Minisymposia
Minisymposia focus on advances or present conflicting views in rapidly developing areas of neuroscience. Speakers are typically junior investigators, and researchers at all career levels are encouraged to attend. Minisymposia will take place on November 12-16 in the San Diego Convention Center. Select minisymposia will be livestreamed and available to view via a virtual platform. Minisymposia taking place during Neuroscience 2022 are listed below.
Diverse Functional Aspects of Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions in Health and Disease - Isabella Farhy
Chair: Isabella Farhy, PhDInstitution: Texas A&M University
Co-Chair: Elena Blanco Suarez, PhD
Institution: Thomas Jefferson University
Date & Time: Saturday, November 12, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6CF
Theme: [Theme A – Development] [Theme B – Neural Excitability, Synapses, and Glia]
Interactions between neuronal and non-neuronal brain cells are crucial for normal function. How neurons and astrocytes influence each other to ensure healthy development and maintenance of the brain across brain regions, genders, and pathological conditions is just beginning to be unraveled. This minisymposium will highlight recent advances in our understanding of reciprocal astrocyte-neuron interactions and their effects on brain function during normal and disease states.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Measuring Complex Human Behaviors via the Interactions Between Virtual Reality and Human Physiological Networks: Evidence From Health and Disease - Meir Plotnik
Chair: Meir Plotnik, PhDInstitution: Sheba Medical Center
Date & Time: Saturday, November 12, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme F – Integrative Physiology and Behavior]
Virtual-reality (VR) technologies allow to recreate realistic everyday human settings, while controlling and measuring a variety of functions. Here we present a series of cutting-edge studies that paired VR with neurophysiological recordings (e.g., ECG, EEG). This approach allows studying the interactions between fundamental functions (motor-cognitive-affective), and provides a window into natural human behaviors with an emphasis on finding bio-markers for specific states in health and disease.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Representation of Episodic Memory in Single Neurons of the Human Brain - Zhisen Urgolites
Chair: Zhisen Urgolites, PhDInstitution: University of California, San Diego
Co-Chair: Christoph Weidemann, PhD
Institution: Columbia University
Date & Time: Saturday, November 12, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme H – Cognition]
Intracranial recordings provide high-spatial-and-temporal-resolution information on how neurons encode and retrieve memories. In this session, we will discuss new advances on various fronts of memory research achieved with intracranial recordings, including the relationship between generic and item-specific memory signals, population coding of semantic and perceptual features in memory tasks, repetition suppression, cognitive boundary signal, and temporal context of episodic memories.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Synapse and Circuit Function in the Retina - Raunak Sinha
Chair: Raunak Sinha, PhDInstitution: University of Wisconsin
Date & Time: Saturday, November 12, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 29
Theme: [Theme D – Sensory Systems]
This session will cover talks from early career scientists on synapses and circuits that support visual function in the retina. The retina employs diverse neural circuits and synaptic connections to detect distinct aspects of a visual scene. The talks will cover recent exciting advances in our understanding of the molecular and ultrastructural organization of retinal synapses, the mechanisms regulating their formation and function and the retinal circuit computations that support vision.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Advances in Understanding the Role of Norepinephrine in Motivated Behavior - Alfred Kaye
Chair: Alfred Kaye, MD, PhDInstitution: Yale University
Co-Chair: Jordan McCall, PhD
Institution: Washington University in St. Louis
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme G – Motivation and Emotion]
This session will focus on application of recently developed circuit neuroscience tools to the understanding of norepinephrine’s role in motivated behaviors. While other neuromodulators, such as dopamine, have shown strong relationships to learning parameters, NE’s role remains incompletely understood. Recent advances in genetic targeting of locus coeruleus and non-LC populations, NE biosensors, and other tools have enabled the complexity of this neuromodulator to be fully appreciated.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Dynamic Communication Between Regions - Lu Zhang
Chair: Lu Zhang, PhDInstitution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme H – Cognition]
In the past few decades, significant leaps have been made in understanding the “spatial brain,” or how information is structured across cells and circuits. Despite that, we know little about the “temporal brain” including when neural circuits process what information at what temporal scale. This session examines the dynamic interplay between brain regions or sub-regions and their functions in cognition at previously unachievable time scales.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Pathologic Interactions in Epilepsy: From Single Cells to Networks - Magor Lorincz
Chair: Magor Lorincz, PhDInstitution: University of Szeged
Co-Chair: Jennifer Gelinas, MD, PhD
Institution: Columbia University
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 29
Theme: [Theme B – Neural Excitability, Synapses, and Glia]
Epilepsy is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by seizures and cognitive comorbidities, but fundamental pathologic mechanisms have remained elusive. This session will highlight the results of recent advances in optical imaging and massively parallel neurophysiological recordings that lead to unprecedented insight into the altered neural dynamics of the epileptic brain, from the level of single cells to large-scale networks and the modulation of circuit dynamics by immune cells.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Powering Thoughts: The Regulation of Neuronal Energy Metabolism and Mitochondria - Gulcin Pekkurnaz
Chair: Gulcin Pekkurnaz, PhDInstitution: University of California San Diego
Co-Chair: Xinnan Wang, PhD
Institution: Stanford University
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6A
Theme: [Theme C – Neurodegenerative Disorders and Injury]
Livestreamed: Yes
Neurons have instant energy demands. Even minor disruptions of neuronal energy homeostasis restrict the information-processing power of the brain. This session will provide a perspective on neuronal energy homeostasis mechanisms by specifically focusing on the mitochondrial transport, renewal, and interorganelle contacts in neurons, and exploring how pre/post-synaptic terminals tailor energy metabolism in health and diseases.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
The Cerebellum Beyond Motor Control: Insights Into Health and Disease - Caroline Nettekoven
Chair: Caroline Nettekoven, PhDInstitution: Western University
Co-Chair: Samuel McDougle, PhD
Institution: Yale University
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6B
Theme: [Theme E – Motor Systems] [Theme H – Cognition]
In recent years, the cerebellum has been increasingly implicated in both cognition and clinical conditions. These findings challenge traditional views of the cerebellum as a purely motor structure. By reviewing recent advances in mapping cerebellar function in cognition – including social, language, and emotion processing – and discussing its role beyond the motor domain, this session will outline an emerging overarching perspective on cerebellar contributions to cognition.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
The Way You Feel Inside: Investigating Mechanisms of Mammalian Interoception - Theanne Griffith
Chair: Theanne Griffith, PhDInstitution: The University of California, Davis
Co-Chair: Kara Marshall, PhD
Institution: Scripps Research
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6CF
Theme: [Theme D – Sensory Systems]
Livestreamed: No
This minisymposium will showcase early career researchers exploring mechanisms of mammalian interoception. Recently developed technologies for the peripheral nervous system have facilitated a rapid expansion of work in this area. Talks will cover diverse topics and we will include researchers studying multiple organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system, lungs, gastrointestinal track, and the immune system, to provide a broad perspective on various interoceptive pathways.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Influence of Behavioral State on Sensorimotor Plasticity - James Dooley
Chair: James Dooley, PhDInstitution: Purdue University
Co-Chair: Greta Sokoloff, PhD
Institution: The University of Iowa
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6A
Theme: [Theme E – Motor Systems]
Livestreamed: Yes
This minisymposium will explore how neural activity during both sleep and wake interact to promote sensorimotor plasticity. Speakers will present recent examples from across neuroscience, from visually guided movements to birdsong. The goal is to highlight the diversity of ways behavioral state promotes plasticity in the sensorimotor system and to emphasize the importance of precise monitoring of behavioral state for a holistic understanding of development, learning, and plasticity.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Interfacing Glial Cells With Materials, Devices, and Optogenetics: An Emerging Path to the "Other Brain - Valentina Benfenati
Chair: Valentina Benfenati, PhDInstitution: CNR-National Research Council of Italy
Co-Chair: Luigi Ambrosio, PhD
Institution: CNR-National Research Council of Italy
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme I – Techniques]
Glial cells actively regulate homeostasis and module synaptic circuity. However, the progress and the use of “gliocentric” tools and technologies is demanded to selective stimulate and monitor the contribution of glial dynamics into glia-neuron cross-talk at different spatio-temporal scales. This forum offers a crossdisciplinary perspective on emerging nanoelectronic, optogenetics and biomechanics tools that enabled recent discoveries on the role of glial cells in healthy and diseased brain.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Recent Advances at the Interface of Neuroscience and Artificial Neural Networks - Srikanth Ramaswamy
Chair: Srikanth Ramaswamy, PhDInstitution: Newcastle University
Co-Chair: Vincent Breton-Provencher, PhD
Institution: Université Laval
Date & Time: Sunday, November 13, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme H – Cognition]
Biological neural networks adapt and learn in diverse behavioral contexts. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have exploited biological properties to solve complex problems. However, despite their effectiveness for specific tasks, ANNs are yet to realize the flexibility and adaptability of biological cognition. This minisymposium will bring together recent advances from computational and experimental research to advance our understanding of biological and artificial intelligence.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
High-Throughput Interrogation of Neurons Using Barcoding-Based Strategies - Xiaoyin Chen
Chair: Xiaoyin Chen, PhDInstitution: Allen Institute
Co-Chair: Justus Kebschull, PhD
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme I – Techniques]
Livestreamed: No
The tremendous diversity of neurons presents an immense challenge in understanding neuronal circuits. DNA barcoding-based techniques promise to overcome this challenge by achieving both massive throughput and cellular resolution. Here we highlight recent advances in barcoding-based strategies in neuroanatomy, neuro-development, and genetic perturbation, and provide an outlook on future applications and development of these techniques.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Intersection of Reward, Arousal, and Anesthesia Neurocircuitry - Mitra Heshmati
Chair: Mitra Heshmati, MD, PhDInstitution: University of Washington
Co-Chair: Li Li, MD, PhD
Institution: University of Washington
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6A
Theme: [Theme F – Integrative Physiology and Behavior]
Livestreamed: Yes
This session will examine the effects of general anesthetics on the neural circuits important for mediating consciousness, arousal, mood, and reward-related behaviors.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
New Therapeutic Avenues for Parkinson's Disease - Martin Levesque
Chair: Martin Levesque, PhDInstitution: Universite Laval
Co-Chair: Mattia Volta, PhD
Institution: Eurac Research
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6CF
Theme: [Theme C – Neurodegenerative Disorders and Injury] [Theme E – Motor Systems]
Currently available therapies for Parkinson's disease (PD) only address motor symptoms. Disease-modifying strategies are the major unmet clinical need and several new directions have recently opened up to develop therapies capable of at least slowing disease progression. In this minisymposium, the latest advances will be presented, ranging from classic targets (alpha-synuclein) to novel associated genes, in conjunction with state-of-the-art approaches using different cellular and animal models of PD.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Psychedelics and Neural Plasticity - Xiangmin Xu
Chair: Xiangmin Xu, PhDInstitution: University of California, Irvine
Co-Chair: Steven Grieco, PhD
Institution: University of California, Irvine
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6B
Theme: [Theme B – Neural Excitability, Synapses, and Glia]
This session will present exciting talks on psychedelics and neural circuit plasticity by leading groups in the field. Topics include ketamine and depression and amblyopia treatments, MDMA and socialization, psilocybin or DMT and dendritic spine plasticity, and LSD and other novel pharmacological agents.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Zebrafish and Xenopus Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Robert Hindges
Chair: Robert Hindges, PhDInstitution: Kings College London
Co-Chair: Summer Thyme, PhD
Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical School
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme A – Development]
This session will provide the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in using aquatic animal models, including zebrafish and xenopus, to study neurodevelopmental disorders. The approaches include the structural and functional assessment of neural circuits during development, use of models as high-throughput screening platform, and behavioral evaluation of animals carrying gene mutations linked to disorders such as autism, epilepsy, schizophrenia, or depression.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Advances in Behavioral Quantification to Understand the Brain - Timothy Dunn
Chair: Timothy Dunn, PhDInstitution: Duke University
Co-Chair: Talmo Pereira, PhD
Institution: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6CF
Theme: [Theme E – Motor Systems] [Theme I – Techniques]
Machine learning has transformed the way behavior is measured. Phenotypes ranging from fine-scale kinematics to multi-individual social dynamics can now be reliably captured at unprecedented detail across the diverse range of experimental settings employed by neuroscientists. This symposium brings together leading tool developers to provide a unique perspective on how behavioral quantification will enable the next generation in behavior-driven neuroscience.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Cortical Mechanisms of Pain Processing - Matthew Banghart
Chair: Matthew Banghart, PhDInstitution: University of California San Diego
Co-Chair: Monique Smith, PhD
Institution: University of California, San Diego
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme D – Sensory Systems]
This minisymposium will explore cortical circuits that process and regulate noxious sensory information to shape pain perception and expression. Speakers will discuss how expectation and biopsychosocial factors contribute to top-down control of pain and affect, how cortical circuits interact and are bidirectionally regulated by opioids to influence pain, a link between cortical spreading depression and trigeminal pain, and novel treatments based on open- and closed-loop cortical stimulation.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Dendritic Mechanisms for In Vivo Neural Computations and Behavior - Mark Harnett
Chair: Mark Harnett, PhDInstitution: MIT
Co-Chair: Raul Mojica Soto-Albors
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 29
Theme: [Theme B – Neural Excitability, Synapses, and Glia]
Dendrites are increasingly recognized for their contributions to circuit computations and learning. Recent ex vivo and theoretical work has shown that dendrites endow single neurons with powerful processing capabilities, yet little is known about how these mechanisms are engaged in the intact brain or how they influence circuit dynamics. This minisymposium will highlight emerging work that connects dendritic biophysical properties to neural computations and behavior.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Neural Control of Energy Homeostasis - Wei Shen
Chair: Wei Shen, PhDInstitution: Shanghai Tech University
Co-Chair: Zhi-Ping Pang, MD, PhD
Institution: Rutgers University
Date & Time: Monday, November 14, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6A
Theme: [Theme F – Integrative Physiology and Behavior] [Theme G – Motivation and Emotion]
Livestreamed: Yes
Feeding and energy expenditure are critically controlled by the central nervous system, and the detailed neural mechanism remains to be enigmatic. In this minisymposium, we aim to bring diverse expertise in neuroscience to deepen our understanding of the molecular, synaptic, and circuit mechanisms involved in feeding and energy expenditure. The expertise includes hormone control of feeding, body temperature regulation, contextual feeding, motivation and reward, and gut-brain communication.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Beyond the Classical Role of the Edinger-Westphal Nucleus: Novel Findings on Neurocircuitry of Energy Expenditure, Addiction, Fear Responses, and Maternal Behavior - William Giardino
Chair: William Giardino, PhDInstitution: Stanford University
Co-Chair: Andrey Ryabinin, PhD
Institution: Oregon Health and Science University
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 29
Theme: [Theme F – Integrative Physiology and Behavior]
Recently, it became clear that the neuronal cell group identified in mammals as the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) does not support its classical description as a regulator of oculomotor function. Instead, studies using neuroanatomical tracing, chemogenetics, optogenetics, and fiber photometry show that EW is a central control station regulating affective behaviors, fear, thermal responses, addiction, and maternal behaviors. This minisymposium focuses on this expanding view of EW.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Large-Scale Neurophysiology in Humans and Nonhuman Primates: Science and Clinical Opportunities - Eric Trautmann
Chair: Eric Trautmann, PhDInstitution: Columbia University
Co-Chair: Xiaomo Chen, PhD
Institution: University of California, Davis
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme E – Motor Systems] [Theme I – Techniques]
New technologies for recording neural activity now permit recording from large populations of neurons with single neuron precision in humans and nonhuman primates. Simultaneous recordings from hundreds or thousands of neurons allows for unprecedented measurements of brain activity. This minisymposium will explore the new scientific questions and clinical opportunities enabled by large-scale electrophysiology methods, and considerations for their use in scientific and clinical settings.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Microvessel, Big Problem?: A Brain Journey From Health to Disease - Oliver Bracko
Chair: Oliver Bracko, PhDInstitution: University of Miami
Co-Chair: Anusha Mishra, PhD
Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme C – Neurodegenerative Disorders and Injury]
This session will discuss the role of the microvasculature in maintaining tissue health, a topic that has rapidly gained interest in neuroscience and general. Thus, it is critical to understand the current state-of-the-art knowledge within the field regarding microvascular function and dysfunction. We will cover a diverse set of topics to highlight microvascular dysfunction from many angles and raise the most critical questions that should guide future directions in the field.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Neurotransmitter Co-Transmission: Circuits, Behavior, and New Approaches - Yongling Zhu
Chair: Yongling Zhu, PhDInstitution: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Co-Chair: Miao Jing, PhD
Institution: Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR)
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 29
Theme: [Theme F – Integrative Physiology and Behavior]
Many neurons can produce, store, and release multiple neurotransmitters. Co-transmission allows neurons to send separate signals to same or different targets for specific functions. This symposium brings together top scientists to highlight recent advances in understanding molecular, cellular, and circuit modalities of co-transmission and discuss its functional importance in brain function and behavior. This event will also introduce new fluorescent indicators for imaging key neurotransmitters.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Prefrontal Interneurons: Populations, Pathways, and Plasticity Supporting Normal and Disordered Cognition in Rodent Models - David Kupferschmidt
Chair: David Kupferschmidt, PhDInstitution: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme F – Integrative Physiology and Behavior] [Theme H – Cognition]
This session will showcase novel insights into (1) discrete medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) interneuron populations in the mouse brain; (2) mPFC interneuron connections with, and regulation of, long-range mPFC afferents; and (3) circuit-specific neural plasticity of mPFC interneurons. Speakers will discuss contributions of such populations, pathways, and plasticity to rodent cognition in the context of stress, reward, motivational conflict, and genetic mutations relevant to psychiatric disease.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Sonogenetics: Fundamentals and Applications - Zhihai Qiu
Chair: Zhihai Qiu, PhDInstitution: Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology
Co-Chair: Lei Sun, PhD
Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme I – Techniques]
Sonogenetics refers to the use of genetically-coded, ultrasound sensitive ion channels for noninvasive and selective control of neural activity. It is still in its infancy stages, basic studies and developments are underway and the field is evolving rapidly. The performance including spatiotemporal resolution, selectivity, specificity, and safety are being characterized.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
The Mechanisms of Gut-Brain Axis in Neurological Disorder - Inhee Mook-Jung
Chair: Inhee Mook-Jung, PhDInstitution: Seoul National University College of Medicine
Co-Chair: Sangram Sisodia, PhD
Institution: University of Chicago
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6CF
Theme: [Theme C – Neurodegenerative Disorders and Injury]
A growing body of research point towards the existence and role of the gut-brain connection in several neurological diseases. Alterations in gut flora and failure to establish a functioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract system may contribute to the pathogenesis of brain disease. This minisymposium provides scientific insights into new therapeutic approaches through a holistic understanding of the mechanistic link between the GI health and neurological disease.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Understanding the (Dys)function of Motivational Circuits and Maladaptive Feeding - Bridget Matikainen-Ankney
Chair: Bridget Matikainen-Ankney, PhDInstitution: Washington University In Saint Louis
Co-Chair: Richard O'Connor, PhD
Institution: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6A
Theme: [Theme G – Motivation and Emotion]
Livestreamed: Yes
Over the past two decades, a conspicuous link between peripheral signaling and brain function has emerged. Large scale neural networks link brain motivation circuits to visceral organs, providing reciprocal communication that regulates a range of physiological processes. This panel will present emerging research on the biology of body-brain communication. Emphasis will be placed on how peripheral signals affect brain reward circuits and how their dysregulation reshapes these neural networks.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Adaptive Behavior: From Cognitive Control to Clinical Conditions - Tom Macpherson
Chair: Tom Macpherson, PhDInstitution: Osaka University
Co-Chair: Aurelio Cortese, PhD
Institution: ATR Institute International
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6A
Theme: [Theme H – Cognition]
Livestreamed: Yes
Adapting to our environment is critical for survival and requires rapid learning and extrapolation of information to other situations. Indeed, dysfunctions of such abilities are thought to contribute to several clinical conditions, including autism and schizophrenia. This multi-disciplinary mini-symposium addresses molecular, cellular, and computational mechanisms of adaptive behaviour, discussing recent human and animal brain imaging, computational modelling, and gene-wide association studies.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Primate Frontopolar Cortex (FPC): From Circuits to Complex Behaviors - Jeremy Hogeveen
Chair: Jeremy Hogeveen, PhDInstitution: The University of New Mexico
Co-Chair: Vincent Costa, PhD
Institution: Oregon Health and Science University
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme H – Cognition]
At the anterior end of the primate brain, frontopolar cortex (FPC) is a highly-evolved region thought to play a role in shaping complex behaviors. Yet, our understanding of FPC is limited, especially relative to other prefrontal subdivisions like dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This panel comprises scientists at the forefront of FPC understanding, using novel methods ranging from single FPC units and local field potentials in monkeys, to fMRI and neuromodulation of brain-wide networks in humans.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
The Emerging Interface Between Epilepsy and Autism: From Shared Molecules to Common Circuitry Defects - Yang Yang
Chair: Yang Yang, PhDInstitution: Purdue University
Co-Chair: Christina Gross, PhD
Institution: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme A – Development] [Theme B – Neural Excitability, Synapses, and Glia]
Autism affects one out of 44 children according to a recent CDC report. About one-third of children with autism will develop seizures. However, it is not well understood whether autism and epilepsy have convergent underlying disease mechanisms. This session will bring together researchers from both the autism and epilepsy fields to discuss the interface between these two diseases and possible shared molecular mechanisms and circuitry defects.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
The Intricate Regulation of AMPA Receptors by Transmembrane Accessory Factors - Yael Stern-Bach
Chair: Yael Stern-Bach, PhDInstitution: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Co-Chair: Maria Kurnikova, PhD
Institution: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 9:30 a.m.–noon
Location: SDCC 6CF
Theme: [Theme B – Neural Excitability, Synapses, and Glia]
AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are responsible for most of the fast-excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. Since the discovery of the first AMPAR auxiliary factor (stargazin/TARPg2) this field has expanded to nearly 10 distinct protein families from cutting-edge proteomics. This session will highlight recent functional discoveries and novel insights gained from studies characterizing various auxiliary factors that regulate AMPARs in synaptic transmission, plasticity and disease.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Applications of Navigational Encoding - David Maisson
Chair: David MaissonInstitution: University of Minnesota
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6DE
Theme: [Theme F – Integrative Physiology and Behavior]
In naturalistic contexts, targets of interest, like a food source or a conspecific, are often located more distally than a simple arm’s reach away. Interacting with the environment requires navigational and motor plans for how to get from where one is to that interesting target. This session will be focused on discussing how encoding navigational variables is applied across a variety of brain structures, comparatively across species.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Expanding Understanding of Fear Neurocircuitry From Bench to Bedside - Kerry Ressler
Chair: Kerry Ressler, MD, PhDInstitution: McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School
Co-Chair: Jennifer Stevens, PhD
Institution: Emory University
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6CF
Theme: [Theme G – Motivation and Emotion]
This session will expand beyond traditional models of fear neurocircuitry, to show how an extended set of mechanisms influence behavior and stress-related disorders. We consider the role of sensory cortex in fear learning, and how stress-related alterations change both threat and reward-related behavior. Speakers bridge the levels of synapse, gene expression, neuroimaging, and treatment. We demonstrate the potential of the translational pipeline to improve treatment of stress-related disorders.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Functionalized Brain Organoids: Going Beyond the Neuroectoderm - Galina Popova
Chair: Galina Popova, PhDInstitution: University of California, San Francisco
Co-Chair: Guo-li Ming, MD, PhD
Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 6A
Theme: [Theme A – Development]
Livestreamed: Yes
The advent of brain organoids opened new avenues for modeling and manipulation of human brain development and diseases. These organoids were initially based on neuroectoderm-derived cell repertoire but would exclude cells from other lineages, such as immune cells and vasculature. This mini-symposium will cover new approaches and discoveries that led to “functionalization” of organoids to supplement them with other cell populations that are essential to the brain development and disease progression.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
Neural Mechanisms Mediating Sex Differences in Motivation for Reward: Food and Drugs of Abuse - Jill Becker
Chair: Jill Becker, PhDInstitution: University of Michigan
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 16, 2–4:30 p.m.
Location: SDCC 28
Theme: [Theme G – Motivation and Emotion]
Sex differences in motivation have been reported for both food rewards and drugs of abuse. This session will explore the neural basis for sex differences in motivation and the hormonal mechanisms mediating these sex differences. Speakers will discuss cognitive bias and the role of hormones and steroid hormone receptors in modulating the effects of food and drug reward on glutamatergic and dopaminergic neural systems thus integrating information about sex differences in neural plasticity.
To submit a question during the session, use the annual meeting mobile app.
