[대학원 생명과학과 세미나 안내]
연사 : 정원석 교수 (KAIST 생명과학과)
연제 : Phagocytic roles of glial cells in synapse elimination
일시 : 2019년 10월 25일 (금) 오후 5시
장소 : 하나과학관 A동 B131호
초청교수 : 백자현 교수
Abstract
Synapses are dynamic structures that undergo rapid formation and elimination. During nervous system development, neurons initially generate excessive projections that make redundant synaptic connections with target cells. Within critical time periods, these excessive synapses are eliminated during the formation of mature neural circuits. Synapse elimination processes have also been observed during synaptic plasticity in the adult brain, such as when sensory experience induces the formation of new spines and eliminates pre-existing spines during learning and memory formation. Thus, synapse elimination is likely a central feature of nervous system remodeling and reorganization throughout the lifespan. Previously, we found that astrocytes in the mouse visual system mediate synapse remodeling by actively engulfing weak but live synapses through phagocytosis and that this process is regulated by spontaneous retinal activity. Furthermore, we have found evidence astrocytes can participate in the constant remodeling of synaptic structures in the adult mouse brain. In this talk, I will present our recent progress in developing novel tools for detecting glia-mediated synapse elimination and also discuss our approach for understanding the molecular mechanisms of synapse elimination.