Seminar "Controlling the diversity of synaptic strengths in hippocampal neurons" by Dr Yukiko Goda from RIKEN

Title: "Controlling the diversity of synaptic strengths in hippocampal neurons"

Speaker: Dr Goda from RIKEN Brain Science, Wako, Saitama

Abstract:

Synapses are the fundamental nodes of information transmission in the brain. The efficacy of synaptic transmission, called synaptic strength, and its use-dependent changes are crucial for how the brain perceives the environment, learns and stores memories. However, the basic principles underlying synaptic circuits, particularly how synaptic strengths are set and controlled in defined circuits remain to be clarified. We have addressed this question by examining the interaction between multiple synapses of hippocampal neurons using a combination of electrophysiology and imaging approaches. We provide evidence for a novel cellular mechanism involving glial cells in regulating the heterogeneity of synaptic strengths across inputs received by single hippocampal neurons. Our findings underscore the role for glia in integrating synaptic transmission properties across a synapse population.

Biography:

Yukiko Goda is the Senior Team Leader of the Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity and the current Acting Director of RIKEN Brain Science Institute.

Yukiko Goda received her PhD on her work with Suzanne Pfeffer in the Biochemistry Department at Stanford University. Following postdoctoral work with Chuck Stevens at the Salk Institute, in 1997, she joined the faculty of the Biology Division at University of California, San Diego. After 4 years, she moved to England to take up the position of Senior Group Leader in the MRC Cell Biology Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology at University College London. In 2011, she moved to Japan to set up her laboratory in RIKEN Brain Science Institute.