The Department of Biology is excited to invite you to the Dr. Inouye Memorial Lecture Series seminar entitled "Molecular mechanisms underlying neural circuit assembly" by Dr. Alex Kolodkin, PI, Charles J. Homcy and Simeon G. Margolis Professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine on Monday, October 19th at 3pm in BL234. We kindly ask you to make every effort to attend.

Host: Dr. Yu-Chieh David Chen

More information about the speaker here: https://www.kolodkinlab.com/people

Abstract: Research in our laboratory is focused on understanding how neuronal connectivity is established during development. We investigate the function of extrinsic guidance cues and their receptors on axonal guidance, dendritic morphology, and synapse formation and function. We also interrogate the underlying genetic programs that result in the generation of select neuronal subtypes. We have employed a cross phylogenetic approach, using both invertebrate and vertebrate model systems, to understand how guidance cue signals regulate neuronal pathfinding and neuronal morphology and also to understand how these signals are transduced to cytosolic effectors to regulate neuronal morphology, synaptic structure and neural circuit function. Our current work includes understanding the origins of laminar organization connectivity at all levels in the mammalian visual system. This encompasses an exploration of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the assembly and function of visual system direction-selective circuits. In addition, we are investigating laminar organization of neuronal morphology in the mammalian neocortex, focusing on extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate axon branching patterns. Overall, our work provides insight into the regulation of neural circuit assembly and function, and it has potential to inform exploration into neural regenerative mechanisms.