Events Calendar

PhD Defense: Andrew Sasuclark

October 25, 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
MEB 314 (In-Person)

Andrew SasuclarkPH.D. DEFENSE

From Selenium to Synapses: Understanding the Impact of Selenium Deficiency on Parvalbumin Interneurons and Perineuronal Nets in Cortical Networks

Alexandru Sasuclark

PhD Candidate

CMB Graduate Program

Abstract: Parvalbumin interneurons (PVIs) are a critical subgroup of GABAergic interneurons involved in neural circuitry. They are integral to generating and modulating gamma oscillations, which are necessary for enhancing information processing by reducing circuit noise and amplifying circuit signals. During development, these interneurons are surrounded by unique extracellular matrix structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs). In neurodevelopmental disorders such as Schizophrenia (SCZ), evidence has pointed to damage or loss in both PVIs and PNNs, and a possible culprit is increased oxidative stress, particularly during development. Selenoproteins, a unique clade of proteins identified by the incorporation of the amino acid selenocysteine, are necessary for PVI development. Most selenoproteins are antioxidant enzymes and several, such as GPx4 and Selenop, are important to PVI development. This relationship between selenoproteins and PVIs has been explored in depth using several knockout (KO) mouse models. To the extent that nutritional selenium is involved in developing PVIs, more work must be done. Additionally, no work has examined the role of selenium or selenoproteins in the development of PNNs. Here, using in vitro cultures of primary cortical tissue, we show that se-deficiency driven by reduced bioavailable selenium, decreases the expression of critical antioxidant selenoproteins, drives oxidative stress in PVIs, and reduces the number of mature PNNs. Critically, we find that se-deficiency influences the formation of synapses around PNN positive PVIs. This results in changes to cortical network activity, which has broad implications for our understanding and emphasizes the importance of micronutrients in developing the central nervous system (CNS). 

Time: Friday, October 25, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM HST

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Please contact Tracie Murakami (Traciemu@hawaii.edu) for more information.

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