[BK21 Plus Seminar] ▶Subject: Synaptic organization of cortical neurons and their functional changes in disease ▶Speaker: Juhyun Kim, PH.D. (Johns Hopkins University) ▶Date: 4:00 PM/Sept. 8(Thu.)/2016 ▶Place: Life Science Bldg. #104 *Abctract Cortical projection neurons in the neocortex project to subcortical areas in the brain and spinal cord, as well as other cortices within the cerebral cortex. The specification of synaptic organization and maintenance of appropriate levels of spiking activity are critical for the normal brain function. The malfunction of these neurons is suggested to play a role in causing various neurological disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons. The pathophysiology of this disease remains poorly understood, and currently there is no cure. Clinical studies reported that the cortex of ALS patients is hyperexcitable, suggesting that excitotoxicity might contribute to disease pathology. To address this hypothesis, we asked whether there are alterations in cortical neuron function using a mouse model of ALS, in cell type-specific and disease stage-specific manners. We investigated the intrinsic excitability, in vivo spiking activity, and transcriptome of the cortical neurons, and found that there are widespread and disease stage-dependent changes in the cortex in ALS. ▶Inquiry: Prof. Kim, Joung-Hun (279-2347) * This seminar will be given in English. please refrain from taking photos during seminars. *