BioNEt Event

Tuesday 13 November 2007, 10.00 am-5.35 pm, Research Beehive, Old Library Building, Newcastle University. Everyone welcome. Attendance, refreshment and lunch are free. Register for event by emailing Natasha Taylor. If you wish to display a poster please email Dr Tom Smulders.

Stem Cells and the Brain

In association with:

Preliminary Programme

10.30 Registration

11.00 Welcome and introduction

Chair: to be confirmed
11.10 Can Parkinson's disease be cured using stem cells?
Keynote Speaker: Roger Barker, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair
12.00 Could umbilical cord blood stem cells provide a therapy for neonatal brain injury?
Dr Gavin Clowry, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University
12.25 Human umbilical cord blood: a source of stem cells for neural tissue-engineering
Marcin Jurga, Institute of Human Genetics; NESCI, Newcastle University

12.50 Lunch and poster session

Chair: to be confirmed
14.00 Neuroblastoma cells as a model of neural stem cells and differentiation
Bojidar Goranov, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University
14.25 Transmitochondrial embryonic stem cells containing pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations are compromised in neuronal differentiation and function
Tora Smulders-Srinivasan, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University
14.50 The molecular anatomy of the proliferative zones of the developing human neocortex
Nadhim Bayatti, Clinical Medical Sciences, Newcastle University

15.15 Tea/coffee and poster session

16.00 Seasonal changes in adult neurogenesis in wild bird populations
Dr Tom Smulders, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University
16.25 Endogenous neurogenesis in adult human brain – from pathology to pharmacological potential
Prof Elaine Perry, Institute for Ageing & Health, Newcastle University
16.50 New neurons for adult brains: genes and environment in the control of adult neurogenesis
Keynote Speaker: Gerd Kempermann, Centre for Regenerative Therapies Dresden
17.40 Drinks reception

Supported by CELS Ltd, Durham University, European Regional Development Fund, Newcastle University and One NorthEast

Abstract

Neuroscience has been revolutionized by the isolation of multi-potent stem cells in vitro and by the discovery of adult neurogenesis in the brain in vivo. This workshop will explore the processes of neural differentiation in vitro and the potential of stem cell therapy for the treatment of neurological disorders. We will also examine the implications of endogenous neurogenesis for our understanding of normal brain function and the treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. In addition to the keynote speakers, there will be presentations on a number of topics in this general area.

Attendance is free, but registration is required by Friday 2 November 2007. We strongly encourage poster presentations on the topic of the workshop. Deadline for poster abstract submission: Friday 26 October 2007.