DAP Seminar: Optogenetic Control of the Enteric Nervous System

Please join us for a special research seminar by Dr. Nick Spencer:

Date/Time: Monday, May 13th, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: MSRB1, Room 001
Title: "Optogenetic Control of the Enteric Nervous System"

Pizza and drinks will be provided.

Abstract: There is a desperate need in the community to improve GI-transit selectively without effects on other organs. Significant technical advances have recently been made in the field of optogenetics. This study will demonstrate that optogenetic techniques can be used to potently control the activity of subsets of enteric neurons. Recently we developed wireless micro-light emitting diodes with appropriate dimensions to be suitably attached to the gut wall in vivo. This presentation will demonstrate that wireless optogenetics can now be used to selectively stimulate the colon in conscious, freely-moving, untethered mice leading to a significant increase in transit. The ability to selectively stimulate the ENS to modulate GI-transit in live mammals using light, avoids the need for oral consumption of non-specific agonists.

Lab website: http://www.flinders.edu.au/neuroscience/lab_visceral.html

Hosts:
Xiling Shen, PhD
Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Director, Woo Center of Big Data and Precision Health

Diego Bohórquez, PhD
Division of Gastroenterology
Department of Medicine