Workshop: Translational Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders

The past decade has witnessed a revolution in our understanding of the intricate developmental interplay between microglia and neurons. Microglia play a crucial role in shaping the central nervous system, from the early stages of neurogenesis to the maturation of synapses and neural networks. Disruptions to this tightly regulated process, especially due to external factors like infections or environmental pollution during the highly sensitive periods of brain development, may compromise the delicate balance between brain excitation and inhibition. This imbalance could impact the continuum of clinical outcomes.

A workshop titled 'Translational Research on Neurodevelopmental Disorders', organised by the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) in collaboration with Kuopio Brain & Mind and Neurocenter Finland on May 27, 2024, will bring together leading scientists in the field to discuss and outline areas for future research from diverse cross-sectoral viewpoints.

Programme

27.5.2024, MS301, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland 

8:30- Registration and coffee

9:00-12:00 Role of early inflammatory activation in microglia/neuron crosstalk in autism spectrum disorders (Chair: Anssi Pelkonen)

Tarja Malm, UEF, Kuopio 

iPSCs and immunocompetent brain organoids from human cells to target the complexity of microglia-neuron interaction in ASD 

Carsten Culmsee, UMR, Marburg

Impact of Cacna1c gene haploinsufficiency on mitochondrial resilience and neuro-inflammatory responses 

Judith Alferink, WWU, Munster

Role of the psychiatric risk gene Cacna1c in inflammation and mental disorders

Break

Laura Ricceri, ISS, Rome

The contribution of models based on developmental immune activation to the study of autism spectrum disorder 

Markus Wöhr, KUL, Leuven

Assessing behavioural alterations with relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders through ultrasound playback in rodents

Sponsor’ talk: Minttu-Maria Martikainen, Charles River

Sponsor’ talk: Romain Hollands, Noldus (online)

Lunch

13:00-14:30 Building resilience in autism (Chair: Polina Abushik)

Heta Pukki, Autistic Spectrum Finland

Participatory approaches and biomedical autism research - autistic perspectives

Eija Kärnä, UEF, Joensuu

PEICAS: Peer Interactions involving Children with Autism Spectrum disorder in inclusive class rooms

Maija Castrén, University of Helsinki

Neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying resilience to neuropsychiatric diseases

Sponsor’s talk: Eero Rissanen, Neurocenter Finland

Sponsor’s talk: Helene Meinild, Jazz Pharmaceuticals (online)

Coffee

15:00-16:30 Research on neurodevelopmental disorders in Finland (Chair: Paula Korhonen)

Takashi Namba, University of Helsinki

Metabolic regulation of neocortical development and neurodevelopmental disorders 

Jaan-Olle Andressoo, University of Helsinki

GDNF modulating schizophrenia: a promising target for innovative treatment

Aaron Barron, University of Turku

Maternal C-reactive protein and perfluoroalkyl substances are associated with white matter alterations in offspring: a neuroimaging analysis from the FinnBrain birth cohort study

Oskari Kulta, Neurogroup, Tampere University

Functional network level abnormalities of neural circuits in a human iPSC model of Dravet syndrome

Adrien Gigliotta, University of Helsinki

Gene expression profiling reveals a role of immune system and inflammation in innate and stress-induced anxiety-like behavior

Mireia Gómez-Budia, University of Eastern Finland

Spiked up microglia-containing neural organoid model

Closing the day

Tarja Malm

19:00-21:00 Evening cruise and dinner, M/S Koski