Topic: A single molecule imaging studies in neurological disease research
Speaker: Professor Hiroko Bannai, Department of Electrical Engineering and Bioscience, Waseda University (Waseda)
Date and time: 13:30—15:00, August 22
Venue: Auditorium of L Building
Host: Katsuhiko Mikoshiba
Abstract:
Our memories are retained for decades, but lipids and proteins, the building blocks of the brain, are constantly replaced. What mechanisms allow the brain to maintain its structure and perform higher functions such as memory, learning, and thinking? In this talk, Prof. Bannai will introduce her research and related study to clarify the mechanism of neurotransmitter receptor accumulation at the molecular level. Measuring this receptor behavior on the plasma membrane with single-molecule imaging has revealed the mechanisms that control receptor mobility. Recently, it was discovered that receptor dynamics become abnormal in neurons mimicking neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and epileptic seizures. She will also discuss the possibility of applying membrane molecular dynamics analysis by single-molecule imaging to elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases and to develop diagnostic methods.