Прикладная нейронаука: клеточно-молекулярные механизмы работы мозга

Магистратура 2020/2021

Лучший по критерию «Полезность курса для расширения кругозора и разностороннего развития»

Лучший по критерию «Новизна полученных знаний»

Статус: Курс по выбору (Когнитивные науки и технологии: от нейрона к познанию)

Направление: 37.04.01. Психология

Кто читает: Департамент психологии

Где читается: Институт когнитивных нейронаук

Когда читается: 1-й курс, 3 модуль

Формат изучения: без онлайн-курса

Преподаватели: Угрюмов Михаил Вениаминович

Прогр. обучения: Когнитивные науки и технологии: от нейрона к познанию

Язык: английский

Кредиты: 4

Контактные часы: 32

Full Syllabus

Abstract

«Molecular Mechanisms of the Brain» is an elective course showing that the brain is the most important and sophisticated organ that, as “a conductor”, provides the regulation of the central and peripheral functions and the integration of the whole organism. This is a necessary condition for the survival of the organism and the conservation of animal species. In addition, it is emphasized that the brain is a substrate for learning, memory and consciousness. In sum, this course provides basic information on the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms of brain functioning in norm and their impairment in pathology. The first part of the course is devoted to the analysis of the current concept of the structural and functional organization of the brain - from gene expression in individual neurons to behavior, which is the highlight of the Program “Brain Initiative Program”. Particular attention is paid to the organization of neural networks that regulate specific functions by transmitting information from a neuron to a neuron via specialized contacts, the so-called synapses, using chemical signals, neurotransmitters. A variety of neurons in accordance with their phenotype and a wide range of chemical signals used for intraneuronal communication provide specific regulation of the brain functioning. Noteworthy that the implementation of the genetic program, the expression of the phenotype and the functioning of neurons can significantly change when the environment of the neuron changes, that is, under the influence of the so-called epigenetic factors. This unique phenomenon is a background of high brain (neuro)plasticity. The second part of the course is devoted to the evaluation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain degradation and its consequences for the functioning of the whole organism at aging, as well as at acute (trauma, stroke) and chronic (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease, etc.) brain diseases. In this context, particular attention is paid to the current insight into the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases. Throughout the course, it is emphasized that understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain functioning in norm and pathology is only possible when using a multidisciplinary approach to study it at different levels of organization, from isolated neurons (in vitro) to the entire brain (in vivo) using invasive and non-invasive methods. Fundamental knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of brain diseases in accordance with the principles of translational medicine opens up unlimited possibilities for the development of innovative technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Thus, this course will serve to understand the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying brain functioning in norm and pathology.

Learning Objectives

To provide basic knowledge about the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms of brain functioning in norm and pathology;
To introduce the methodology and advanced techniques for the study of the brain functioning - from gene expression to the behavior;
To consider preventive, translational and personalized medicine as a methodology for the development of innovative technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Gaining knowledge about the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms of brain functioning in norm and pathology;
Gaining knowledge about the cellular, genetic and molecular mechanisms of brain functioning in norm and pathology
Getting a skill to critically evaluate previous and current studies of the brain and develop an optimal experimental design to solve specific basic and applied issues
Learning the main approaches - experimental models and methods for studying the brain functioning from gene expression to behavior

Course Contents

The current concept of the organization and functioning of the brain
Methodology and techniques for brain research with a focus on neurodegeneration and neuroplasticity
Specific functions of the brain
Brain development and its regulation
The role of the brain in the development of the whole organism
Brain diseases – etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment
Neurodegenerative diseases as a challenge of the 21st century

Assessment Elements

Lecture attendance and participation in the discussion
Critical analysis of selected papers
Answers to questions during the classes (seminars)
Final exam
Экзамен проводится в устной форме (опрос по материалам курса). Экзамен проводится на платформе Zoom (https://www.zoom.us/). К экзамену необходимо подключиться согласно расписанию ответов, высланному преподавателем на корпоративные почты студентов накануне экзамена. Компьютер студента должен удовлетворять требованиям: наличие рабочей камеры и микрофона, поддержка Zoom. Для участия в экзамене студент обязан: поставить на аватар свою фотографию, явиться на экзамен согласно точному расписанию, при ответе включить камеру и микрофон. Во время экзамена студентам запрещено: выключать камеру, пользоваться конспектами и подсказками. Кратковременным нарушением связи во время экзамена считается нарушение связи менее минуты. Долговременным нарушением связи во время экзамена считается нарушение длиной в минуту и более. При долговременном нарушении связи студент не может продолжить участие в экзамене.

Interim Assessment

Interim assessment (3 module)
0.2 * Answers to questions during the classes (seminars) + 0.2 * Critical analysis of selected papers + 0.5 * Final exam + 0.1 * Lecture attendance and participation in the discussion

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Borroto-Escuela, D. O., Perez De La Mora, M., Manger, P., Narváez, M., Beggiato, S., Crespo-Ramírez, M., … Fuxe, K. (2018). Brain Dopamine Transmission in Health and Parkinson’s Disease: Modulation of Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity Through Volume Transmission and Dopamine Heteroreceptors. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.7FA46BFA
Dickstein, D. L., Kabaso, D., Rocher, A. B., Luebke, J. I., Wearne, S. L., & Hof, P. R. (2007). Changes in the structural complexity of the aged brain. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.BDBEDC0
Duane E. Haines, & Gregory A. Mihailoff. (2018). Fundamental Neuroscience for Basic and Clinical Applications E-Book. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1616581
Huerta, P. T., & Volpe, B. T. (2009). Transcranial magnetic stimulation, synaptic plasticity and network oscillations. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.C3348A78
Lazarov, O., Mattson, M. P., Peterson, D. A., Pimplikar, S. W., & van Praag, H. (2010). When Neurogenesis Encounters Aging and Disease. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.48B50B17
Siegel, G. J. (2006). Basic Neurochemistry : Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects (Vol. 7th ed). Amsterdam: Academic Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=189661
Trueta, C., & De-Miguel, F. F. (2012). Extrasynaptic exocytosis and its mechanisms: a source of molecules mediating volume transmission in the nervous system. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.13E3D59D

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Haines, D. E. (2012). Fundamental Neuroscience for Basic and Clinical Applications : With STUDENT CONSULT Online Access (Vol. 4th ed). London: Saunders. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=679934

Course Syllabus