301323 VO Cell type-specific features of the Nervous System (2025S)

Abstract: This lecture series will focus on cell type-specific mechanisms and cell differentiation. It will take place in 4 parts:

Part 1 “Development of CNS-specific cell types” by Dmitrii Kamenev: This lecture will provide an overview of the processes that drive the development of CNS-specific cell types, with focus on how neural progenitors differentiate into diverse neurons and glial cells. Key topics will include the role of signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, and epigenetic modifications in cell fate specification. The lecture will also introduce techniques, such as lineage tracing, organoid models, and single-cell technologies, to study these mechanisms. We will discuss how disruptions in these processes can lead to neurological disorders, offering a foundation for understanding the complexity of CNS development and its relevance to health and disease.

Part 2 "Development and Plasticity of Cell Types in the Peripheral Nervous System” by Mona Christensen: "This lecture will explore how neural progenitors develop into various cell types in the peripheral nervous systems. We will cover key stages of neurogenesis, including the differentiation of neurons and glial cells, and discuss how molecular and environmental factors influence this process. We will also learn about neural plasticity, examine how the nervous system adapts and reorganizes in response to experience or injury, and cover the differential regenerative capacity of the central and peripheral nervous systems."

Part 3 “Cell type-specific treatments in the CNS and how to overcome the BBB” by Johannes Berger: In this block we will work out different strategies of how to target different cell types in the central nervous system for a curative treatment. The blood brain barrier represent a major challenge for the delivery of curative medications to the central nervous system. Moreover, the medication has also to target intra cellular the respective pathway. Not only conventional medications have to reach the cell types of interest also modern techniques such as enzyme replacement therapy, in vivo and ex vivo gene therapies (using different viruses), mRNA, antisense RNA or Crisper-Cas facing the challenge of reaching the target cell of interest. Ongoing and future strategies will be discussed including pros and cons for each of these strategies.

Part 4 "Modern methods to study the diversity of cell types in developing and adult nervous system" by Igor Adameyko: The lectures will provide an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge techniques and methodologies used to analyze cellular diversity in the nervous system. The course will cover single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, advanced imaging techniques such as multiphoton and light-sheet microscopy, and molecular tools like CRISPR- and lentivirus-based barcoded lineage tracing at single cell resolution and epigenetic profiling. Students will hear about how to characterize and classify neural cell types, investigate their functional roles, and track their developmental trajectories. The lectures will also include discussions on current challenges in neuroscience research, and applications of these methods to model organisms and human systems, preparing students to address complex questions about neural development, plasticity, and regeneration.