Talk at the Institute of Neurobiology - "How oligodendrocytes decode electrical and mechanical cues to produce perfect myelin."

Amit Agarwal - Wednesday, June 24th, at 16:15 (CEST).

Speaker: Amit Agarwal (Faculty of Medicine | Institute for Anatomy & Cell Biology | Heidelberg University)

Location: Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät Lecture Hall N12, Building E, 3rd Floor

Abstract: Myelin keeps brain signals fast and efficient - but how do the cells that make it know when and where to act? Oligodendrocyte lineage cells don’t just build insulation; they sense and respond to the brain’s activity. We found that oligodendrocyte precursor cells tune into norepinephrine, linking alertness and Attention to myelin remodeling. At the same time, mature oligodendrocytes feel their surroundings through a stretch- sensitive channel, TMEM63A, translating mechanical cues into calcium signals that guide myelin growth. Together, these discoveries reveal how the brain’s electrical, chemical, and physical cues converge to sculpt ist wiring in real time. Join me to explore how the language of calcium and the sense of touch guide myelin formation.

Guests are cordially invited!