CDB Seminar - Prof Giles Hardingham, Edinburgh University

Please join us for a CDB Seminar by Prof Giles Hardingham of Edinburgh University.

‘Neuro-glial interactions in health and disease’

Zoom at: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/96060723101

Talk abstract: The brain is a complex structure comprised of a number of specialised cell types. Our lab is interested in how different cell types in the brain influence each other’s properties. A particular interest is in the interactions between neurons and glia, especially astrocytes and microglia. These cell types are subject to regulation by neurons as well as influencing neuronal properties themselves. The talk will cover examples of reciprocal signaling between neurons and glia during brain development, as well as what happens to neuro-glial interactions in neurodegenerative diseases.

Suggested references:

• Li et al. Microglia determine ß-amyloid plaque burden but are non-essential for downstream pathology. bioRxiv 2024.08.06.606795
• O’Keeffe, M.et al. Typical development of synaptic and neuronal properties can proceed without microglia in the cortex and thalamus. Nat Neurosci (2025).
• Patani, R. et al. Functional roles of reactive astrocytes in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Nat Rev Neurol 19, 395-409 (2023).
• Jiwaji, Z. et al. Reactive astrocytes acquire neuroprotective as well as deleterious signatures in response to Tau and Aß pathology. Nat Commun 13, 135 (2022).
• Baxter P. et al. Microglial identity and inflammatory responses are controlled by the combined effects of neurons and astrocytes. Cell Rep 34, 108882 (2021)
• Hasel, P. et al. Neurons and neuronal activity control gene expression in astrocytes to regulate their development and metabolism. Nat Commun 8, 15132 (2017).

Host: Prof Patricia Salinas