Spring 2004 Seminar Series in Neuroscience

Mark Mattson, Laboratory of Neurosciences & Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging

TITLE: "Neurohormesis: Implications for Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders"

Co-Sponsored by the Institute for Behavioral Genetics & the Center for Neuroscience

Special Location: CU Boulder-EAST CAMPUS: Institute for Behavioral Genetics Building Room 120 (this is the building closest to Boulder Creek -- immediately East of 30th St and North of Boulder Creek. Entrance is on the East side)

Abstract: Most types of cells, including neurons, respond to a mild stress such as high temperature or energy deprivation by activating signaling pathways that induce the expression of various stress resistance proteins (heat-shock proteins and growth factors). When neurons are subjected to mild oxidative or metabolic stress they become more resistant to being damaged and killed in experimental models of neurodegenerative disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. We have found that a similar "neurohormesis" response can be induced by dietary restriction (intermittent fasting) in mice and rats, thereby increasing the resistance of neurons to dysfunction and degeneration in models of neurodegenerative disorders. Dietary restriction also stimulates neurogenesis (the production of new neurons from stem cells) and enhances synaptic plasticity (learning and memory). The beneficial effects of dietary restriction on the brain are mediated, in part, by upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the protein chaperones HSP-70 and GRP-78. These findings have important implications for preventing and treating neurodegenerative disorders by dietary modifications.

Randy O'Reilly, Dept of Psychology & Institute for Cognitive Sciences, CU-Boulder

TITLE: "Computational Principles of Learning in the Neocortex and Hippocampus: From Conditioned Fear to Logical Inference"

Abstract: I present a computational approach toward understanding the different contributions of the neocortex and hippocampus in learning and memory, and models of several key phenomena in animal learning. The approach is based on a set of principles derived from converging biological, psychological, and computational constraints. The most central principles are that the neocortex employs a slow learning rate and overlapping distributed representations to extract the general statistical structure of the environment, while the hippocampus learns rapidly using separated representations to encode the details of specific events while suffering minimal interference. Additional principles concern the nature of learning (error-driven and Hebbian), and recall of information via pattern completion. Models incorporating these principles simulate a wide range of data in conditioning, habituation, contextual learning, recognition memory, recall, and transitive inference. I will present a few key findings and predictions from these models, together with recent behavioral tests of these predictions.

Kenneth Wright, Dept of Integrative Physiology, CU-Boulder

TITLE: Sleep, Homeostatic and Circadian Regulation of Human Performance in the 24-hr Society

Abstract: The internal circadian clock and sleep-wake homeostasis regulate and organize human brain function, physiology and behavior so that wakefulness and its associated functions are optimal during the day and that sleep and its related functions are optimal at night. This talk will discuss the concepts of adequate sleep, circadian timing and how these two fundamental central nervous system properties interact to regulate human performance. Implications of the research findings will be discussed in the context of work, performance, accidents, and learning in today's 24 hour society.

Drake Duane, Arizona Dystonia Institute, Scottsdale, AZ

TITLE: TBA