Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Time: 4:00 pm-5:00 pm, followed by reception
Speaker: Kimberly Huber, Ph.D.
Affiliation: Professor of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center

Host: Weifeng Xu, Ph.D.

Talk title: Mechanisms of Sensory Circuit Hyperexcitability in Fragile X Syndrome:  Implications for Therapeutics and Biomarker Development
Abstract: Sensory hypersensitivity is a common occurrence in autism spectrum disorders and contributes significantly to behavioral problems.   Dr. Huber’s work has focused on a monogenic cause of ASD, Fragile X Syndrome, where she has established hyperexcitability of cortical microcircuits in the Fragile X Syndrome mouse model (Fmr1 KO).  Dr. Huber will discuss her discoveries regarding the synaptic and circuit mechanisms of circuit hyperexcitability as well as her ongoing efforts to develop neurophysiological biomarkers for sensory circuit dysfunction in Fragile X in mice and humans.