Biology 185N - Topics in Advanced Neurobiology
Instructor: J. Groome.
Meeting Times: Tue / Thu 1:15 to 2:45 PM.
Meeting place to be arranged depending upon availability of Olin 152, TG 107. Meetings also in laboratory (Olin 373 or Neurobiology ).
Course Description
The field of neuroscience is a truly interdisciplinary one with tremendous current research emphasis in molecular biology. Technological advances such as cloning, PCR and patch clamping have allowed neuroscientists to examine the roles of single molecules in the regulation of nerve cells and in the signalling processes of the nervous system. In this course we will take a look at some of the approaches to an understanding of neural function, with discussions of primary literature. In addition, we will use the leech CNS as an experimental system in which varied techniques will be integrated to examine the aminergic system of this animal.
Presentation of papers
We will examine several areas of current interest in the field of neuroscience. For several of these topics I will provide an introduction with readings from book chapters and / or review articles. For each of these topics one or more papers will be presented by students. After you select a particular sub-topic, come by my office and we will pick out a suitable paper. Each student should receive a copy of the paper one week prior to its presentation. Before you present we will meet once more to briefly discuss the paper. Overheads may be useful for your presentation; a 1 page summary of the paper should be submitted following the presentation.
Laboratory
We will engage in a series of related experiments during the semester. These will encompass histology, electrochemistry, and electrophysiology. The central theme of these experiments will be the biogenic amine-containing neurons of the leech CNS. I will give you handouts prior to each experimnent, and will perform the intial stages of each experiment so that you can complete them in the short time we have. Keep careful notes of each experiment. At the end of the semester, you will be asked to write a paper in the form of a scientific article which coalesces the results of these experiments.
Term Paper
Pick a topic of particular interest to yourself. Come by to discuss your ideas about this area, and we will define an arena of research efforts that you will examine in an expanded literature search. At the end of the semester you will present your findings in the form of a short presentation to the class, followed by a written term paper.
Bio 185N - Syllabus
Sept.
5
Introduction, Visit to Neurobiology Lab.
Sept.
10
Bioelectricity review. Electricity, channels, recording techniques.
Sept.
12
Lab - Vital staining of leech ganglia.
Sept.
17
Topics (Receptors and signal transduction) - 2 papers.
Sept.
19
Lab - Glyoxylic acid technique.
Sept.
24
Topics (Receptors / signal transduction) - 1 paper. Intro learning.
Sept.
26
Lab - HPLC-EC determination of biogenic amines in leech CNS.
Oct.
1
Topics (Learning and Memory) - 2 papers.
Oct.
3
Topics (Learning and Memory) - 1 paper. Intro modulation.
Oct.
8
Talk at Pomona: J. Groome - Leech neurobiology and behavioral state.
Oct.
10
Topics (Modulation of neural circuitry) - 2 papers.
Oct.
15
Lab - Fabrication of sharp, patch and suction electrodes.
Oct.
17
Topics (Modulation of neural circuitry) - 1 paper. Molecular review.
Oct.
22
No class, Fall Break.
Oct.
24
Lab - Intracellular dye injection - Lucifer yellow.
Oct.
29
Topics (Development) - 2 papers.
Oct.
31
Lab - Data aquisition and analysis.
Nov.
5
Topics (Development) - 2 papers, 1 by J. Groome.
Nov.
7
Lab - Electrophysiologal identification of neuronal projections.
Nov.
12
Topics (Neuropathology) - 2 papers.
Nov.
14
Lab - Electrophysiologal identification of neuronal projections.
Nov.
19
Topics (Neuropathology) - 2 papers.
Nov.
21
Lab - Electrophysiology - gap junctions and rectification.
Nov.
26
Topics (Neuropathology) - 2 papers.
Nov.
28
No class, Thanksgiving Break.
Dec
3
Topics (Circadian Rhythms) - 1 paper.
Dec.
5
Topics (Circadian Rhythms) - 2 papers, 1 by J. Groome.
Dec.
10
Lab - Electrophysiology - gap junctions and rectification.
Dec.
12
Term Paper presentations. Each student, 20 min + discussion.
Bio 185N - Presentation Topics:
Channels
Kinetics and Modulation; Xenopus expression:
structure / function studies; Drosophila Shaker
Circadian Rhythms
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus; Genetic studies: IEGs,
mutants, transplants;Per and Tim;Visual Sensitivity
Computational
Neuroscience
Models: neuronal cells; Models: neural circuits
Gene Expression
Transcription factor mechanisms; Immediate early genes;
Second messengers and gene expression;
Gene expression and behavior / neural activity
Learning and memory
Long Term Potentiation: hippocampus and elsewhere
1. NMDA receptors; Calcium dynamics
2. NO and second messenger systems
3. Immediate early genes and protein synthesis
4. Mutations affecting learning and memory
Aplysia gill withdrawl reflex
1 Ion channel modulation
2. Circuit anayses
3. Immediate early genes and protein synthesis
Avian song-learning
Modulation of
Neural Circuitry
Behavioral State; Centrally programmed behavior;
Interactive Neural Circuits
Neural Development
Homeobox Genes; Neuronal differentiation;
Synaptogenesis; Pathfinding mechanisms
Neurotrophic Factors; Growth Cones; Regeneration;