Lu chen stanford neuroscience graduate
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Here, the authors show that in layer 2/3 (L2/3) of the somatosensory cortex (S1), acute RA induces increases in spontaneous but not action-potential evoked transmission, and that this requires retinoic acid receptor (RARα) both in presynaptic PV-positive interneurons and postsynaptic pyramidal (PN) neurons.
View details for DOI 10.1002/syn.21921
View details for PubMedID 27348405
L., Zhang, Z., Ganesan, S., Hintze, M., Shin, M. M., Tang, Y., Cho, A., Graef, I. A., Chen, L.2015; 112 (42): E5744-52
Abstract
Homeostatic synaptic plasticity is a form of non-Hebbian plasticity that maintains stability of the network and fidelity for information processing in response to prolonged perturbation of network and synaptic activity.
In this study, we explore the molecular mechanism through which postsynaptic RA and RARalpha regulates presynaptic neurotransmitter release during prolonged synaptic inactivity at mouse glutamatertic synapses. Cellular, Molecular and Developmental Neuroscience. Increasing evidence suggests that glutamate receptors are inserted into the plasma membrane before they accumulate at the synapse.
The reduction in inhibitory outputs drives hyperactivation of the spinal cord nociceptive pathway, causing mechanical hypersensitivity. Sequential application of a gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)R) agonist and a noncompetitive GABA(A)R antagonist allows selective blockade of stimulus-activated inhibition.
As illustrated by selected examples, our approach enables large-scale studies of human neurons for questions such as analyses of human diseases, examination of human-specific genes, and drug screening.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.05.029
View details for PubMedID 23764284
H., Wang, H., Arant, R. J., Lau, A. G., Zhang, Z., Isacoff, E. Y., Chen, L.2013; 110 (13): 5163-5168
Abstract
Members of the transmembrane AMPA receptor-regulatory protein (TARP) family modulate AMPA receptor (AMPA-R) trafficking and function. Consistent with this notion, we demonstrate that both transient Ca(2+) depletion by membrane-permeable Ca(2+) chelators and chronic blockage of L-type Ca(2+)-channels induces RA synthesis.
In this study, we show that the cerebellar cortex exerts both basal and stimulus-activated inhibition to the deep nuclei.
Our results identify RARα as a crucial molecular effector for neuropathic pain and a potential target for its treatment.
View details for DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.027
View details for PubMedID 36223767
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the significance of the synaptic excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance in the context of homeostatic plasticity, whose primary goal is thought to maintain neuronal firing rates at a set point.
Recently, it has been demonstrated that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter, is co-released by dopamine neurons. Fragile X syndrome) that involves changes in postsynaptic protein translation and synaptic strength. Here, we show that retinoic acid (RA), a synaptic signaling molecule whose synthesis is activated by reduced neural activity, induces rapid internalization of synaptic GABAA receptors in mouse hippocampal neurons, leading to significant reduction of inhibitory synaptic transmission.
Overview of neural development, experimental approaches, and model organisms; signaling pathways regulating neural development; neural stem cell and neurogenesis during embryonic and adult life.
NEPR 203. Here, we show that the efficacy of hippocampal engram reactivation is reduced in Fmr1 KO mice performing contextual fear memory recall.
The present review will discuss recent progress in our understanding of the novel role of RA, which led to the identification of RA as a critical synaptic signaling molecule that mediates activity-dependent regulation of protein synthesis in neuronal dendrites. Here, we use human patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells and organoids to model neurogenesis in FXS.
We developed a high-throughput, invitro assay that allows for the simultaneous quantification of protein synthesis and proliferation within defined neural subpopulations. Cis-regulatory modules (CRMs), e.g., enhancers, are highly cell type-specific and can be integrated into AAVs to render cell type specificity. Interactive class with student-led discussions, presentations, and group work, including next-generation sequencing workshops and data analysis tutorials.
Stargazin, a membrane protein that interacts with AMPA receptors, is believed to play a pivotal role in trafficking AMPA receptors to the plasma membrane and targeting them to the synapse. They showed a similar level of sensitization as the wild-type mice and were completely unable to learn conditioned eyeblinks after bilateral lesions aimed at the anterior interpositus nucleus.
An M.S. degree may only be pursued in combination with a doctoral degree from another department within the University or one of the University's professional schools.
Students interested in pursuing the M.S. must submit an unofficial Stanford transcript and a written scientific justification for adding the M.S. degree to the Neurosciences program administrator no later than February 1, 2021.
Requirements
- Completion of a minimum of 45 unduplicated units of course work, including the Neuroscience courses listed below or approved substitutes.