Title: "Zebrafish GnRH neurons communicate synaptically to control their own migration"
Speaker: Dr. Matan Golan (Researcher, Israeli Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center)
Abstract:Â Reproduction in all vertebrates is controlled by a small group of hypothalamic neurons that secrete Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). These neurons are born in the nose, outside of the central nervous system, and migrate into the brain during embryonic development. Despite the great importance of these cells, studying their migration is challenging because in mammals the process takes place inside the mother's uterus. To study the migration of GnRH neurons in vivo, we used zebrafish since their small and transparent embryos develop externally, making it possible to follow the migration and activity of the cells as it would occur naturally, in a whole and live organism. Using this approach, we revealed that, contrary to what we thought, GnRH neurons do not migrate alone. Instead, the cells create an isolated, spontaneously active circuit that is internally wired through monosynaptic glutamatergic synapses into which newborn GnRH neurons integrate before entering the brain. This initial phase of integration drives a phenotypic switch, which is essential for GnRH neurons to properly migrate toward their hypothalamic destination. We therefore propose an updated model for GnRH neuronal migration, critical for vertebrate reproduction and species survival, in which the population controls the migration of individual units.
Host: Dr. Nilli Zmora
If you would like to attend virtually, please email imetdirectorsoffice@umces.edu
