Date/Time
Date(s) - 27/10/2022
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Please join us for one of our internal PNB colloquium speakers this Thursday, October 27th at 2:30 PM in PC 155. Coffee and cookies will be out in the lobby at 2:00pm. There will be no reception this week.
Speaker: Dr. Katrina Choe, McMaster University
Title: Investigating the link between ASD-risk genes, oxytocin, and social behaviour.
Abstract: Difficulties with social interactions and communication are core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although the neurobiological mechanisms of social difficulties in ASD remain poorly understood, recent evidence suggests that oxytocin, a neurohormone with an established role in social bonding and trust, could be involved. Using genetically-engineered mouse models, my laboratory’s research aims to explore the possibility that several gene mutations implicated in ASD converge onto a common neuro biological mechanism that disrupts oxytocin signaling in the brain, lowering sociability. In this colloquium talk, I will discuss previous and current evidence that supports this hypothesis, as well as a new direction in our research examining the role of oxytocin neurons and surrounding astrocytes during social interactions and under conditions eliciting stress.
There will also be a livestream on our YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/pnbcolloquia.