Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research
WIBR Seminar
“Molecular regulation of cortical
interneuron diversity and plasticity”
Professor Oscar Marin
Professor of Developmental Neurobiology & Centre Director
King’s College London
Thursday 18th June 2015
The neural assembly underlying the formation of functional 4pm
networks in the cerebral cortex constitutes one of the most complex The Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research
st
neuronal systems in the brain. Much of this complexity arises during 1 Floor Cruciform Building, Cruciform Café
development through the interaction of two distinct neuronal types, Gower Street
glutamatergic projection neurons and GABAergic interneurons. London, WC1E 6BT
Pyramidal cells constitute approximately 80% of the neurons in the alison.kelly@ucl.ac.uk / 020 7679 6134
cortex and they specialize in transmitting information between
different cortical regions and to 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.
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.
We believe that our research may contribute to understanding the
etiology of some of the most devastating psychiatric disorders, such
as autism or schizophrenia.
www.ucl.ac.uk