02.13.2018// Gary Armstrong, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University

Zebrafish Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Dr. Gary Armstrong is Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University. Prior to joining the MNI he was a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal in the Department of Neurosciences in the laboratory of Pierre Drapeau. His Ph.D. and M.Sc. were completed at Queen’s University in the Department of Biology under the guidance of Dr. Mel Robertson, where he investigated neuronal circuit dysfunction arising during hyperthermia and hypoxia, and the protective mechanisms that preserve neural function during exposure to extreme stress. His current research interests lie in gaining a better understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms which culminate in neuronal dysfunction resulting from mutations in genes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studying this disease requires a model system which can facilitate detailed manipulations of the genes and proteins involved and a nervous system accessible to electrophysiological investigations of neuronal and synaptic activity. The zebrafish larva offers the rare opportunity to combine cutting edge genetic techniques (such as the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenic system) with in vivo neurophysiological (patch-clamp) recordings of identified neurons, allowing for thorough investigations into the physiological nature of defects arising as a result of mutant protein expression.

11:30-12:30 BioSci Rm. 3110
And Free Lunch Meet & Greet 12:30-1:30 in BioSci 3rd floor lunch room (Rm 3406)