Optogenetics and Pharmacogenetics in Neuronal Function and Dysfunction

Hilton Riverside, New Orleans, LA, USA | 11-12 October 2012

Conference Organizers
Gary Aston-Jones, Medical University of South Carolina, USA
Karl Deisseroth, Stanford University, California

The ability to express light-sensitive membrane channels (optogenetics) and synthetic receptors (pharmacogenetics) in neurons is revolutionizing neuroscience. With these new approaches, investigators can control neuronal activity or signaling with unprecedented specificity and precision. These methods are within the reach of most investigators, and are replacing less selective techniques of electrical stimulation, lesions or pharmacologic manipulations. These approaches are not only a boon to basic researchers, but also have substantial potential for development of novel clinical treatments for a range of nervous system disorders. The 2-day meeting will feature the originators (Deisseroth, Roth and Conklin) as well as early adopters of these methods, validating their utility in understanding neural function and potential for treating neural dysfunction.

Extended Abstract Submission Deadline - 31 May 2012

Topics List

Posters are invited on the following conference themes:

• Opsin channels: constructs and functions
• Synthetic receptors: constructs and functions
• Viral transduction to drive expression of opsins and synthetic receptors
• Challenges and opportunities for applying opsins or synthetic receptors in research animals and in the clinic
• Advantages/disadvantages of opsins vs synthetic receptors in research and in the clinic
• Clinical applications (e.g. PD, Blindness, Spinal injury, DBS and TMS)
• Applications of optogenetics or pharmacogenetics in vitro
• Applications of optogenetics or pharmacogenetics in vivo in animal experiments (e.g. behavior)