Dr. Jessica CF Kwok
Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom;
Centre of Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine
Czech Academy of Science, Prague, Czech Republic

Date: Thursday, 29-March-2018
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Venue: Seminar Room 7, LG1/F, Laboratory Block, Faculty of Medicine Building
21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Summary:

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are aggregated extracellular matrix structures present on neuronal surface and are crucial in regulating plasticity in the central nervous system. Glycosaminoglycans including chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans and hyaluronan are key PNN molecules. The formation of the dense PNN structure closes the critical period for plasticity and consolidates neuronal circuits. Our recent findings suggest that the removal of PNNs enhances plasticity for functional recovery after spinal cord injury, and improves memory retention during ageing and in Alzheimer’s disease models. In this talk, Dr. Kwok shall take a molecular approach and address the interplay between PNN composition and its function.

ALL ARE WELCOME