IBRO APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School Report

1st IBRO-APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School

November 02-08, 2014

University Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesPanjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014

IBRO School Report

IBRO is a union of neuroscience organizations with the aim to promote and support neuroscience training and collaborative research around the world. More than 80 international, national and regional scientific organizations constitute IBRO's Governing Council, which together with the five IBRO Regional Committees launch the educational programs that reach young neuroscientists in need of support and assistance.

1st IBRO/APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School specifically focused on basic & research concepts of depression and Alzheimer’s disease. This school was a blend of thirty four scientific deliberations by International as well National eminent neuroscientists/ neuropharmacologists, laboratory demonstrations. Six International neuroscientist from Italy, USA, Germany, Japan, Belgium and thirty four National neuroscientists from IISc, NBRC, NIMHANS, TIFR, RGCB, IICB, BHU, DIPAS, CCMB, Jiwaji University, Hamdard University, PGIMER, NIPER, IISER, NABI & BBRC were been invited to enlighten young generation of neuroscientists with their scientific deliberations. A total number of ninety participants (thirteen International participants from five countries and seventy seven National participants from all states and Union territories of India) had attended the school. During the school, IBRO faculty discussed recent advancement in the research activities in neuroscience all around the world and showed great promise for better understanding of the diverse aspects of mechanism of functioning of brain at cellular, molecular and behavioral level as well as the possible future therapies.

This school was started by University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University (PU) on November 02, 2014 at 5 pm at Golden Jubliee Hall of Panjab University with an inaugural function organized by Organizing Secretary Dr Anurag Kuhad under the stewardship of Professor Bhupinder Singh Bhoop, Chairperson, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Professor Kanwaljit Chopra, Head Pharmacology section, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The school was inaugurated with great fervor and alacrity in the Golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh, by Chief Guest, Professor Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath (Chair, Centre for Neuroscience, IISc, Bangalore), Guest of Honour, Prof Maurizio Popoli (University of Milano, Italy) and Dr Pascal S Kaeser (Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA). The function was presided over by Professor Arun Kumar Grover (Vice Chancellor, PU) and Professor A K Bhandari (Dean University Instructions, PU). The welcome address was delivered by Professor B S Bhoop and he highlighted on the untiring efforts of UIPS in organizing this 1st neuroscience school in India, especially at Panjab University. The Chief Guest, Professor Vijayalakshmi, considered to as a pioneer in the neuroscience research in India, enlightened on the current challenges and opportunities, along with stand of India in the field of neuroscience research. Professor Grover also

1st IBRO-APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School November 02-08, 2014University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014

appreciated the outstanding legacy and excellent traditions of UIPS by virtue of which the university has reached higher echelons of success in the global map. He assured fullest support in the continued headway that the institute is currently making towards academic research and innovation.

The Second day (November 03, 2014) of school witnessed inaugural lecture by Professor Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath on “The Degenerating Brain: Mechanisms to Therapy”. She enumerated cell-specific death signaling pathways operating in the neurodegeneration and dealt with the potential of scientific validation of traditional systems of medicine as Disease Modifying therapy for Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease. Professor Maurizio Popoli, University of Milano, Italy elaborated his talk on the topic “Current Hypotheses on the Pathophysiology of Depression and Mechanism of Antidepressant Drug Action”. Dr Pallab Maulik, Deputy Director and Head of Research and Development, George Institute for Global Health, Oxford University, The George Institute for Global Health INDIA highlighted “The Need of Mental Health Research in India”. Dr Pascal S. Kaesar Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Neurobiology Goldenson Building, 220 Longwood Ave, Boston MA discussed various mechanisms of presynaptic function and dysfunction. Dr Yea Jin Woo, Simons Fellow, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA delivered his talk on “Molecular tuning of Wnt signaling by the Autism-associated gene CHD8”. In the evening session, there was hands-on demonstration of Anymaze & Ethovision softwares for FST, TST, OFT and MWM by Mr Vineet Gopal, Dr Anurag Kuhad and Dr Sangeeta P. Sah.

The third day (November 04, 2014) of the school was began with an talk of very young neuroscientist, Dr Pascal S. Kaesar who spoke on the synaptic plasticity wherein he highlighted the role of synaptic mechanisms involved in augmenting synaptic plasticity to enhance memory and learning. In the second lecture, Professor Maurizio Popoli highlighted the role of stress as a potential risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders followed by brainstorming interactive session. Professor Krishanu Ray, Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, gave an informative lecture on the involvement of motor proteins in neurodegenerative diseases and also informed about the use of life cell imaging to study axonal transport. In fourth lecture, Professor Osborne Almeida, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany gave an insight into age-related neurodegenerative disorders and stressed on out of box thinking to bring improvement in mental health. In fifth lecture, Professor Shyam S Sharma, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali discussed neuroprotective potential of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonists. Professor Anil Kumar University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University delivered his talk on Alternative to Experimental Animals.

In the evening, there were hands-on laboratory sessions on olfactory bulbectomy and ICV injection headed by Dr Anurag Kuhad and Dr Sangeeta P. Sah. Anand Kamal Sachdeva, Seema Bansal, Ranjana Bhandari, Yashika Bansal and Paramdeep Singh were actively involved in demonstrating experimental procedures.


The fourth day (November 05, 2014) of the School began with a lecture. Professor R V Omkumar, Senior Scientist, Molecular Neurobiology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Kerala. Dr Omkumar enlightened the audience about the role of Calcium signaling in the synaptic plasticity and neurodegenerative mechanism and the role of biochemical properties of protein machineries in supporting synaptic functions. In second lecture, Dr Sourav Banerjee, National Brain Research Institute (NBRC), Manesar, Gurgaon discussed Dynamic Connections: Regulatory Control of Synaptic Plasticity by miRNAs. In third lecture, Professor S C Biswas, Senior Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata delivered a lecture on molecular basis of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease and Cd25A CdK4 as neuroprotective drug targets for Alzheimer’s disease. In the fourth lecture, Dr Shashi B Singh, Director, Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence R & D Organisation, Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi discussed about Cognition at High Altitude. In post-lunch session, Dr Sanjula Baboota, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi delivered a very informative lecture on “Nose to Brain Strategy for Neurological Drugs: Current Status and Future Perspective”. In the last lecture of the fourth day, Professor Osborne Almeida, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, RG Almeida: Neuroadaptations, Kraepelinstr. 2, D-80804 Munich, Germany highlighted inter-relationship among Ageing, Mood and Cognition. All the lectures were followed by interactive sessions with the participants.

In the evening, an Excursion trip was organized to a traditional Rajasthani venue i.e. Chaukhi Dhani located at Panchkula, Haryana. IBRO Faculty and participants enjoyed the excursion activity to its fullest possible and appreciated from bottom of their heart.

The Fifth day (November 06, 2014) of the 1st IBRO/APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School began with a lecture by Professor Nihar Rajan Jana, National Brain Research Institute (NBRC), Manesar, Gurgaon. Dr Jana focused on the role of quality control ubiquitin ligase in the suppression of aggregation and neurodegeneration mediated by polyglutamine proteins. This was followed by an enlightening talk of Professor Pankaj Seth, National Brain Research Institute (NBRC), Manesar, Gurgaon who discussed the importance of Neural Stem Cells as Model for Neurodegeneration. In third lecture, Dr Gaurav Kumar, Scientist, Janssen Pharmaceutica Companies, Johnson & Johnson, Belgium elaborated his views on Translational Models of Learning and Memory: New Tools in Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Discovery. In fourth interactive lecture, Professor Ishan Patro Coordinator-Head, School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior discussed involvement of glial cells in Injury, Infection and Aging. In post-lunch session, Professor Nisha Patro, School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior gave an indepth insight on Developmental Neurotoxicity: Concern for adulthood health. Dr Samarjit Bhattacharyya, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) – Mohali, discussed the story of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs).

In the evening, we organized an international symposium in the honor of Professor S. K. Kulkarni, Professor Emeritus, UIPS, Panjab University, Chandigarh under the Chairmanship of Professor Kanwaljit Chopra. In Professor S. K. Kulkarni Symposium, all


ninety participants presented their research work as posters out of which 12 best posters were selected for oral presentation by IBRO Faculty.

The sixth day (November 07, 2014) began with a lecture by Professor Laxmi T. Rao, NIMHANS, Banglore and she spoke on different kinds of stress and it’s impact on sleeping patterns. In second lecture, Professor Rajat Sandhir, Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University talked about the experimental model for chronic epilepsy and ameliorating effect of curcumin. In third lecture, Professor Toru Takumi, Laboratory Head, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Japan highlighted his research findings in very special area of brain research i.e. autism. In the afternoon, Professor Indu Paul Kaur, Director SAIF-CIL, Panjab University, Chandigarh delivered an enlightening lecture on scientific writing.

In the evening session, 12 participants gave oral presentation of their advanced scientific research work in Professor S. K. Kulkarni Symposium. Professor Laxmi T. Rao, Professor Toru Takumi, Dr P S Naidu and Dr Mohammed Idris chaired the oral presentation session and shortlisted three best presentations.

The seventh day (November 08, 2014) of the 1st IBRO/APRC School of Neuroscience marked with enlightening lecture of Professor B. S. Shankaranarayana Rao, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka who discussed various aspects of The Ever Changing Brain and New Challenges in Treating Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders. In the second lecture, Professor M. K. Thakur, Brain Research Centre, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India delivered his talk on the topic “Secrets of Healthy Brain Aging: Augment the Ratio of Adaptive to Accelerating Factors”. In the third lecture, Dr P S Naidu, Biocon Bristol Mayer Research Centre (BBRC), Biocon Park, Bangaluru discussed various novel treatment options of resistant depression. In post-lunch session, Professor V K Khanna, Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Post Box 80, MG Marg, Lucknow 226 001, India delivered lecture on “Assay of Neurotransmitter Receptors - A Useful Approach to Assess the Psychoactive Potential”. Dr Mohammed Idris, Chemical Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) Hyderabad, India discussed his research on topic “Chronic Unpredictable Stress Induced Depression and Related Mood Disorders in Zebrafish Model”. Professor B S Bhoop, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-CAS, Panjab University, Chandigarh India delivered talk on Ethics in Publishing Scientific Research Findings: Maladies & Remedies.

In the evening, Valedictory function was organized to conclude the seven day IBRO APRC Chandigarh neuroscience school. Professor Harkishan Singh, Professor Emeritus, University Institute of Pharnaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh graced the valedictory function as Chief Guest and blessed the gathering with his words of wisdom. Professor V K Khanna, Professor M. K. Thakur, Professor B. S. Shankaranarayana, Dr Mohammed Idris, were Guests of Honour. Dr Anurag Kuhad, Organising Secretary, read brief report of seven day IBRO APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School. He apprised the gathering about the day to day activities of the IBRO School. Professor V K Khanna, Professor M K Thakur and Professor B S Shankaranarayana appreciated the effort to organize the IBRO APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School at Panjab University, Chandigarh. International as well as National participants were invited for their feedback on the IBRO


School. All the participants were very much satisfied with scientific sessions, hands-on laboratory sessions, oral/poster presentations, excursion and hospitality. At last, Dr Anurag Kuhad gave vote of thanks and appreciated the untiring efforts of all faculty members, students and staff of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

We gratefully acknowledge the major financial support (20,000 USD) sanctioned by IBRO finance committee, USA. In addition, IBRO/APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School received whole hearted appreciation and financial support from Panjab University (INR 2,75,000/-), SERB, Department of Science & Technology (DST) (INR 2,00,000/-), Department of Biotechnology (DBT) (INR 1,00,000/-), Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) (INR 50,000/-) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) (INR 50,000/-), New Delhi.

Overall, 1st IBRO/APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School was a huge success. We wish to organize the future IBRO/APRC Neuroscience activities in future.

INAUGURATION FUNCTION



INAUGURATION FUNCTION





VALEDICTORY FUNCTION



Documents

IBRO APRC Chandigarh Neuroscience School Report