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SUMMARY:K2P channels in sensory transduction and neuromodulation - Profess
 or Niels Ringstad\, New York University School of Medicine
DTSTART:20230630T150000Z
DTEND:20230630T160000Z
UID:TALK199408@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Ewan Smith
DESCRIPTION:*Abstract:* K2P-family potassium channels are expressed throug
 hout the nervous system\, where they are thought to regulate neural excita
 bility either as leak channels or in response to stimuli. Despite their pr
 evalence\, the roles that K2P channels play in intact neural circuits and 
 in behavior remain poorly understood. I will discuss two studies of the ge
 netics of C. elegans food-response behaviors that reveal functions for K2P
  channels in neural circuits that generate modulated behaviors. The first 
 study found that K2P channels tune mechanosensory neurons that mediate tac
 tile food-sensing and control locomotion. The second study identified diff
 erent K2P channels as regulators of neuropeptide release from interneurons
  that couple food-sensing to reproductive behavior. These studies illustra
 te how K2P channels can exert strong and specific effects on neural circui
 ts and provide a blueprint for identifying molecular mechanisms that contr
 ol K2P channels in vivo.\n\n*Background to Research:* Caenorhabditis elega
 ns is a free-living microscopic roundworm. Its nervous system is small and
  only contains a few hundred cells. Despite this anatomical simplicity\, t
 he C. elegans nervous system displays genetic and neurochemical complexity
  that rivals that of much larger nervous systems. Importantly\, stereotype
 d behaviors are generated by specific circuits and the neurotransmitter si
 gnaling systems they use. Genetic studies of these behaviors can identify 
 molecules required for critical modes of neurochemical signaling\, for exa
 mple signaling by serotonin\, dopamine\, and neuropeptides. Understanding 
 the molecular underpinnings of these signaling systems will advance the de
 velopment of new psychopharmacology for the treatment of a host psychiatri
 c and neurological diseases.\n\nOur studies of neurochemical signaling hav
 e led us to also study the development of neural circuits that use neurope
 ptides to control behavior. As the nervous system develops\, neurons acqui
 re remarkable and highly specialized physiology.  Many neurodevelopmental 
 disorders are caused by defects in this process\, which motivates our inte
 rest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that generate specialized n
 euron-types during development. As models for the study of neural developm
 ent\, we have selected a set of sensory neurons that detect respiratory ga
 ses and release neuropeptides to control behavior.\n\nMore information can
  be found here: https://www.ringstadlab.org/
LOCATION:Department of Pharmacology Seminar Room
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