Prof Oscar Marin
WIBR Seminar
'Molecular regulation of cortical interneuron diversity and plasticity'
Professor Oscar Marin
(MRC Centre for Developmental Neurobiology,
King's College London)
Host: Dr Nicoletta Kessaris
The neural assembly underlying the formation of functional networks in the cerebral cortex constitutes one of the most complex neuronal systems in the brain. Much of this complexity arises during development through the interaction of two distinct neuronal types, glutamatergic projection neurons and GABAergic interneurons. Pyramidal cells constitute approximately 80% of the neurons in the cortex and they specialize in transmitting information between different cortical regions and to
Our research largely concentrates on the analysis of the mechanisms controlling the migration, final allocation and connectivity of cortical interneurons, although we are also interested in understanding the general principles regulating the development of other classes of cortical neurons. other regions of the brain. Interneurons comprise a highly heterogeneous group of neurons that primarily contribute to local assemblies, where they provide inhibitory inputs and they shape different forms of synchronized oscillations.
We believe that our research may contribute to understanding the etiology of some of the most devastating psychiatric disorders, such as autism or schizophrenia.
Date: Thursday 18th May 2015
Time: 4pm (please arrive 15 mins before start)
Venue: Cruciform Café, 1st Floor Cruciform Building, Gower Street, UCL, WC1E 6BT
Refreshments will be provided
Website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/depts/devneuro/Research/groups/marin.aspx