A Conversation with Graduate Student Benjamin Devlin

Microglia-neuron crosstalk is critical for the formation, refinement, and survival of synaptic connections in the brain. Research thus far have determined that the microglial receptor colony-stimulating factor 1 has two ligands, one of which, interleukin-34 (IL34), is produced by neurons. However, its role in microglia function is unknown. Due to the implications of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases from disrupted IL34 signaling, this project aims to elucidate how IL34 expression is regulated in neurons. In addition, this work also measures what IL34 does to impact microglial interactions with neurons in development.
The speaker is Benjamin Devlin, who is a current graduate student at Duke University in the Psychology and Neuroscience department. This event will take place, Thursday, December 1st, 2022 in the DIBS Cube seminar room from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. Masks are required during attendance and lunch will be served outside, after the seminar.