Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We cordially invite you to the next EKFZ Guest Lecture:
Prof. Dr. Ofer Yizhar: Highly sensitive optogenetic silencing with novel OptoGPCRs
Date and time:
December 2, 2025 (Tuesday), 4:00 PM
Location:
Lecture hall at the MPI-NAT City Campus (Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen)
Abstract:
Long-range communication between brain regions enables synchronization and coordination between distant neuronal circuits and underlies complex information processing and behavior. While optogenetic tools are already widely used for the excitation of nerve cell bodies and axons, optogenetic silencing of long-range transmission has so far been a major challenge. We have developed a new series of inhibitory bistable rhodopsins that are coupled to the Gi/o signaling pathway and can be used for spatially and temporally precise suppression of synaptic release in vitro and in vivo. These new tools enable highly light-sensitive suppression and facilitate spectral multiplexing for combined modulation and imaging, opening up new and exciting avenues in basic and translational optogenetic modulation.
About Ofer Yizhar:
Ofer Yizhar is a Professor of Brain Sciences at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. He received his PhD from Tel Aviv University and completed his postdoctoral work with Karl Deisseroth at Stanford University. In 2011, he founded his own research group at the Weizmann Institute. His laboratory develops new techniques for exploring the brain and uses these techniques to understand the brain circuits involved in memory, decision-making, and social behavior.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Tobias Brügmann will welcome the speaker.
Please feel free to forward the announcement and information flyer to anyone who might be interested.
Best regards,
Marie
