Killam Seminar Series: Decoding the Diversity of Neuronal Nanostructures With AI-Assisted Nanoscopy
Supported by the generosity of the Killam Trusts, The Neuro's Killam Seminar Series invites outstanding guest speakers whose research is of interest to the scientific community at The Neuro and McGill University.
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Flavie Lavoie-Cardinal
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosicence, Université Laval
Host:Ìýthomas.stroh [at] mcgill.ca (Thomas Stroh)
Abstract:ÌýUnderstanding the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission is challenging in part because synapses are tiny, exhibit a wide range of shapes and internal structures and undergo activity-dependent plasticity. Optical nanoscopy allows us to characterize the molecular dynamics and interactions of synaptic proteins at their scale: the nanoscale. Developing AI-assisted frameworks for optical nanoscopy allows real-time optimization of multi-modal live-cell imaging as well as for quantitative high throughput image analysis. We developed AI approaches for: 1) quantitative analysis of neuronal protein organization in optical nanoscopy images and 2) the optimization of image acquisition schemes, especially in living neuronal samples. This allows us to characterize activity-dependent remodeling of synaptic nanostructures and localized modulation of synaptic activity. The development of data-driven microscopy is transforming our ability to discover and characterize rare phenomena that may influence synaptic connections and thus to discover new mechanisms influencing the proper functioning of our brain.