Epileptogenesis in the developing brain:understanding a moving target
The origins, mechanisms and consequences of epilepsy in the developing brain are incompletely understood. Many developmental epilepsies have a genetic basis and their mechanisms stem from deficits in the function of one or numerous genes. Others, such as those that follow prolonged febrile seizures or severe birth asphyxia in a ‘normal’ brain may depend on the interaction of the insult with the rapidly evolving brain cells and circuits. Yet, how early-life insults may provoke epilepsy is unclear, and requires multiple levels of analysis: behavior, circuits, cells [neurons, glia] and molecules. Here we discuss developmental epileptogenesis, addressing some of its special features: the epilepsy phenotype, the effects insults on the maturation of brain circuits, the role of neuron-glia-neuron communication in cellular and circuit refinement, and how transient epileptogenic insults provoke enduring changes in the structure, connectivity and function of salient neuronal populations. We will highlight resolved questions- and the many unresolved issues that require tackling in 2022 and beyond.
Exploring the Genetics of Parkinson's Disease: Past, Present, and Future
In this talk, Dr Singleton will discuss the progress made so far in understanding the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease. He will cover the history of discovery from the first identification of disease causing mutations to the state of knowledge in the field today, more that 20 years after that initial discovery. He will then discuss current initiatives and the promise of these for informing the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Lastly, Dr Singleton will talk about current gaps in research and knowledge and working together to fill these.