The Brain Institute is pleased to welcome Dr. Nils Brose for its 2008 Annual Seminar, on Wednesday, May 7.

[Download and print a PDF version of this announcement]

Genetic Dissection of Neuroligin Function:
From Synaptogenesis to Autism Spectrum Disorders

A seminar by

Nils Brose, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Professor of Biochemistry
Director, Department of Molecular Neurobiology
Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine

• When:
  Wednesday, May, 7 2008,
  4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
  Networking and refreshments to follow
  
  
• Where:
  Eccles Institute of Human Genetics
  First Floor Auditorium
  The University of Utah Health Sciences Center
  
  Click here for a map to the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics

About the lecture
Autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) are heritable conditions characterized by impaired reciprocal social interactions, deficits in language acquisition, and repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests. In addition to more complex genetic susceptibilities, even mutation of a single gene can lead to ASC. Several such monogenic heritable ASC forms are caused by loss-of-function mutations in genes encoding Neuroligins 3 and 4 (NLGN3, NLGN4), which are synaptic cell adhesion proteins that regulate synapse function in neurons.

Dr. Brose will present evidence for a role of Neuroligins in the maturation and function of synapses between nerve cells. He will also present data showing that mice with a loss-of-function mutation in Nlgn4 exhibit highly selective deficits in reciprocal social interactions and communication that are reminiscent of ASCs in humans.

Dr. Brose’s findings show that a protein network regulating synapse maturation and function in the brain is at the core of a major ASC susceptibility pathway, and they establish Neuroligin-4-deficient mice as genetic models for exploring complex neurobiological disorders in ASCs.

More Resources

• News Release: When nerve cells can’t make contact. Max Planck scientists have decoded the molecular details of a genetic defect that disrupts signal transmission in the brain and causes autism.

For more information, please contact:
Amy Mozdy, 801.587.1222 or amy.mozdy@utah.edu