[2017 Spring Life Sciences & IBB Seminar]

▶Subject: NMDA receptor dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders

▶Speaker: Prof. Eunjoon Kim (Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions,IBS / Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST)

▶Date: 4:30PM/June 2(Fri.)/2017

▶Place: Auditorium(1F), Postech Biotech Center

▶Abctract
A large number of synaptic proteins have recently been associated with diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and mood disorders. ASDs represent a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social and communication deficits and restricted and repetitive interests, behaviors, and activities. Although a large number of ASD-related genetic variations have been identified, only a small number of them have been verified for their causality by approaches including mouse genetics. In addition, neural mechanisms underlying the development of ASDs remain largely unknown. Synaptic adhesion molecules at excitatory synapses interact with various other proteins including scaffolding proteins and neighboring neurotransmitter receptors and adhesion molecule to organize synapse development. In this presentation, I will discuss how defects in some of the synaptic adhesion molecules are associated with NMDA receptor dysfunctions and autistic-like behavioral abnormalities in mice.

▶Inquiry: Prof. Joung-Hun Kim (279-2347)

* This seminar will be given in English.
Please refrain from taking photos during seminars. *