The GEMSTONE Project proudly hosted the "Chemogenetic Modulation and Validation" course at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University (ACU) in Istanbul, Turkey, on 18-19 January 2024.
The GEMSTONE training course immersed participants in a dynamic two-day program. Exploring the intricate realm of chemogenetic modulation, this hands-on experience delved into the theoretical and practical aspects of utilizing designer receptors for precise neural cell modulation.
This hybrid course featured keynote lectures, hands-on workshops, and interactive sessions on experimental design using chemogenetic tools. Participants left equipped with in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and a renewed passion for neuroscience research.
Led by esteemed instructors, including Prof. Filiz Onat and Assoc. Prof. Nihan Carcak Yılmaz from ACU, along with Assoc. Prof. My Andersson and Prof. Deniz Kirik from Lund University (ULUND), participants gained expertise in stereotaxic surgery, EEG recordings, chemogenetic manipulations, and more.
Meet the visionary behind GEMSTONE
Prof. Filiz Onat, Principal Investigator and the mastermind behind the GEMSTONE Project, delivered a captivating opening speech at the chemogenetic course.
With expertise that transcends borders, she shared insights into the groundbreaking GEMSTONE Project, unraveling the mysteries of the brain through innovative techniques like chemogenetic modulation. Her passion for neuroscience and commitment to advancing research have set the stage for an enlightening seminar.
Global insights in neuroscience
Assoc. Prof. My Andersson from ULUND also took the stage at the course. With a profound grasp of neuroscience, she delivered an enlightening session, offering a general introduction to chemogenetics. Her expertise and global perspective enriched our understanding of this cutting-edge field.
Dr. Andersson continued to enrich the GEMSTONE course with her second captivating speech. Unraveling the complexities of validation of chemogenetics in vitro and in vivo, she navigated through EEG movies and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, offering profound insights into this cutting-edge neuroscience methodology.
Unraveling neural mysteries
Assoc. Prof. Nihan Carcak Yilmaz, WP2 Leader and a driving force in the GEMSTONE Project, shared groundbreaking insights.
With a focus on combining genetically engineered models (GEMs) and chemogenetics to determine the role of cortical circuits in absence seizures, she illuminated the intricate relationship between genetics and chemogenetics in understanding brain activity.
Diving into cutting-edge neuroscientific infrastructure
Assoc. Prof. Meltem Kolgazi, a distinguished member of ACU, shared valuable insights during the course.
Her speech on the available infrastructure for viral vector-mediated research shed light on the advanced tools and resources empowering neuroscientists in groundbreaking research.
Virtual transfer knowledge and experience
Prof. Deniz Kirik of ULUND participated virtually and shared his knowledge and experience with the participants.
Their dedication and meticulous preparations paved the way for an enriching experience, fostering knowledge and expertise in the realm of neuroscience.
International collaboration in capacity building
This collaborative effort between ACU and ULUND aimed to enhance research capacity in neuroscience. Through engaging sessions and expert workshops, participants dove into the realm of chemogenetics, unlocking new possibilities in understanding neural cell types.
As the GEMSTONE Project, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the enthusiastic participants for their active engagement and commitment to advancing neuroscience knowledge.