Timothy M. Dore of NYU Abu Dhabi will deliver a seminar entitled, "Photoactivatable Probes of Neurobiological Function and Vertebrate Development." Hosted by Jim Canary and Keith Woerpel.
For more information about Tim Dore, click here.
Abstract: Controlling the location and timing of release of biological effectors enables exploration of the complexities of biological function. Hydroxyquinolinyl (HQ)-based photoremovable protecting groups (PPGs) mediate the rapid, light-induced release of a variety of biologically relevant molecules through 1-photon excitation (1PE, UV wavelengths) and 2-photon excitation (2PE, IR wavelengths). This seminar will present our most recent success in understanding the photolysis reaction mechanism of HQ-based PPGs and improving their sensitivity toward 2PE, and a general strategy for increasing 2PE sensitivity for otherwise insensitive PPGs. The remainder of the seminar will highlight our work applying HQ-based PPGs toward understanding mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction, dopaminergic signaling and dopamine receptor desensitization, seizure disorders, and craniofacial defects in embryonic development.