Dott. Michele Migliore

Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Palermo

Cognitive functions and dysfunctions emerging from large-scale data-driven models of brain regions

15/12/2022 – ore 14:00

Abstract: 

Understanding the neural basis of brain functions and dysfunctions has a huge impact on a number of scientific, technical, and social fields. Experimental findings have given and continue to give important clues at different levels, from subcellular biochemical pathways to behaviors. However, most of the multi-level mechanisms underlying the cognitive architecture of the involved brain regions are still largely unknown or poorly understood. This mainly depends on the practical impossibility to obtain detailed simultaneous in vivo recordings from an appropriate set of cells, making it nearly impossible to decipher and understand the emergent properties and behavior of large neuronal networks. We are addressing this problem using large-scale computational models of biologically inspired cognitive architectures. I will present and discuss the main results and techniques we use to design and exploit full-scale models of neurons and networks implemented following their natural 3D structure, with the main aim to uncover the mechanisms underlying higher brain functions and helping the development of innovative therapies to treat brain diseases.

INFO : seminari.irib@irib.cnr.it

Prof. Satdarshan(Paul)S.Monga, MD

University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA USA

Seminario: “Decoding the Wnt-beta-catenin circuitry in liver zonation and regeneration“.

13/01/2022

Abstract: 

Liver is an organ vital for survival as it performs critical synthetic, metabolic, and detoxification functions. It is bestowed with several unique capabilities that allow maintenance of its function despite ongoing insult and injury. Two major processes that are highly relevant include metabolic zonation and liver regeneration. Metabolic zonation allows for cells in particular zone in a hepatic lobule to perform specific functions owing to restricted expression of genes. This allows compartmentalization of key functions of the liver on one hand and also provides opportunities for hepatocytes of specific zones to escape injury allowing repair by expansion of remnant cells. Likewise, hepatocytes have unlimited capacity to proliferate that allows liver to regenerate following surgical or toxicant insult. Over the last 20 years, we have been able to identify and carefully ascertain the cell-molecule circuitry of this complex pathway in regulating the process of liver metabolic zonation as well as regeneration. We have also been able to exploit this pathway to induce liver repair which could have high significance in both areas of liver transplantation as well as for treatment of liver failure. In summary, the talk will highlight the role and regulation of an important pathway in the liver.

INFO : seminari.irib@irib.cnr.it

Dott. Davide Mainieri

Istituto dei Sistemi Agricoli e Forestali del Mediterraneo (ISAFOM) del CNR

Seminario: “A role for skeletal muscle stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in the adipose-specific control of thermogenesis“.

20/07/2021 alle 14.00 su TEAMS

Abstract: 

Energy conservation mechanisms, which evolved to optimize survival capacity in an ancestral lifestyle characterized by periodic famine is an important factor that nowadays contribute to accelerate the rate of fat replenishment (or catch-up fat).
Skeletal muscle stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) – a rate limiting enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids – is a key control point in the neurohormonal system of the adipose-specific suppression of thermogenesis.

INFO : seminari.irib@irib.cnr.it

Dott. Salvatore Maria Anzalone

Laboratoire CHArt – Université Paris 8
Saint-Denis – France

Seminario: “Agenti sociali artificiali e disturbi del neurosviluppo”.

09/06/2021 alle 14.30 su TEAMS

Abstract: 

Gli agenti sociali artificiali, come gli agenti virtuali ed i robot sociali, estendono le capacità tipiche di percezione, decisione ed azione degli agenti intelligenti attraverso l’impiego di modelli espliciti della presenza umana. Nell’ultima decina d’anni, diversi agenti sociali artificiali sono stati impiegati come supporto diagnostico e terapeutico nei disturbi del neurosviluppo (NDD, “neurodevelopmental disorders”), condizioni spesso caratterizzate da competenze sociali compromesse. In questa presentazione mostrerò come sia possibile stimolare alcune capacità socio-cognitive di base quali l’imitazione, l’attenzione congiunta e la presa di prospettiva, tramite agenti sociali artificiali utili ad evidenziare comportamenti alterati. Inoltre, presenterò anche il loro impiego come strumento di assistenza continua, intensiva e a lungo termine, concentrandomi in particolare sulla scuola, ambiente nel quale questi agenti sociali possono essere utilizzati per personalizzare strategie di insegnamento e terapie sui bisogni specifici dei bambini.

INFO : seminari.irib@irib.cnr.it

Dott.ssa Barbara Angelini

Seminario: “La Valorizzazione dei Risultati della Ricerca del CNR: il modello PROMO-TT Instrument“.

26/05/2021 alle 14.00 su TEAMS

Abstract: 

Obiettivo del seminario sarà illustrare ai partecipanti le modalità di promozione e di valorizzazione dei risultati di ricerca del CNR con particolare focus sul Progetto PROMO-TT Instrument. Verranno illustrate la mission, le macro attività, i vantaggi; le opportunità per i ricercatori CNR offerte da PROMO-TT; i primi risultati ottenuti e le prossime attività previste.

INFO : seminari.irib@irib.cnr.it