Ismail Ahmed - Photopharmacological tools for precise spatiotemporal control of oxytocin signaling in the central nervous system and periphery

The BELONG seminar series is back to being held in-person, with the exception of 2 speakers, starting in Fall 2022. Masking is strongly encouraged for the health and safety of our community

Photopharmacological tools for precise spatiotemporal control of oxytocin signaling in the central nervous system and periphery

Abstract

Ismail Ahmed, New York University

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide critical for maternal physiology and social behavior, and is thought to be dysregulated in several neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite the biological and neurocognitive importance of oxytocin signaling, methods are lacking to activate oxytocin receptors with high spatiotemporal precision in the brain and peripheral mammalian tissues. Here we developed and validated caged analogs of oxytocin which are functionally inert until triggered cage release is triggered by ultraviolet light. We examined how focal versus global oxytocin application affected oxytocin-driven Ca2+ wave propagation in mouse mammary tissue. We also validated the application of caged oxytocin in the hippocampus and auditory cortex with electrophysiological recordings in vitro, and demonstrated that oxytocin uncaging can accelerate the onset of mouse maternal behavior in vivo. Together, these results demonstrate that optopharmacological control of caged peptides is a robust tool for modulating neuropeptide signaling throughout the brain and body.

Hosted by - Monique Mendes

About the BELONG Seminar Series

The goals of the series are to highlight the scientific work of exceptional postdocs in the field prior to their transition to faculty and facilitate exposure, networking, and mentorship opportunities for Stanford trainees. Following the seminar the speakers will have lunch with trainees from the Stanford BELONG group.

Unless otherwise noted, seminars are held Tuesdays at 11:00 AM PT.

Sign up to learn about all our upcoming events

In-person attendance is strongly encouraged, but if you are not able to join us in Gunn Rotunda, you may view the talk via Webinar:

https://stanford.zoom.us/j/95945695221?pwd=eDdHRUJUMTZORmZQTEU0NkxhaEZpdz09
Webinar ID: 959 4569 5221
Passcode: 494530