NSO 531 Principles of Neurophysiology
The nervous system utilizes electrical and calcium signals to rapidly transmit information either within the central nervous system (CNS), or between the CNS and other organs of the body. Following advances in electronic and computer technologies, neurophysiologists developed many insightful approaches to study the ionic mechanisms responsible for generating nerve impulses. Throughout the course we provide detailed insights into a variety of physiological techniques (e.g. voltage-, current- and patch clamp and calcium and multi-photon imaging) and we demonstrate how their use leads to elucidation of the basic properties of excitable membrane. We aim to present in depth view of the physiological and molecular mechanisms responsible for communication between CNS cells and other excitable cells in the body. We focus on the biophysical and molecular principles that govern the properties of the channel/receptor machineries, which subsequently enable cells to transmit electrical/calcium encoded information. During the course we cover a range of methodologies, from classical electrophysiological and calcium/multi-photon imaging techniques to cutting edge techniques like optogenetics. We also demonstrate how utilization of single-cell based mRNA expression analysis with electrophysiological profiling can lead to integration of molecular and electrophysiological domains and a better understanding of single cell physiology. We describe how the excitability of neural cells constitutes the basic blocks leading to higher functionality of the brain and encompasses such phenomena as synaptic and neuronal plasticity, memory formation, ability to learn and forget, and capacity to adapt to challenging developmental and environmental needs. Every year, through the selection of the Frontiers Lecture, we offer lectures by outstanding neuroscientists working on the forefront problems challenging the current neuroscience field. In summary, we aim to provide sufficient overview and specific details of the molecular machinery of excitable membrane so students can apply the acquired knowledge to better understanding of their biomedical goals focused on prevention and/or treatment neurological conditions like Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, depression and traumatic brain injury.
Prerequisite
NSO506 Introduction to Neuroscience