Developmental Neurobiology

1) What is the genetic program underlying the development of the nervous system? This course highlights the types of decisions that progressively determine the neural fate of cells and ensure their nervous function. The various stages considered are:

(i) the development of the nervous system

(ii) the specification of neurons

(iii) nervous function: axonal guidance and connectivity

(iv) neuronal remodeling

2) What molecular, cellular, and environmental interactions control the development of the nervous system?

-Synaptogenesis and the major stages of development.

-Roles of neurotrophic factors

-Functions of electrical activity

-Critical periods

-Roles of neuron-glial cell interactions.

-Neural stem cells

3) Developmental Disorders

The objectives of this module are:

-to gain knowledge about the mechanisms of nervous system development (from the earliest to the latest stages) by studying various model organisms and considering different experimental approaches (particularly the genetic approach).

-to be able to take a critical approach to experimental results in this field; to recognize the conservation of developmental mechanisms across different organisms (e.g., from insects to humans); and to understand the impact of development on neurological and psychiatric disorders in children and adults.

-to recognize the conservation of developmental mechanisms across different organisms (e.g., from insects to humans) and the impact of development on neurological and psychiatric disorders in children and adults.

A bachelor’s degree with coursework in neuroscience: basic knowledge of neurobiology/neurophysiology, sensory perception, and motor function, or its equivalent for schools of medicine, pharmacy, engineering, etc.

Recommended prerequisites: Knowledge of major physiological and neurobiological functions.

Written during the first and second sessions

The speakers are all researchers and faculty members: Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Marie-Laure Parmentier, Jean-Maurice Dura, Patrick Carroll, and Jean Valmier.