Student Seminars

Daulton Myers - PhD Candidate, Neuroscience Graduate Program

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a heterogenous structure that is strongly connected with the amygdala and contains subdivisions critical for unique limbic and cognitive functions. The subgenual ACC (sgACC, Brodmann area 25/14c), implicated in major depression in humans, is a key node of the salience network and is important for arousal state modulation and valuation of sensory information. The perigenual ACC (pgACC, Brodmann area 32/24b), which is positioned dorsal to the sgACC, is important for a host of cognitive functions including decision-making and conflict monitoring. Despite known functional differences in sgACC and pgACC, the main cortical and thalamic drivers of the ACC subregions are not fully understood in higher species. Our preliminary data in macaque suggests each region is unique. sgACC is weighted towards prefrontal cortical (PFC) and thalamic afferents carrying information about motivational states and the value of sensory cues, including midline thalamic nuclei and Brodmann area 13. In contrast, pgACC receives unique inputs from mediodorsal (MD) thalamus and Brodmann area 9/46 that carry information important for spatial and temporal localization of salient stimuli. In Aim 1, I will use paired retrograde tracer injections and compare ensembles of prefrontal cortical and thalamic afferents to the macaque sgACC and pgACC within the same animals. I hypothesize that unique combinations of inputs drive sgACC and pgACC, with sgACC being weighted towards key areas of the arousal network and pgACC being weighted towards cortical and thalamic areas important for goal-directed behavior and decision-making.

The amygdala is critical for ACC function, but its specific inputs to sgACC and pgACC are not clear. The basal nucleus of the amygdala, a 'cortical-like' nucleus critical for detection of salient cues such as facial expression and facial identity, has strong inputs to the ACC. The basal nucleus of the amygdala is enlarged in primates compared to rodents and is subdivided into a dorsal magnocellular division (Bmc), a ventral parvicellular division (Bpc), and an intermediate subdivision (Bi). These cellular divisions are based on size and density of glutamatergic pyramidal neurons. Since glutamatergic projection neurons are specialized at the molecular level, it is possible that glutamatergic neurons in the basal nucleus exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles that encode their projection targets. In Aim 2A, I will use long-read single-nucleus RNA sequencing to characterize the transcriptional profiles of glutamatergic neurons in the macaque basal nucleus of the amygdala. I hypothesize that a gradient of excitatory neuron subtype-specific gene expression will be revealed, with unique glutamatergic neuron types present in the Bmc, Bi, and Bpc. In Aim 2B, an atlas of differentially express genes in the basal nucleus subdivisions will be validated with spatial transcriptomics (RNAScope).

While the sgACC and pgACC act as discrete functional and connectional hubs, preliminary data show that they receive a common input from the Bi, which may function to coordinate responses to salient social stimuli. I hypothesize that excitatory Bi neurons projecting to sgACC and pgACC will exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles compared to neurons that do not target the ACC. In Aim 3, information from transcriptomic studies (Aim 2) will be used to determine the molecular features of Bi-ACC projection neurons. Using cases from Aim 1, retrogradely labeled neurons in the basal nucleus of the amygdala projecting to sgACC and pgACC will be double labeled for fluorescent in situ hybridization (RNAScope). These results will then be integrated with the results of Aim 1 for a comprehensive analysis of sgACC and pgACC connectivity. Overall, this will provide insight on how the unique functions of sgACC and pgACC are established and coordinated to guide decision-making in the presence of salient social stimuli, and will be informative for understanding ACC dysregulation in psychiatric disorders.

 Dec 17, 2024 @ 9:00 a.m.
 Medical Center | K307 (3-6408)

Andrea Campbell - PhD Candidate, Neuroscience Graduate Program

Visual impairment affects over 2.2 billion people worldwide, with retinal diseases (RDs) like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) as significant contributors to this impairment. These diseases lead to the degeneration of photoreceptor cells, which lack a natural regenerative capacity in humans. Current treatments primarily aim to slow disease progression, underscoring a critical need for regenerative strategies focused on restoring vision. Photoreceptor precursor cells (PRPCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are promising candidates for cell replacement therapies. However, immune-mediated rejection and inflammation remain significant barriers to their success. To address these challenges without relying on prolonged immune suppression, this study evaluates two complementary strategies: (1) short-term systemic immune suppression and (2) co-transplantation of PRPCs with regulatory T cells (T-regs).

Aim 1 evaluates the efficacy of short-term immune suppression in promoting PRPC survival. Prolonged immune suppression increases risks such as infections and systemic toxicity. Inspired by transient protocols in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transplantation, this study hypothesizes that a short-term immunosuppressive regimen can promote PRPC survival while minimizing adverse effects. Advanced adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) will facilitate non-invasive, longitudinal imaging of PRPC survival and host immune responses at cellular resolution.

Meeting ID: 944 0302 2429
Passcode: 903589

Aim 2 examines the co-transplantation of PRPCs with T-regs to locally modulate immune responses. T-regs play a key role in immune tolerance and may provide a localized, cellular alternative to pharmacological immune suppression. By dampening inflammation and inhibiting cytotoxic T-cell activity, T-regs could enhance PRPC survival. Using fluorescent reporters and high-resolution imaging, this study will track immune activity, T-reg function, and PRPC survival in real-time, assessing the potential of T-regs to mitigate rejection.

This research integrates cutting-edge imaging technologies, fluorescent reporters, and an NHP model that closely mimics human retinal anatomy, physiology, and immune responses. By leveraging these innovations, the study seeks to advance regenerative therapies for retinal diseases, providing insights into immune modulation and stem cell-based interventions. Success in these strategies could pave the way for safer and more effective treatments for RD patients, addressing an unmet medical need and establishing a framework for future cell-based therapies in ophthalmology.

 Jan 13, 2025 @ 11:00 a.m.
 Medical Center | K307 (3-6408)

Amelia Hines & Sid Chittaranjan - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Gail Johnson & Sarah McConnell

Student Moderator: Mark Osabutey

 Jan 27, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Aiesha Anchan & Erica Squire - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Hohui Xia & Gil Rivlis

Student Moderator: Leslie Gonzalez

 Feb 03, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Aishwarya Jayan & Aaron Huynh - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Madalina Tivarus & Lauren Hablitz

Student Moderator: Lia Calcinez Rodruiguez

 Feb 10, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Niki Lam & Leah Sheppard - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Margot Mayer-Proschel & Anne Luebke

Student Moderator: Thomas Delgado

 Feb 17, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Nicole Popp & Staci Rocco - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Nathan Smith & Jennetta Hammond

Student Moderator: Julia Granato

 Feb 24, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Stacey Pedraza & Gavin Magill - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Ed Freedman & Krystel Huxlin

Student Moderator: Catalina Guzman

 Mar 03, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Tom Scudder & Lelo Shamambo - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Doug Portman & Marissa Sobolewski

Student Moderator: Abigail Alpers

 Mar 17, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Sean Lydon & Estephanie Balb - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Benjamin Suarez-Jimenez & Samuel MacKenzie

Student Moderator: Dominic Bunn

 Mar 24, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Gueladouan Jean Setenet & Pavel Rjabtsenkov - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Thomas O'Connor & Amy Kiernan

Student Moderator: Andrea Campbell

 Mar 31, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Adam Roszczyk & Caleb Mahlen - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Manoela Fogaca & Andrew Wojtovich

Student Moderator: Tanique McDonald

 Apr 07, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Tracey Preko & Skylar DeWitt - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Samuel Norman-Haignere & Ania Busza

Student Moderator: Amelia Hines

 Apr 14, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Wen Li & Yunshan Cai - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Rick Libby & Ed Brown

Student Moderator: Mariah Marrero

 Apr 21, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Joanne Chiu & Emma Bryson - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Jean Bidlack & David Dodell-Feder

Student Moderator: Daulton Myers

 Apr 28, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K307

Alesandra Martin & Emma Strawderman - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Michael Telias & Frank Garcea

Student Moderator: Jeeyun Kim

 May 05, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K207

Alex Solorzano & Alexis Feidl - PhD Candidates

Titles: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: John Olschowka & Debroah Cory-Slechta

Student Moderator: Margaux Masten

 May 12, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K207

Catalina Guzman - PhD Candidate

Title: TBD

Faculty Evaluators: Ania Majewska & Loisa Bennetto

Student Moderator: Gavin Magill

 May 19, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m.
 Medical Center | K207