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The Emergence of Network Activity Patterns - An Early Window to Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Natalia De Marco Garcia, Ph.D.

Natalia De Marco Garcia, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Neuroscience
The Brain and Mind Research Institute
Weill Cornell Medical College
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Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar

The Emergence of Network Activity Patterns - An Early Window to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Date: March 14, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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About this Seminar

During neonatal development, sensory cortices generate spontaneous activity patterns shaped by both sensory experience and intrinsic influences. How these patterns contribute to the assembly of neuronal circuits is not clearly understood. Using in vivo calcium imaging in young mouse pups, Dr. Garcia and her lab show that spatially segregated assemblies of interneuron and pyramidal cells are already active at neonatal stages. In this talk, she will cover recent work from her lab indicating that GABAergic inputs shape network patterns that balance the number of interneurons and pyramidal cells during a critical window of development. In addition, Dr. Garcia will discuss how imaging approaches — including longitudinal 2-photon and wide-field calcium imaging — can be used to study the link between genetic predispositions for neurodevelopmental disorders and their impact on early network dynamics and functional connectivity.

Additional Details

This is a free event hosted by the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and co-sponsored by the institute's Center for Neurobiology Research. The Pioneers in Biomedical Research Seminar Series, which runs annually from September to May, has featured leading biomedical researchers from throughout the country since the program began in 2012. The lectures are also open to all members of the Virginia Tech community including graduate students, undergraduates, faculty, and staff, as well as the public.

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