Killam Seminar Series presents "Modulation of oligodendrocyte development and myelination by voltage-gated Ca++ channels"

Pablo Paez will present, "Modulation of oligodendrocyte development and myelination by voltage-gated Ca++ channels".

Registration available here. 

Speaker: Pablo Paez, PhD
Associate Professor, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY

Abstract: The oligodendrocyte generates CNS myelin, which is essential for normal nervous system function. Thus, investigating the regulatory and signaling mechanisms that control its differentiation and the production of myelin is relevant to our understanding of brain development and of adult pathologies such as multiple sclerosis. We have recently established that the activity of voltage-gated Ca++ channels is crucial for the adequate migration, proliferation and maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Furthermore, we have found that voltage-gated Ca++ channels that function in synaptic communication between neurons also mediate synaptic signaling between neurons and OPCs. Thus, we hypothesize that voltage-gated Ca++ channels are central components of OPC-neuronal synapses and are the principal ion channels mediating activity-dependent myelination.

Supported by the generosity of the Killam Trusts , The Neuro’s Killam Seminar series hosts outstanding guest speakers whose research is of interest to the scientific community at The Neuro and McGill University.