & Physiology) Simon Fraser University Teaching Interests Neuroscience Cellular and Systems Level Physiology Research Interests Pain sensitivity within the skull is restricted to the intracranial meninges, the system of membranes that envelops the brain. Afferent thinly myelinated A��-fibres and unmyelinated C-fibres that originate from the trigeminal ganglion densely innervate the meninges, in particular the cranial dura mater. It is widely recognized that activation or sensitization of these dural nociceptive afferents is responsible for the genesis of migraine headaches. However, any details of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are largely speculative and remain to be discovered. Identification of the underlying mechanisms of activation of dural nociceptors may have important implications for understanding and mitigating the pathogenesis of migraine headaches. We have developed a novel en bloc dural-skull preparation that allows us for the first time to apply optical imaging techniques to directly study with high resolution the free nerve endings and terminals of the nociceptive fibres that terminate in the dura mater. The objective of our research is to gain insight into the neurophysiology of peripheral pain activation to better understand the pathophysiological processes that occur during migraine headache. It is our hope that this will lead to new peripheral drug targets and offer additional therapeutic treatments for this devastating illness. Laboratory Techniques We are primarily an optical imaging laboratory that uses both two-photon laser scanning imaging as well as widefield epifluorescence microscopy. Microscopes are configured for both microfluorometric and transmitted light imaging using photomultiplier tube or high sensitivity EMCCD camera based detection. We combine optical imaging of calcium signaling selectively within individual terminals with electrophysiological stimulation, pharmacological manipulations, and UV and two-photon photolysis of caged compounds. Selected Publications Papers in refereed journals: Zampronio, A. R., Kuzmiski, J. B., Florence, C.M., Mulligan, S. J. and Pittman, Q. J. Opposing actions of endothelin-1 on glutamatergic transmission onto vasopressin and oxytocin neurons in the supraoptic nucleus. Journal of Neuroscience (in press) Hines, D.J., Hines, R.M., Mulligan, S.J., and Macvicar, B.A. Microglia processes block the spread of damage in the brain and require functional chloride channels. Glia. 2009 Nov 15;57(15):1610-8. Umeshappa C.S., Huang, H., Xie, Y., Wei, Y., Mulligan, S.J., Deng, Y., and Xiang, J. CD4+ Th-APC with acquired peptide/MHC class I and II complexes stimulate type 1 helper CD4+ and central memory CD8+ T cell responses. Journal of Immunology Vol 182 pp 193-206 (2009). Pittman, Q. P and Mulligan, S.J. Dendritic Vasopressin Release: Reducing the Flow Makes Blood Vessels Grow. Endocrinology Vol 149(9) pp 4276-4278 (2008). Kisilevsky, A.E., Mulligan, S.J., Christophe, A., Iftinca, M.C., Varela, D., Tai, C., Chen, L., Hameed, S., Hamid, J., MacVicar, B.A. and Zamponi, G.W. D1 and D2 dopamine receptors interact directly with N-type calcium channels and differentially regulate channel activity. Neuron Vol 58 pp 557-570 (2008). Gordon, G.R., Mulligan, S. J. and MacVicar, B.A. Astrocyte control of the cerebrovasculature. Glia Vol 55 pp 1214-1221 (Cover Image) (2007). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. VRACs CARVe a path for novel mechanisms of communication in the CNS. Science STKE Vol 2006/357 pe42 (2006). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. Calcium transients in astrocyte endfeet cause cerebrovascular constrictions. Nature Vol 431/7005 pp 195-199 (2004). Mulligan, S.J., Davison, I. and Delaney, K.R. Mitral cell presynaptic Ca2+ influx and synaptic transmission in frog amygdala. Neuroscience Vol 104/1 pp 137-151 (2001). Book Chapters: Florence, C.M. and Mulligan, S.J. Two-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy: Imaging Astrocyte Calcium Signalling in the Brain Slice Preparation. In Neuromethods series, edited by Walz, W. and Doucette, R., Humana Press (2009). Gordon G.R.J., MacVicar, B.A., and Mulligan, S.J. Glia Control of Blood Flow. In The New Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, edited by Squire, L.R., Oxford:Academic Press (2009). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. Two-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy: Basic Principles, Advantages and Risks. In Modern Research and Educational Topics in Microscopy, edited by A. M��ndez-Vilas, J. D��az, Formatex (2007). MacVicar, B. A. and Mulligan, S.J. Intrinsic Optical Signal Imaging in Brain slices. In Imaging in Neuroscience and Development: A Laboratory Manual, edited by Yuste, R. and Konnerth, A., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. (2005). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. Monitoring Intracellular Ca2+ in Brain Slices with Fluorescent Indicators. In Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels, edited by Zamponi, G.W., Landes Bioscience (2005). Kelly Jorundson Administrative Manager - Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre & Pharmacology & Therap., University of Manitoba R4046 �C 351 Tach�� Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA 'Tel: 204.235.3939 7Fax: 204.237.4092 *Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> ; OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca <mailto:kjorund@yahoo.ca>

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Physiology/SCRC Candidate Lectures, Dr. Eftekharpour, June 20 & 21, 2011
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 14 Jun '11

14 Jun '11

The Department of Physiology/SCRC Candidate Lectures Speaker: Dr. Eftekhar Eftekharpour Senior Research Associate Spinal Cord Research Centre Department of Physiology University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Research Lecture Monday, June 20 "Neuroprotective Approaches for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury" Monday, June 20, 2011 at 11:00AM Theatre B, 2nd Floor, Basic Medical Sciences Bldg 745 Bannatyne Avenue Everyone welcome Teaching Lecture Tuesday, June 21 "Glial Component of the CNS Neural Network" Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:00AM Biochemistry Conference Room 341, BMSB 745 Bannatyne Avenue Everyone welcome Students encouraged to attend Posters attached. For more information contact: Dr. David McCrea Director: Spinal Cord Research Centre Phone: 789-3770 E-mail: dave(a)scrc.umanitoba.ca Spinal Cord Research Centre University of Manitoba Department of Physiology 745 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3E 0J9 Tel: (204)789-3770 Fax: (204)789-3930 dave(a)scrc.umanitoba.ca

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DND Visiting Speaker - Dr. Sean Mulligan
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 09 Jun '11

09 Jun '11

View online: http://www.sbrc.ca/content/view/926/593/ Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders Visiting Speaker - Dr. Sean Mulligan <http://www.medicine.usask.ca/physiology/people/faculty-members/sean-mulliga…> DATE: Friday, June 17th, 011 TIME: 12:00 Noon LOCATION: Theatre A Biosketch: Dr. Sean Mulligan Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology Neural Systems & Plasticity Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan Postdoctoral Fellow (Psychiatry) Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia Ph.D. (Neuroscience) Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary M.Sc. (Biology/Neurobiology) Simon Fraser University B.Sc. (Kinesiology/Anatomy & Physiology) Simon Fraser University Teaching Interests Neuroscience Cellular and Systems Level Physiology Research Interests Pain sensitivity within the skull is restricted to the intracranial meninges, the system of membranes that envelops the brain. Afferent thinly myelinated A��-fibres and unmyelinated C-fibres that originate from the trigeminal ganglion densely innervate the meninges, in particular the cranial dura mater. It is widely recognized that activation or sensitization of these dural nociceptive afferents is responsible for the genesis of migraine headaches. However, any details of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved are largely speculative and remain to be discovered. Identification of the underlying mechanisms of activation of dural nociceptors may have important implications for understanding and mitigating the pathogenesis of migraine headaches. We have developed a novel en bloc dural-skull preparation that allows us for the first time to apply optical imaging techniques to directly study with high resolution the free nerve endings and terminals of the nociceptive fibres that terminate in the dura mater. The objective of our research is to gain insight into the neurophysiology of peripheral pain activation to better understand the pathophysiological processes that occur during migraine headache. It is our hope that this will lead to new peripheral drug targets and offer additional therapeutic treatments for this devastating illness. Laboratory Techniques We are primarily an optical imaging laboratory that uses both two-photon laser scanning imaging as well as widefield epifluorescence microscopy. Microscopes are configured for both microfluorometric and transmitted light imaging using photomultiplier tube or high sensitivity EMCCD camera based detection. We combine optical imaging of calcium signaling selectively within individual terminals with electrophysiological stimulation, pharmacological manipulations, and UV and two-photon photolysis of caged compounds. Selected Publications Papers in refereed journals: Zampronio, A. R., Kuzmiski, J. B., Florence, C.M., Mulligan, S. J. and Pittman, Q. J. Opposing actions of endothelin-1 on glutamatergic transmission onto vasopressin and oxytocin neurons in the supraoptic nucleus. Journal of Neuroscience (in press) Hines, D.J., Hines, R.M., Mulligan, S.J., and Macvicar, B.A. Microglia processes block the spread of damage in the brain and require functional chloride channels. Glia. 2009 Nov 15;57(15):1610-8. Umeshappa C.S., Huang, H., Xie, Y., Wei, Y., Mulligan, S.J., Deng, Y., and Xiang, J. CD4+ Th-APC with acquired peptide/MHC class I and II complexes stimulate type 1 helper CD4+ and central memory CD8+ T cell responses. Journal of Immunology Vol 182 pp 193-206 (2009). Pittman, Q. P and Mulligan, S.J. Dendritic Vasopressin Release: Reducing the Flow Makes Blood Vessels Grow. Endocrinology Vol 149(9) pp 4276-4278 (2008). Kisilevsky, A.E., Mulligan, S.J., Christophe, A., Iftinca, M.C., Varela, D., Tai, C., Chen, L., Hameed, S., Hamid, J., MacVicar, B.A. and Zamponi, G.W. D1 and D2 dopamine receptors interact directly with N-type calcium channels and differentially regulate channel activity. Neuron Vol 58 pp 557-570 (2008). Gordon, G.R., Mulligan, S. J. and MacVicar, B.A. Astrocyte control of the cerebrovasculature. Glia Vol 55 pp 1214-1221 (Cover Image) (2007). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. VRACs CARVe a path for novel mechanisms of communication in the CNS. Science STKE Vol 2006/357 pe42 (2006). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. Calcium transients in astrocyte endfeet cause cerebrovascular constrictions. Nature Vol 431/7005 pp 195-199 (2004). Mulligan, S.J., Davison, I. and Delaney, K.R. Mitral cell presynaptic Ca2+ influx and synaptic transmission in frog amygdala. Neuroscience Vol 104/1 pp 137-151 (2001). Book Chapters: Florence, C.M. and Mulligan, S.J. Two-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy: Imaging Astrocyte Calcium Signalling in the Brain Slice Preparation. In Neuromethods series, edited by Walz, W. and Doucette, R., Humana Press (2009). Gordon G.R.J., MacVicar, B.A., and Mulligan, S.J. Glia Control of Blood Flow. In The New Encyclopedia of Neuroscience, edited by Squire, L.R., Oxford:Academic Press (2009). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. Two-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy: Basic Principles, Advantages and Risks. In Modern Research and Educational Topics in Microscopy, edited by A. M��ndez-Vilas, J. D��az, Formatex (2007). MacVicar, B. A. and Mulligan, S.J. Intrinsic Optical Signal Imaging in Brain slices. In Imaging in Neuroscience and Development: A Laboratory Manual, edited by Yuste, R. and Konnerth, A., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. (2005). Mulligan, S.J. and MacVicar, B. A. Monitoring Intracellular Ca2+ in Brain Slices with Fluorescent Indicators. In Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels, edited by Zamponi, G.W., Landes Bioscience (2005). Kelly Jorundson Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience R4046 �C 351 Tach�� Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA Tel: 204.235.3939 7Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: wcsn(a)sbrc.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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Reminder: Research Lecture - Dr. Michael Kawaja
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 02 Jun '11

02 Jun '11

Date: Friday, June 3, 2011 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: Theatre C Dr. Michael Kawaja Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Queen's University at Kingston Topic: Nerve Growth Factor - The driving force behind sympathetic sprouting. Biosketch: Dr. Kawaja did his undergraduate studies in biology at Acadia University and completed his doctoral degree in Anatomy at the University of Western Ontario in 1989. He then went on to have two MRC-funded post-doctoral positions, the first with Dr. Fred Gage at the University of California San Diego, and the second with Dr. John Roder at the Samuel Lunenfeld Institute at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. In 1993 Dr. Kawaja commenced his MRC-funded scholarship position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Queen's University. Over the last 17 years he has risen through the ranks of Associate and Full Professor at Queen's. Dr. Kawaja has held numerous operating grants from CIHR (MRC), Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, and Ontario Mental Ontario Ministry for Research and Innovation. He has served as a panel member of CIHR Scholarships and continues to serve as a panel member for CIHR Neuroscience "B". He has also served on a number of peer review panels including those for Alzheimer Society of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Ontario Mental Health Foundation, and Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation Early Researcher Awards. health Foundation. His research focuses on gaining a greater understanding of the reparative mechanisms in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems, as a consequence of injury and disease.

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Public Lecture for Neuroscience Research Program Candidate - June 10, 2011...
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 02 Jun '11

02 Jun '11

Everyone is invited to attend… Neuroscience Research Program Candidate: Dr. Paul Cumming Public Lecture: “Investigation of Biogenic Amine Pharmacology with PET” DATE: Friday, June 10, 2011 TIME: 9:00 AM LOCATION: Apotex Centre Basement Lecture Theatre 071 Paul Cumming, Ph.D., Neurological Science ‐ Department of Nuclear Medicine ‐ Ludwig‐Maximilians Universität München, Germany Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information: Dr. Xin-Min Li Neuroscience Research Program, Faculty of Medicine T: (204) 977-5633 or xinmin_li(a)umanitoba.ca

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Physiology Candidate Lectures, Dr. Yue Dai, June 6 & 10, 2011
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 31 May '11

31 May '11

The Department of Physiology Assistant Professor Candidate Lectures Speaker: Yue Dai, PhD Research Associate Spinal Cord Research Center Department of Physiology University of Manitoba Research Lecture Monday, June 6 "Identification and characterization of locomotor interneurons through locomotor activity, membrane property, neuromodulation and neural computation" Monday, June 6, 2011 at 1:00PM Physiology Library, Rm 431, BMSB 745 Bannatyne Avenue Everyone Welcome Teaching Lecture Friday, June 10 "Diversity of voltage-gated calcium channels." Friday, June 10, 2011 at 9:00AM Physiology Library, Rm 431, BMSB 745 Bannatyne Avenue Everyone welcome Students encouraged to attend Posters attached. For more information contact: Dr. David McCrea Director: Spinal Cord Research Centre Phone: 789-3770 E-mail: dave(a)scrc.umanitoba.ca Spinal Cord Research Centre University of Manitoba Department of Physiology 745 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3E 0J9 Tel: (204)789-3770 Fax: (204)789-3930 dave(a)scrc.umanitoba.ca

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RE: MNN Seminar May 27th - Dr. G. Kirouac
by Winnipeg Chapter Society for Neuroscience 26 May '11

26 May '11

Dear all, Please note that the talk will be held in room 370 Helen Glass Bldg. & videolinked to Theatre B. Everyone is invited to attend..... Manitoba Neuroscience Network Seminar: Dr. Gilbert Kirouac DATE: Friday, May 27th, 2011 TIME: 9:00 am LOCATION: 370 Helen Glass Bldg. (video-linked to Theatre "B") TOPIC: "Role of the midline thalamus in emotional arousal". Dr. Gilbert Kirouac Associate Professor Department of Oral Biology Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba Dr. Kirouac's laboratory is interested in the brain mechanisms that regulate emotions and motivation. They use a combination of tract tracing and immunohistochemistry to identify anatomical connections; in vivo electrophysiology to measure neuron activity; in vivo voltametry to measure neurotransmitter release; and neuropharmacology combined with behavioral tests to understand functional mechanism involved in emotional behavior. His seminar will discuss the emerging role for the paraventricular nucleus of the midline thalamus in the regulation of emotional arousal and negative emotional states following a painful and fear-inducing experience. The possible implications of this research for the development of novel drug treatments for post traumatic stress disorder will also be presented. 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 Taché Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA Tel: 204.235.3939 7Fax: 204.237.4092 Email: wcsn(a)sbrc.ca Website: www.sfn-manitoba.ca

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three upcoming neuroscience talks
by Kelly Jorundson 24 May '11

24 May '11

Manitoba Neuroscience Network Seminar: Dr. Gilbert Kirouac DATE: Friday, May 27th, 2011 TIME: 9:00 am LOCATION: 360 Helen Glass Bldg. (video-linked to Theatre "B") TOPIC: "Role of the midline thalamus in emotional arousal". Dr. Gilbert Kirouac Associate Professor Department of Oral Biology Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba Dr. Kirouac's laboratory is interested in the brain mechanisms that regulate emotions and motivation. They use a combination of tract tracing and immunohistochemistry to identify anatomical connections; in vivo electrophysiology to measure neuron activity; in vivo voltametry to measure neurotransmitter release; and neuropharmacology combined with behavioral tests to understand functional mechanism involved in emotional behavior. His seminar will discuss the emerging role for the paraventricular nucleus of the midline thalamus in the regulation of emotional arousal and negative emotional states following a painful and fear-inducing experience. The possible implications of this research for the development of novel drug treatments for post traumatic stress disorder will also be presented. 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: Pharmacology Seminar Series - Dr. Rastegar Date: Friday, May 27, 2011 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: A229 Chown Bldg** ** Video-linked to St. Boniface Campus - R1002 SBRC Dr. Rastegar was the first member of the Regenerative Medicine Program, who joined the University of Manitoba in January 2009 as an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics. She performed her BSc and MSc in Tehran University in Iran. She then moved to Belgium and obtained a "Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies (DEA)" in Biochemistry and Human Cellular Biology (1998) and a PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences (2000) from the "Université Catholiquede Louvain (UCL)" in Brussels. Dr. Rastegar performed her postdoctoral training at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, at the McGill Cancer Centre in Montreal and at the Indiana University Cancer Center, IN, USA. Title: Understanding the role of Epigenetics in Stem Cell Neurogenesis and Human Disease Abstract of research program: Epigenetics refer to heritable changes in phenotype controlled by mechanisms other than the DNA sequence. Epigenetics play central roles in neuronal development, stem cell differentiation, human disease and cancer. Stem cells have the properties of self-renewal and differentiation into different cell types. Dr. Rastegar lab studies the molecular mechanisms of stem cell differentiation by investigating the role of specific genes and epigenetic modifications during embryonic stem cell and neural stem cell neurogenesis. The research program of Dr. Rastegar in Regenerative Medicine addresses fundamental unanswered questions on the genetics and epigenetics of stem cell differentiation. Her research is aimed towards exploring stem cell potential for generating pure populations of specific cell types for cell-based therapy strategies of human disease. Dr. Rastegar research program is further focused on the molecular pathophysiology of Rett Syndrome (RTT). RTT is the best-studied form of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), linking epigenetics to neuronal maturation and human disease. RTT is a progressive neurological disorder, which is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene. Rett Syndrome is the primary cause of mental retardation in females and currently has no efficient treatment. With advanced and cutting edge technologies in neuroscience, gene therapy and stem cell biology, Dr. Rastegar lab aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders that currently have no treatment such as Rett Syndrome and autism. DND Neuroscience Seminar Series: Dr. Michael Kawaja Date: Friday, June 3, 2011 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: Theatre C Dr. Michael Kawaja Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Queen's University at Kingston Topic: Nerve Growth Factor - The driving force behind sympathetic sprouting. Biosketch: Dr. Kawaja did his undergraduate studies in biology at Acadia University and completed his doctoral degree in Anatomy at the University of Western Ontario in 1989. He then went on to have two MRC-funded post-doctoral positions, the first with Dr. Fred Gage at the University of California San Diego, and the second with Dr. John Roder at the Samuel Lunenfeld Institute at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. In 1993 Dr. Kawaja commenced his MRC-funded scholarship position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Queen's University. Over the last 17 years he has risen through the ranks of Associate and Full Professor at Queen's. Dr. Kawaja has held numerous operating grants from CIHR (MRC), Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, and Ontario Mental Ontario Ministry for Research and Innovation. He has served as a panel member of CIHR Scholarships and continues to serve as a panel member for CIHR Neuroscience "B". He has also served on a number of peer review panels including those for Alzheimer Society of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Ontario Mental Health Foundation, and Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation Early Researcher Awards. health Foundation. His research focuses on gaining a greater understanding of the reparative mechanisms in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems, as a consequence of injury and disease. Kelly Jorundson Administrative Manager - Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre & Pharmacology & Therap., University of Manitoba R4046 - 351 Taché Avenue Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6 CANADA 'Tel: 204.235.3939 7Fax: 204.237.4092 *Email: kjorund(a)sbrc.ca <mailto:kjorund@sbrc.ca> ; OR kjorund(a)yahoo.ca <mailto:kjorund@yahoo.ca>

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