Upcoming ION Seminars
Abstract: Sensory hair cells transmit auditory and vestibular information to the brain. While many forms of hearing loss result from hair cell death, increasing evidence shows that noise-induced and age-related hearing loss often stem from synaptic damage. Restoring hearing in these cases will require rebuilding synaptic connections, which depends on understanding how sensory synapses form and function in vivo. Our work combines genetics, CRISPR-based mutagenesis, and live imaging in zebrafish neuromast hair cells to define the molecular and activity-dependent mechanisms that drive synapse formation, function, and regeneration. By visualizing synapses in a live, transparent system, we aim to uncover principles that guide the restoration of hair cells and their synaptic connections after damage.
Abstract- The superior colliculus (SC) is an evolutionarily conserved structure that receives direct retinal input in all vertebrates. It was the most sophisticated visual center until the neocortex evolved in mammals. Even in mice and tree shrews, mammalian species that are increasingly used in vision research, the vast majority of retinal ganglion cells project to the SC, making it a prominent visual structure in these animals. In this talk, I will review our recent functional studies of the mouse SC and describe our current efforts in linking functional properties to genetically identified cell types in both mice and tree shrews.
Seminar Details
This academic year will host a series of virtual and in person seminars with live, remote access via Zoom. ION Seminars are open to the University of Oregon community and in person attendance is welcome. In person seminars will be held in Willamette 110 at 4 PM PT.
To accommodate remote speakers and time differences, some seminars may be offered at Noon PT or another agreed upon time. For students taking BI 407/507 Neuroscience Seminar please contact the course instructor to access recordings as needed.
Details for upcoming seminars will be shared here on the ION website as well as through our ION mailing lists. Links for remote access via Zoom will be available only through ION Seminar mailing list and those not on the list can request access by contacting Jenna Penny with their uoregon.edu email address.