2024/2025

Applied Neuroscience

Type: Mago-Lego

Delivered by: Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience

When: 3 module

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Michael Ugrumov

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Course 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.