[Seminar] "Plasticity-Stability Balance in Neural Circuits: From basic principles to malfunctions" by Prof. Inna Slutsky, Tel Aviv University

Prof. Inna Slutsky

Professor, Tel Aviv University

Talk title: Plasticity-Stability Balance in Neural Circuits: From basic principles to malfunctions

Abstract:

Understanding how neurons and neural networks, composed of highly dynamic molecules with relatively short half-lives, maintain stable firing properties remains one of the most intriguing questions in neuroscience. Since the time of Claude Bernard, scientists have sought to uncover the fundamental principles and molecular mechanisms underlying homeostasis at the cellular, network, and system levels.

Despite significant advances, the mechanisms enabling network-wide resilience of activity patterns remain largely unknown. In this talk, I will explore the cellular and network properties regulated by homeostatic systems, the spatial scale of this regulation, and the mechanisms of set-point control. Furthermore, I will present evidence suggesting that activity dyshomeostasis begins during low-arousal brain states at the presymptomatic stage in familial Alzheimer's disease models. Finally, I will propose a model linking activity dyshomeostasis, sleep disturbances, and memory dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease, and discuss circuit-wide mechanisms that may help restore this dysregulation.