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Prof. Dr. Ofer Yizhar

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 allows synchrony and coordination between distant neural circuits, and is the foundation for complex information processing and behavior. While optogenetic tools have been widely used for the excitation of neuronal cell bodies and axons, optogenetic silencing of long-range transmission has posed significant challenges. We designed a new set of inhibitory bistable rhodopsins that couple to the Gi/o signaling pathway and can be used to suppress synaptic release in vitro and in vivo, in a spatially and temporally precise manner. These new tools allow highly light-sensitive silencing and facilitate spectral multiplexing for combined modulation and imaging, opening 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 the Tel Aviv University and did his postdoctoral work with Karl Deisseroth at Stanford University. He established his own research group at the Weizmann Institute in 2011. His lab develops new techniques for studying 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.

You are welcome to share the announcement and info flyer with everyone who might be interested.

Best regards,
Marie

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Prof. Dr. Christoph Arnoldner & Dr. Erdem Yildiz

We cordially invite you to the next EKFZ guest lecture:

Prof. Dr. Christoph Arnoldner & Dr. Erdem Yildiz: Translational Hearing Research – Examples of the Path from the Laboratory to the Patient

Date & Time: January 7, 2026, 4:00 PM

Location: Lecture Hall 04 of the UMG (Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen)

Abstract:

This lecture presents a translational research program that includes in vitro experiments, rodent models, and large animal studies, culminating in early clinical applications for sensorineural hearing loss of various causes. Potential drug formulations – such as the promising pyridoindole compound AC102 – are initially investigated in ex vivo cochlea explant cultures and then tested in a gerbil model for cochlear implant trauma to assess functional recovery. Compounds that show a robust effect are then tested in a pig model, which is very similar to the human inner ear in size and surgical anatomy and allows a detailed analysis of the pathophysiology and intracochlear pharmacokinetics.

We also investigate cochlear implants – the most commonly used neuroprostheses worldwide – with a focus on optimizing atraumatic electrode insertion and comparing different strategies for local drug delivery. In parallel, we are exploring a “liquid biopsy” approach by analyzing perilymph biomarkers that can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying hearing loss.

The translational path extends into early clinical practice, including initial experiences with local intracochlear drug injection and robot-assisted, low-trauma cochlear implantation. Finally, we discuss gene-based interventions, highlighting ongoing industry-sponsored clinical trials for OTOF-related congenital deafness in children, supported by complementary pig models for future gene therapy development. Together, these studies outline a continuous pipeline from basic discovery to patient-ready treatments.

Prof. Dr. Dirk Beutner will welcome the speakers.

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