The BrainTrain network was established in 2009 as an integrative and multidisciplinary neuroscience research consortium. The main goals of the consortium are to establish therapeutic targets and strategies for neuronal disorders, as well as to train and deliver 16 highly skilled early stage researchers. Funded by the European Framework Package 7, the consortium is composed of eight European and one Japanese research institutes in addition to three commercial partners. Divided into five work packages, the consortium is bringing together expertise in brain genetics, synaptic interactome genomics, synaptic plasticity and transmission, and behavioural function.

The upcoming BrainTrain conference, signals the completion of the four-year consortium. Organized by BrainTrain students, the conference brings together the BrainTrain faculty and students along with researchers from around the world to discuss up-to-date developments in neuronal disorder mechanisms and diagnosis. In addition to academic and pharmaceutical-industry research talks, the representative of the European Delegation to Japan will provide an overview of the research funding opportunities for the upcoming Horizon 2020 Framework Research Programme.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Lunch and a borrel drink are included. (Registration will be available until Sunday, September 8th, 2013). Link to flyer
*For RIKEN employees attending the conference (general participants) only borrel drink will be included.

Genetics of the Brain

To uncover genetic mechanisms underlying the complex etiology of pathological brain dysfunction in dementia and milder age related cognitive decline.

1. Prof. Peter Heutink, VUMC, the Netherlands
2. Dr. Piero Carninci, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Japan
3. Dr. Patrizia Rizzu, DZNE Tubingen, Germany

Synaptic Interactome

To reveal disease-causing changes in the interactome, provide a description of the (extra-) synaptic interactome and generate quantitative dynamical models of selected synaptic protein "hubs".

1. Prof. Guus Smit, CNCR, VU Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Prof. Eckhardt Gundelfinger, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Germany
3. Prof. Helena Danielson, BEACTICA and Uppsala Universiteit, Sweden

Functional Genomics of the Synapse

The study of candidate genes regulating synaptic delivery and neurodegenerative mutations influencing synaptic transport.

1. Dr. Heidi de Wit, CNCR, VU Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2. Prof. Angus Silver, UCL, UK
3. Prof. Thomas Kuner, University of Heidelberg, Germany

Synaptic Plasticity

To investigate effects of specifically-targeted molecules on synaptic plasticity within single neurons and their surrounding networks in models of cognitive impairment.

1. Assist. Prof. Rhiannon Meredith, Sylics and CNCR, VU Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Prof. Claudia Bagni, VIB, KU Leuven, Belgium
3. Prof. Uwe Maskos, Pasteur Institut, France

Transmission and Behaviour

To study behavioural consequences of interference with potential key molecules and adaptor proteins involved in regulation of synaptic function in cognitive function and autonomic regulation.

1. Assoc. Prof. Oliver Stiedl, Sylics and CNCR, VU Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Prof. Per Svenningsson, Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
3. Dr. Christian Gutzen, BIOBSERVE, Germany

English

brain_train_secretariat@gsc.riken.jp