[Seminar] A kinase and a phosphatase: molecular basis of inherited Parkinson’s disease by Prof. Suzanne Pfeffer

June 23, 2023  10:00 - 11: 00 at C700, Lab 3

Prof. Suzanne Pfeffer, Biochemistry at Stanford University School of Medicine

A kinase and a phosphatase: molecular basis of inherited Parkinson’s disease 

Activating mutations in LRRK2 kinase cause Parkinson’s disease and activated LRRK2 phosphorylates a subset of Rab GTPases.  We have discovered that Rab phosphorylation blocks primary cilia formation in specific neurons and astrocytes in the nigrostriatal circuit that are important for dopaminergic signaling in Parkinson's disease.  This lecture will provide an update on our studies using purified LRRK2 and its counteracting PPM1H phosphatase to understand how the proteins become localized and activated on membrane surfaces.  In addition, work will be presented related to the consequences of LRRK2 mutation for neurons and astrocytes in the dorsal striatum of mice and humans.

[Seminar] Transcriptional heterogeneity arising from a signal transduction-transcription factor network by Prof. Mariko Okada, Osaka University

Transcriptional heterogeneity arising from a signal transduction-transcription factor network

Prof. Mariko Okada

Laboratory for Cell Systems, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University 

[Hybrid Seminar] "Differential glial control of parallel memory formation" by Prof. Ko Matsui, Tohoku University

"Differential glial control of parallel memory formation" by Prof. Ko Matsui,

Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University

[Hybrid Seminar] "Improved models for Alzheimer’s disease; plaques, synapses and a protective role for microglia" by Prof. Frances A. Edwards, UCL

"Improved models for Alzheimer’s disease; plaques, synapses and a protective role for microglia"

by Prof. Frances A. Edwards, Dept Neuroscience Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London