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BRAI2012 2012 : 7th Brain Research Conference: Optogenetics and Pharmacogenetics in Neuronal Function and Dysfunction | |||||||||||
Link: http://www.brainresearchconference.com | |||||||||||
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Call For Papers | |||||||||||
The ability to express light-sensitive membrane channels (optogenetics) and synthetic receptors (pharmacogenetics) in neurons is revolutionizing neuroscience. With these new approaches, investigators can control neuronal activity or signaling with unprecedented specificity and precision. These methods are within the reach of most investigators, and are replacing less selective techniques of electrical stimulation, lesions or pharmacologic manipulations. These approaches are not only a boon to basic researchers, but also have substantial potential for development of novel clinical treatments for a range of nervous system disorders. The 2-day meeting will feature the originators (Deisseroth, Roth and Conklin) as well as early adopters of these methods, validating their utility in understanding neural function and potential for treating neural dysfunction.
Topics List Abstracts are invited for poster presentation at the conference on the following suggested topics: • Opsin channels: constructs and functions • Synthetic receptors: constructs and functions • Viral transduction to drive expression of opsins and synthetic receptors • Challenges and opportunities for applying opsins or synthetic receptors in research animals and in the clinic • Advantages/disadvantages of opsins vs synthetic receptors in research and in the clinic • Clinical applications (e.g., PD, Blindness, Spinal injury, DBS and TMS) Conference Organizers Gary Aston-Jones, Medical University of South Carolina, USA Karl Deisseroth, Stanford University, California Keynote Speaker Karl Deisseroth, Stanford University, USA For more information, visit: http://www.brainresearchconference.com Keywords: Optogenetics Pharmacogenetics Channelrhodopsin Halorhodopsin Archerhodopsin Photostimulation Designer receptors activated exclusively by designer drugs (DREADDs) Receptors activated selectively by synthetic ligands (RASSLs) Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) Intracellular signaling mechanisms Neuronal stimulation Neuronal inhibition Brain circuits |
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