Developmental neurobiology

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

(i) the genesis of the nervous system

(ii) the specification of neurons

(iii)nerve function: axonal guidance and connectivity

(iv) neural 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

-Roles of electrical activity

-Critical periods

-Roles of neuron-glial cell interactions.

-Neural stem cells

3) Developmental disorders

The objectives of this module are:

-acquire knowledge about the mechanisms of nervous system development (from the earliest to the latest stages), based on the study of different model organisms and considering different experimental approaches (particularly the genetic approach).

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

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

Obtaining a degree with course units in neuroscience: basic knowledge of neurobiology/neurophysiology, sensory perception, and motor skills, or its equivalent for medical, pharmacy, engineering, and other schools.

Recommended prerequisites: Knowledge of major physiological and neurobiological functions.

Written in the first and second sessions

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