Keynote
Prof. Luonan CHEN 陳洛南教授
Professor and Executive Director, Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of SciencesRead More
Prof. Gene BREWER
Professor, Psychology at Arizona State UniversityRead More
Prof. Miguel CASTELO-BRANCO
Prof. Miguel CASTELO-BRANCO
Professor of University of Coimbra and Director of the Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), PortugalRead More
Prof. Qiyong GONG 龔啟勇 教授
Professor and Director, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) of the Dept. of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China.Read More
Prof. Lingjie KONG 孔令傑 教授
Associate professor, Tsinghua University, Beijing.
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Prof. Tatia Mei-Chun LEE 李湄珍 教授
Chair Professor of Psychological Science and Clinical Psychology, Hong Kong UniversityRead More
Guest
Prof. Peilian CHI 池培蓮 教授
Associate Professor of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Centre for Cognitve and Brain Sciences, University of Macau
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Prof. Georgios CHRISTOPOULOS
Associate Professor, Nanyang Business School, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Prof. Cheng Teng IP 葉靜婷 教授
Assistant Professor of the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau
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Prof. Xinfu LIAN 連新福 教授
Chief Traditional Chinese Medicine Practioner of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Zhuhai
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Prof. Changlin LI 李昌林 教授
Principal investigator at Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology
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Prof. Kai LI 李凱 教授
Director of the Zhejiang International Joint Laboratory for Digital Diagnosis, Treatment, and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases
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Prof. Rihui LI 李日輝 教授
Assistant Professor of the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau
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Prof. Xiaoli LI 李小俚 教授
Professor and Vice Director, State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Prof. Liming LU 陸麗明 教授
Professor at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, China
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Prof. Di MU 穆迪 教授
Principal investigator at Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology
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Prof. Haijing NIU 牛海晶 教授
Associate Professor at National Key Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University & board of directors at Society of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.
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Prof. Yannan OUYANG 歐陽雁南 教授
Director, Brain Health Research Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science.
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Prof. Ping REN 任平 教授
Associate Professor, Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Shenzhen Mental Health Center/Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, China.
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Prof. Zhihai QIU丘志海 教授
Principal investigator at Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology
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Prof. Ke SI 斯科 教授
Professor of the School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University
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Prof. Yun SHI 石云 教授
Principal investigator at Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology
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Prof. Bin WANG 王斌 教授
Principal Investigator of the Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology
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Prof. Yimin WANG王宜敏 教授
Principal investigator at Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology
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Prof. Xinping YANG 楊新平 教授
Director, Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, 2Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University.
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Prof. Zhen YUAN 袁振 教授
Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau.
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Prof. Dong ZHENG 鄭東 教授
Chief physician in Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University.
Read MoreSpeakers are listed in alphabetical orders
Prof. Luonan CHEN
陳洛南 教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Luonan Chen received BS degree in the Electrical Engineering, from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and the M.E. and Ph.D. degrees in the electrical engineering, from Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, in 1988 and 1991, respectively. From 1997, he was an associate professor of the Osaka Sangyo University, Osaka, Japan, and then a full Professor. Since 2010, he has been a professor and executive director at Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was elected as the founding president of Computational Systems Biology Society of OR China, Chair of Molecular Systems Biology Society of CSBMB, and Chair of Technical Committee of Systems Biology at IEEE SMC Society. In recent years, he published over 400 journal papers and two monographs (books) in the area of bioinformatics, nonlinear dynamics and machine learning (H-index >77 ; Citation > 22000).
Talk Title
Dynamics-based data science in biology and medicine
Talk Abstract
I will present a new concept “dynamics-based data science” in AI applications of biology and medicine for studying dynamical processes and disease progressions, including dynamic network biomarkers (DNB) for early-warning signals of critical transitions, spatial-temporal information (STI) transformation for short-term time-series prediction, and partial cross-mapping (PCM) for causal inference among variables. These methods are all data-driven or model-free approaches but based on the theoretical frameworks of nonlinear dynamics. We show the principles and advantages of dynamics-based data-driven approaches as explicable, quantifiable, and generalizable. In particular, dynamics-based data science approaches exploit the essential features of dynamical systems in terms of data, e.g. strong fluctuations near a bifurcation point, low-dimensionality of a center manifold or an attractor, and phase-space reconstruction from a single variable by delay embedding theorem, and thus are able to provide different or additional information to the traditional approaches, i.e. statistics-based data science approaches. The dynamical-based data science approaches will further play an important role in the systematical research of various fields in biology and medicine as well as AI.
Prof. Gene Brewer
Speaker Bio
Prof. Gene Brewer, PhD is a Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University. His research examines how cognitive processes such as attention, executive functioning, and memory are coordinated to establish, maintain, and complete goals. Research in Dr. Brewer’s laboratory uses a mixed method approach to studying goal pursuit in humans which includes experimental, correlational, and neuroimaging techniques. In his more recent research, Dr. Brewer has examined how catecholamines support goal pursuit in traditional cognitive tasks using electrochemistry methods in epilepsy patients.
Talk Title
Novel Methods for Detecting Neurotransmitter Concentrations with Sub-Second Temporal Resolution in Humans
Talk Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neurons communicate reward-related information throughout the forebrain. Prominent theories implicate dopamine release in gating contents of working memory and directing cognitive control via this reward signal. To directly test these theories, high temporal resolution dopamine measurements in humans are required. We have tested these theories for the first time using machine learning enhanced voltammetry to measure dopamine concentrations in the brain regions implicated in working memory including the lateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and hippocampus. Our methods enable dopamine levels to be recorded at sub-second resolution in humans while they perform working memory tasks. Overall, this presentation will highlight our attempts to test fundamental theories about the role of dopamine in working memory at an unprecedented level using a novel, but validated, methodological technique. Dopamine is believed to contribute to working memory dysfunction in several psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, ADHD), and this project will provide critical data to inform the understanding of mechanisms underlying these diseases.
Prof. Qiyong GONG
龔啟勇 教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Qiyong Gong MD, PhD.
Professor and Director, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) of the Dept. of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China.
Chair (2019-2020) of Governing Committee of the Psychiatric MR Study Group of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM).
Presented the NIBIB New Horizons Lecture to the 23rd ISMRM Annual Meeting in 2015.
Awarded the ISMRM Senior Fellow in 2016.
Impact Metrics: Peer-reviewed papers > 800, Google Scholar h-index >100, citations 39k (over 100 papers with >100 citations)
Other Esteem factors: Highly Cited Researcher 2018，2019 and 2022 by Clarivate Analytics; Associate Editor for American Journal of Psychiatry; Chief Editor for Psychoradiology; Editorial Board Member for Neuroradiology. Invited 1 hour keynote Lecture to the MICCAI 2019.
Brief citation of contributions: For seminal contributions to the advancement of psychoradiology and clinical translation of psychiatric MR.
Chair (2019-2020) of Governing Committee of the Psychiatric MR Study Group of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM).
Presented the NIBIB New Horizons Lecture to the 23rd ISMRM Annual Meeting in 2015.
Awarded the ISMRM Senior Fellow in 2016.
Impact Metrics: Peer-reviewed papers > 800, Google Scholar h-index >100, citations 39k (over 100 papers with >100 citations)
Other Esteem factors: Highly Cited Researcher 2018，2019 and 2022 by Clarivate Analytics; Associate Editor for American Journal of Psychiatry; Chief Editor for Psychoradiology; Editorial Board Member for Neuroradiology. Invited 1 hour keynote Lecture to the MICCAI 2019.
Brief citation of contributions: For seminal contributions to the advancement of psychoradiology and clinical translation of psychiatric MR.
Talk Title
Frontiers in Psychoradiology
Talk Abstract
Psychoradiology is a subspecialty of radiology with the growing intersection between fields of radiological imaging and psychiatry/psychology. It applies radiological technologies, particularly the multimodal MR imaging along with the comprehensively designed image acquisition and analysis algorithm, to investigate and guide optimal treatment for mental illnesses. Because brain alterations of psychiatric patients are relatively subtle, quantitative, rapid and efficient image analysis tools that combine information from different imaging analyses are needed to obtain clinically meaningful information about patients’ brain anatomy and function. The present talk will therefore summarize the most recent findings of the psychoradiology in conjunction with the recent technical development, and their implications for clinical care of the psychiatric patients.
Prof. Lingjie KONG
孔令傑 教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Lingjie Kong is an associate professor at Tsinghua University, Beijing. He received PhD degree from Tsinghua University in 2012. After that, he continued the postdoctoral research at Harvard University, Janelia Research Campus/Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Purdue University, sequentially. Since 2017, he joined the faculty of the Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University. His research interests include biomedical optics and its applications. Specifically in neurophotonics, he has developed multiple techniques for imaging faster, deeper, and wider. Besides, he has proposed novel concepts of wearable optical sensing and intelligent prognosis.
Talk Title
All-optical physiology for interrogation of neural circuits in vivo
Talk Abstract
All-optical physiology, the integration of neural imaging and optogenetics stimulation, is promising to resolve the functional connection of neural circuits in vivo. However, due to physical limitations of the imaging hardware and tissue optics, current optical methods meet bottlenecks in speed, depth, and scale, etc. In this talk, I will introduce our efforts toward this exciting field, including cross-region all-optical physiology at high temporal resolutions to interrogate inter-layer neural connectivity.
Prof. Tatia Mei-Chun LEE
李湄珍 教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Tatia Lee is the Chair Professor of Psychological Science and Clinical Psychology and May Endowed Professor in Neuropsychology at The University of Hong Kong. She is also a Visiting Professor at King’s College London. Her research focuses on the neuroplastic underpinnings of the brain and psychological health. She is an elected Fellow of learned societies, including UK Academy of Social Sciences, American Psychological Association (Society of Clinical Psychology and Society of Clinical Neuropsychology), Association for Psychological Science (Clinical Psychology), and American College of Professional Neuropsychology.
Talk Title
Is the pons a significant neural correlate of the human affective processing system?
Talk Abstract
The in vivo neural activity of the pons during the perception of affective stimuli has yet to be studied despite the strong implications of its role in affective processing. Our multimodal magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed in vivo activity of the pons when viewing affective stimuli. The functional connectivity between the pons and the cortico-limbic-striatal areas was related to self-reported negative affect. Corroborating findings of recent animal work showing the direct projection from the eyes to the dorsal raphe nucleus, our previous human work has confirmed a functionally analogous pathway between the optic chiasm and the pons, which facilitates the processing of negative affective information. Our findings support that the pons works conjunctively with the distributed cortico-limbic-striatal systems in shaping individuals’ affective states and reactivity.
Prof. Lihai TAN
譚力海 教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Li-Hai Tan is a professor of the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration at Jinan University (Shenzhen) and Director of Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience. His main research interest is to use neuroimaging (fMRI and ERPs) and cognitive techniques to investigate neuroanatomical and cognitive mechanisms underlying language processing, language learning, and reading disorders. Following post-doctoral research training in Learning Research and Development Center of the University of Pittsburgh, he worked in University of Hong Kong during 1999-2014 and founded the State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Hong Kong in 2005 and served as its director until 2014. He is now an associate editor of Science Advances, one of the Science family journals.
Talk Title
Neural Basis of Language Processing
Talk Abstract
Half a century ago, William S-Y Wang published his seminal work entitled “The Chinese Language” in Scientific American (1973). In that article, he investigated the historical development and the unique features of the Chinese language, hypothesizing that “since Chinese does differ from the European languages in fundamental respects, some knowledge of its structure and historical development is indispensable to a general understanding of the nature of human language” (p. 53). His insightful analysis of the characteristics of the Chinese language and his hypothesis have since then played a leading role in multidisciplinary research on Chinese. In this talk, I will summarize recent neuroimaging findings of Chinese reading in contrast to reading in alphabetic languages, which provide strong empirical evidence for Wang’s hypothesis.
Prof. Miguel CASTELO-BRANCO
Speaker Bio
Prof. Miguel Castelo-Branco (MD PhD) obtained his PhD at the Max-Planck Institute for Brain research, Frankfurt, Germany and is now Full Professor at the University of Coimbra. He has held a Professorship in Psychology in 2000 at the University of Maastricht, the Netherlands, where he is now an affiliate Professor. Before, he was a Postdoctoral fellow at the Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Germany where he had also performed his PhD work (1994-1999). He is the Director of National Brain Imaging Network. He is also the Director of CIBIT, a Translational Research Institute, which was evaluated as Excellent by an International panel, was the Director of ICNAS, the Medical Imaging Infrastructure at the University of Coimbra and has entrepreneurial activity.
Talk Title
Mechanisms of disease and of therapeutic interventions in clinical neuroscience
Talk Abstract
Here we address genetic, molecular and imaging approaches to investigate disease related biomarkers, and mechanisms of action of novel therapeutic strategies in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, and in adult models of brain plasticity.
As an example of this type of effort, we confirmed for the first time in humans previous preclinical literature suggesting an inhibitory phenotype (altered GABA neurotransmission) in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), one of the most common neurogenetic conditions. The demonstration in humans of a pre and postsynaptic GABA phenotype in NF1, comparable with our imaging findings in animals, paved the way for a testable therapeutic target.
As an example of this type of effort, we confirmed for the first time in humans previous preclinical literature suggesting an inhibitory phenotype (altered GABA neurotransmission) in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), one of the most common neurogenetic conditions. The demonstration in humans of a pre and postsynaptic GABA phenotype in NF1, comparable with our imaging findings in animals, paved the way for a testable therapeutic target.
We then address how these efforts were translated in clinical neuroscience, using psychophysics, neurophysiology and neuroimaging and how they impact on distinct theories of brain functioning using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as an example. We address the neural correlates of perceptual coherence in ASD and showed show that brain activity patterns index abnormal coherence but into a different extent than expected from the weak coherence hypothesis.
We finally address the use of novel therapeutic approaches in ASD, using Neurofeedback, Brain Computer Interfaces coupled with Serious Games and Brain Stimulation.
We finally address the use of novel therapeutic approaches in ASD, using Neurofeedback, Brain Computer Interfaces coupled with Serious Games and Brain Stimulation.
Prof. Kai LI
李凱 教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Li Kai is the Director of the Zhejiang International Joint Laboratory for Digital Diagnosis, Treatment, and Equipment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Major Brain Diseases. His primary focus is on cognitive and behavioral neurology research. He has been invited to serve as an expert evaluator for national key R&D plans and the Xiangshan Science Conference. He also holds the position of Chairman of the Medical Devices Branch at the Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Association.
Talk Title
A Novel Method for Evaluating Early Indicators of Alzheimer’s Disease Has Been Developed Using An “Intelligent Game”
(The reporting language is Chinese)
(The reporting language is Chinese)
Talk Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has emerged as a significant public health concern worldwide, and early diagnosis and treatment are imperative. Currently, two primary obstacles hamper the assessment of AD’s early cognitive function. First, there is currently a shortage of digital biomarkers that can provide an objective description of the crucial stage of disease progression from “MCI due to AD” to “mild AD”, in comparison with Aβ deposition and brain imaging data. Second, there is a paucity of effective critical early warning methods and models that can describe the transition from “MCI due to AD” to “mild AD”. To address these key bottlenecks, this research proposes four essential core technologies: (1) Digital characterization technology that employs multi-channel digital biomarkers to describe Aβ deposition and cognitive function. (2) AD modeling technology in knock-in mice. (3) Dynamic fusion analysis technology using eye movement and magnetic tracking – PET living probe to track cognitive function in AD mice. (4) Critical disturbance characterization technology of early development of AD based on “machine learning-dynamic network”. Based on these four core technologies, the research developed an “intelligent game” evaluation system of early cognitive function in patients with AD.
Prof. Liming LU
陸麗明 教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Lu Liming, MD, is now a professor, and doctoral supervisor at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. He is currently in charge of the Clinical Research and Big Data Laboratory of South China Acupuncture Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.
His research interests include Chinese medicine clinical research methodology and clinical evidence evaluation based on artificial intelligence algorithms.
His research interests include Chinese medicine clinical research methodology and clinical evidence evaluation based on artificial intelligence algorithms.
Talk Title
To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture assisted methadone maintenance therapy based on AI analysis
Talk Abstract
In the preliminary stage, we have integrated previous clinical evidence on acupuncture and found that acupuncture, as a traditional Chinese medicine modality, has shown potential in reducing methadone dosage and opioid cravings.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of MMT, we designed a randomized controlled trial and analyzed the clinical results using rigorous statistical methods.Further, we applied AI technology to a secondary analysis of the clinical data collected. We used machine learning algorithms to build efficacy prediction models and analyze factors affecting clinical efficacy. Use time series analysis algorithms to visualize and distinguish population characteristics and provide evidence for future personalized treatment programs.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of MMT, we designed a randomized controlled trial and analyzed the clinical results using rigorous statistical methods.Further, we applied AI technology to a secondary analysis of the clinical data collected. We used machine learning algorithms to build efficacy prediction models and analyze factors affecting clinical efficacy. Use time series analysis algorithms to visualize and distinguish population characteristics and provide evidence for future personalized treatment programs.
Prof. Xinfu LIAN
連新福教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Xinfu Lian engaged in Chinese medicine for 30 years, he is familiar with the “four classics” of Chinese medicine and better grasp the academic thoughts of various theories of Chinese medicine in past dynasties. He studied under Professor Shen Baofan, a master of Chinese medicine, and Professor Huang Huang, a famous Chinese medicine practitioner, and was awarded the title of famous Chinese medicine practitioner in Zhuhai in 2021.
Talk Title
Taking care of our overall health begins with cultivating our brains.
Talk Abstract
Taking care of our overall health begins with cultivating our brains. How do the elderly keep healthy and young brains? Let’s explain it from four aspects: understanding the function of the brain in traditional Chinese medicine and how the physiological changes of the aging brain keep the young and agile brain healthy.
Prof. Haijing NIU
牛海晶教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Haijing Niu, Associate Professor at National Key Lab of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University & board of directors at Society of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Her research interest is by using fNIRS techniques to explore how the human brain networks are topologically organized and changed during typical development and neurodevelopmental disorders. So far, she has published more than 35 peer-reviewed papers as the first or the corresponding author in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroimage, Cerebral Cortex, and IEEE Journal of biomedical health Informatics etc.
Talk Title
Brain network development and lateralization in children
Talk Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is one of the most promising techniques for the study of brain function in children. In recent years, the combination of resting state fNIRS imaging technology and complex network analysis based on graph theory has revealed the important organizational principles and characteristics of brain network development and lateralization development in children from a global perspective. Our study found that the functional networks of children and adolescents have obvious small-world characteristic similar to that of adults; However, compared with adults, the local and global efficiency of the brain network was significantly lower, indicating that the brain integration ability and local information processing ability of children and adolescents were not mature. For children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the functional connectivity and global efficiency of the brain were significantly disrupted. We know that the brain has two hemispheres with significant structural and functional asymmetry between the two hemispheres. Our study shows that 3-6 months of infants show leftward hemispheric dominance in local information processing ability, while 6-9 months of infants show leftward hemispheric dominance in information integration ability, and this hemispheric dominance in information integration increases significantly with early development, which may lay an important foundation for the rapid development of cognitive ability in childhood. In summary, fNIRS, as an emerging imaging method with strong portability, good safety and high ecological validity, will make greater contributions to promoting the development of brain function research on children.
Prof. Yannan Ouyang
歐陽雁南教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Yannan Ouyang is the Director of Brain Health Research Center, Zhuhai Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Science
Talk Title
Synaptic imbalance and cognition defect
Talk Abstract
The human brain is composed of approximately 100 billion neurons, and each neuron can form connections with thousands of other neurons through synapses. These synaptic connections create a vast neuronal network responsible for brain functions like learning, memory, and cognition. Learning and memory have been linked to synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses to change and strengthen over time.
During our research, we observed that local protein synthesis occurs during certain processes and is essential for long-term memory formation. Study on Williams syndrome revealed that a deletion of the LIMKI gene results in cognitive defects. LIMKI plays a role in controlling actin dynamics in dendritic spines through cofilin. However, the exact mechanism by which this leads to cognitive defects is still unclear.
In an attempt to address this question, we proposed a synaptic spine-based actin gating mechanism. This mechanism may explain why the loss of gating capability could result in a loss of synaptic specificity and information. Additionally, excessive neuronal activity has been linked to dendritic spine collapse, which we collectively term “synaptic imbalance.”
Based on these findings, we developed a model that explains how different levels of synaptic imbalance may contribute to sleep disorders, depression, and dementia. This model has guided our efforts in developing early detection methods and interventions for these conditions. Currently, we are actively working to provide effective treatments for depression and dementia. More research is ongoing to deepen our understanding of these neurological conditions and find ways to improve the lives of affected individuals.
Prof.Changlin Li
李昌林教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Chang-Lin Li received his PhD from the Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 2011. Since 2013, he has worked as an assistant and associate investigator in Prof. Zhang Xu’s lab at Institute of Neuroscience, CAS. In 2021, he worked as an investigator and started his own lab in Guangdong Institute of Intelligent Science and Technology. He is devoted to investigating the molecular, cellular and neural circuit mechanisms underlying chronic pain.
Talk Title
A direct spino-cortical circuit bypassing the thalamus modulates nociception
Talk Abstract
| Nociceptive signals are usually transmitted to layer 4 neurons in somatosensory cortex via the spinothalamic-thalamocortical pathway. The layer 5 corticospinal neurons in sensorimotor cortex are reported to receive the output of neurons in superficial layers and their descending axons innervate the spinal cord to regulate basic sensorimotor functions. Here, we show that a subset of layer 5 neurons receives spinal inputs through a direct spino-cortical circuit bypassing the thalamus, and thus define these neurons as spino-cortical recipient neurons (SCRNs). Morphological studies revealed that the branches from spinal ascending axons formed a kind of disciform structure with the descending axons from further confirmed that the axon terminals from spinal ascending neurons and SCRNs made functional synaptic contacts in the BPN, linking ascending sensory pathway to descending motor-control pathway. Furthermore, behavioral tests indicated that the spino-cortical connection in the BPN was involved in nociceptive responses. In vivo calcium imaging showed that SCRNs responded to peripheral noxious stimuli faster than neighboring layer 4 cortical neurons in awake mice. Manipulating activities of SCRNs could modulate nociceptive behaviors. Therefore, this direct spino-cortical circuit represents a noncanonical pathway, allowing a fast sensory-motor transition of brain in response to noxious stimuli. |
Prof. Xinping Yang
楊新平教授
Speaker Bio
Professor, Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University.
Director, Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University.
PI, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University.
Director, Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University.
PI, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University.
He currently has 33 publications, including Cell (2014, 2015, 2016), Nature Methods (2008, 2009a, 2009b, 2011), Nature Communications (2014), Advanced Science (2020)，Molecular Autism (2020), Hypertension (2020), Molecular Therapy -Nucleic Acids (2020)，Cell Death & Diseases (2020)，Nature (2020), Theranostics (2021a, 2021b) , iScience (2021, 2023), Journal of Translational Medicine (2023).
Talk Title
Increased NMDARs in neurons and glutamine synthetase in astrocytes underlying autistic-like behaviors autistic mouse models
Talk Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence indicate that ASD is associated with mutations in many genes that affect the ratio between neuronal excitation and inhibition. The serotonergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems are reported to be involved in ASD. How these three different neurotransmission systems may be involved in autism remains unknown. We generated three gene knockout mouse models, including Gabrb1-/-, Gabra4-/- and Htr3a-/- models, which showed autistic-like behaviors. We carried out RNA-seq on the hippocampus and found that glutamatergic signaling was upregulated. Here, I am mainly presenting our work on Gabrb1-/- mouse model. We carried out single-cell RNA sequencing on the whole brain followed by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, electrophysiology, and metabolite detection on specific cell types. We identified the up-regulated Glul/Slc38a3 in astrocytes, Grin1/Grin2b in neurons, glutamate, and the ratio of Glu/GABA in the hippocampus. Consistent with these results, increased NMDAR-currents and reduced GABAAR-currents in the CA1 neurons were detected in Gabrb1-/- mice. NMDAR antagonist memantine or Glul inhibitor methionine sulfoximine could rescue the abnormal behaviors in Gabrb1-/- mice. Our data reveal that upregulation of the glutamatergic synapse pathway, including NMDARs at neuronal synapses and glutamine exported by astrocytes, may lead to autistic-like behaviors.
Prof. Georgios Christopoulos
Speaker Bio
Prof. George Christopoulos (Ph.D., decision neuroscience, Cambridge) is one of the few trained neuroscientists placed in a Business School. He holds expertise in a wide range of methods including computerised testing, computational modelling, brain neuroimaging, psychophysiology, and new methods including wearable devices and Virtual Reality. His research examines (i) mental fatigue (ii) social decision making (dynamics of trust) and (iii) the impact of the built environment on performance and well-being. His research is truly interdisciplinary and has appeared in prestigious papers across many disciplines, including business (FT-50), interdisciplinary (PNAS), neuroscience (Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Neuroscience), engineering (Building and Environment).
Talk Title
The tired brain: the psychophysiology of cognitive fatigue and the case for organizational neuroscience
Talk Abstract
Cognitive fatigue (CF) and recovery (Rc) are common phenomena affecting the daily lives of almost every human. CF refers to a psycho-cognitive condition where, following sustained mental work and informational overload, the individual is characterized of low attention, low ability to concentrate, and disengagement. Rc refers to unconscious or deliberate actions to counter CF and its effects.
The emergence of wearable technologies gives us the opportunity to study CF&Rc in situ. The presentation will discuss and give evidence (i) how CF&Rc are manifested in physiological indexes of heart rate variability (HRV) (ii) the possibility and problems of using wearable technology to monitor CF&Rc and (iii) the emergence of Organizational Neuroscience – a brand new field that combines cognitive neuroscience with management theories to better understand human brain and mental health in context.
The emergence of wearable technologies gives us the opportunity to study CF&Rc in situ. The presentation will discuss and give evidence (i) how CF&Rc are manifested in physiological indexes of heart rate variability (HRV) (ii) the possibility and problems of using wearable technology to monitor CF&Rc and (iii) the emergence of Organizational Neuroscience – a brand new field that combines cognitive neuroscience with management theories to better understand human brain and mental health in context.
Prof. Dong Zhen
鄭東教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Dong Zheng is the chief physician in Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. His main research interests are nervous system infections and immune diseases, cerebrovascular diseases. Participated in the compilation of books such as toxic encephalopathy, Neurological damage after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Psychiatry, Home Rehabilitation for senile dementia, and obtained 3 patents; served as the editorial board member of Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Disease (Electronic Edition).
Talk Title
Lipid metabolism and inflammatory diseases of the CNS
Talk Abstract
Inflammatory diseases of the CNS can be caused by various etiologies, such as pathogenic microbial infection, infection or tumor-induced immune inflammation. With the advancement of lipid metabolism research methods, we found that lipid metabolism may be one of the factors that promote inflammatory diseases in the CNS.
We detect lipoproteins and subcomponents in the serum with MRI for patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis . And we find Higher serum lipid composition in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. This study suggests that blood lipid changes may be important participants in anti-NMDAR antibody encephalitis
We detect lipoproteins and subcomponents in the serum with MRI for patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis . And we find Higher serum lipid composition in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. This study suggests that blood lipid changes may be important participants in anti-NMDAR antibody encephalitis
Prof.Xiaoli LI
李小俚教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Xiaoli Li is a full professor and vice director in the National Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning and a director of Center for Cognition and Neuroergonomics, at Beijing Normal University, China. He was appointed as editorial members of Neurocomputing, Journal of Neural Engineering, Journal of Neuroscience Methods, et al. His main areas of research includes: neural engineering, computational intelligence, signal processing, monitoring system and medical device. He is author of 345 SCI journal papers, 1 English book (Signal Processing in Neuroscience 2016, Springer), 2 Chinese books. More than 30 post and present research projects include National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars.
Talk Title
Non-invasive low intensity transcranial ultrasound stimilation technique 无创低强度经颅超声刺激技术
Talk Abstract
In this report, the development the transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is simply addressed; then the fundamental research on the TUS was given , including the electrophysiological, cerebral hemodynamic, and neurovascular coupling responses induced by TUS, it was found that the physiological changes can be induced by the TUS with different parameters; thirdly, the TUS was employed to study the animal models with brain disorder, including temporal lobe epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease, it was found that the TUS can give effective intervention on the brain disorders; finally the TUS system developed by us was introduced.
Prof. Di MU
穆迪教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Di Mu worked as a principal investigator and was appointed as a doctoral supervisor at the Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 2018-2022. In 2022, he joined Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology as a Principal Investigator.
Talk Title
PBN-PVT projection modulates negative affective states in mice
Talk Abstract
Long-lasting negative affections dampen enthusiasm for life, and dealing with negative affective states is essential for individual survival. The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and thalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVT) are critical for modulating affective states in mice. However, the functional roles of PBN-PVT projections in modulating affective states remain elusive. Here, we show that PBN neurons send dense projection fibers to the PVT and form direct excitatory synapses with PVT neurons. Activation of the PBN-PVT pathway induces robust behaviors associated with negative affective states without affecting nociceptive behaviors. Inhibition of the PBN-PVT pathway reduces aversion-like and fear-like behaviors. Furthermore, the PVT neurons innervated by the PBN are activated by aversive stimulation, and activation of PBN-PVT projections enhances the neuronal activity of PVT neurons in response to the aversive stimulus. Consistently, activation of PVT neurons that received PBN-PVT projections induces anxiety-like behaviors. Thus, our study indicates that PBN-PVT projections modulate negative affective states in mice.
Prof. Zhihai QIU
丘志海教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Zhihai Qiu obtained postdoctoral training at Stanford and became a principal investigator at Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology consequently, working on multiscale brain imaging and neuromodulation technologies.
Talk Title
Ultrasound neuromodulation: mechanisms and applications
Talk Abstract
Ultrasound neuromodulation is a promising non-invasive technique for modulating deep brain activity, but several critical questions remain unresolved. One major concern is the potential auditory confound, where ultrasound-induced acoustic effects may inadvertently stimulate auditory pathways, leading to unintended outcomes. Moreover, the precise mechanism underlying ultrasound neuromodulation’s effects on brain activity in vivo is not yet fully elucidated. In this talk, we will address these challenges by reviewing the latest research findings and approaches in my lab to mitigate the auditory confound while shedding light on the current understanding of the mechanisms involved. We will also highlight ongoing research efforts and discuss potential avenues for future investigation. By advancing our understanding of these critical issues, we can further enhance the safety and efficacy of ultrasound neuromodulation, paving the way for its broader clinical translation.
Prof. Ke SI
科斯教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Ke Si is a professor in the School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University. He is also a joined professor in the College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University. His main research interest is to understand and control the neuroscience circuit with custom-designed optical tools. 1) Non-invasive deep tissue optical imaging, 2) non-invasive deep tissue optogenetics with sub cellular resolution. 3) Pathological diagnosis based on Artificial Intelligence. His papers have been published on “Nature Photonics”, “PNAS”, “Molecular Psychiatry”, and so on.
Talk Title
Dynamic scattering compensation for cellular resolution deep tissue optogeneticss and imaging
Talk Abstract
The development of high-precision optogenetics in deep tissue is limited due to the strong optical scattering induced by biological tissue. Although various wavefront shaping techniques have been developed to compensate the scattering, it is still a challenge to non-invasively characterize the dynamic scattered optical wavefront inside the living tissue. Here, we present a non-invasive scattering compensation system with fast multidither coherent optical adaptive technique (fCOAT), which allows the rapid wavefront correction and stable focusing in dynamic scattering medium. We achieve subcellular-resolution focusing through 500-μm-thickness brain slices, or even three pieces overlapped mouse skulls after just one iteration with a 589 nm CW laser. Further, focusing through dynamic scattering medium such as live rat ear is also successfully achieved. The formed focus can maintain longer than 60 s, which satisfies the requirements of stable optogenetics manipulation. Moreover, the focus size is adjustable from subcellular level to tens of microns to freely match the various manipulation targets. With the specially designed fCOAT system, we successfully achieve single-cellular optogenetic manipulation through the brain tissue, with a stimulation efficiency enhancement up to 300% compared with that of the speckle.
Prof. Yun SHI
石云教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Yun Stone Shi, Ph.D, Principal Investigator in Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology. From 2022, he joined Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology as a senior investigator. His research interest focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptic function and plasticity, and associated cognitive disorders, if disrupted.
Talk Title
NMDA receptors in synaptic plasticity and cognitive diseases.
Talk Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartic acid type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) play critical roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity, the dysregulation of which leads to cognitive defects. Here, we identified a rare variant in the NMDAR subunit GluN2A (K879R) in a patient with intellectual disability. The K879R mutation enhanced receptor expression on the cell surface by disrupting a KKK motif that we demonstrated to be an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. Expression of GluN2A_K879R in mouse hippocampal CA1 neurons enhanced the excitatory postsynaptic currents mediated by GluN2A-NMDAR but suppressed those mediated by GluN2B-NMDAR and the AMPA receptor. GluN2A_K879R knock-in mice showed similar defects in synaptic transmission and exhibited impaired learning and memory. Furthermore, both LTP and LTD were severely impaired in the KI mice, likely explaining their learning and memory defects. Therefore, our study reveals a new mechanism by which elevated synaptic GluN2A-NMDAR impairs long-term synaptic plasticity as well as learning and memory.
Prof. Bin WANG
王斌教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Bin Wang joined Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology in 2021 as principal investigator and the head of the Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Disorders. His researches are focusing on brain development and diseases.
Talk Title
Understanding the Pathobiology of Neurodevelopment Disorders: from Genetic Variants to Functional Pathways
Talk Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are defined by inabilities of cognitive, emotional and behavioural skills. NDDs including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) lead to a serious health problem in society, affecting 2-3% of children worldwide. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders especially for ID are not well explored. We utilized whole genome sequencing (WGS) to provide a database of genetic variation for Chinese ID children. By integrating databases of WGS for patients and multi-omics datasets, we characterized several risk ID-related genes that potentially contribute to cognitive inability through affecting early brain development. Furthermore, the transgenic mice were generated to explore roles of those mutant genes on the neuronal functions and learning and memory of mice, thereby revealing the pathogenic mechanisms of genetic variations and characterizing potential targets for early diagnosis as well as clinal treatments for intellectual disability patients.
Prof. Yimin WANG
王宜敏教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Yimin Wang is currently a Principal Investigator at Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, leading the Lab of Computing and Visualization for Connectomics Data.
Talk Title
Visualization and Mass Generation of Neuroscience Data
Talk Abstract
Recent advances in imaging technology have made high resolution, large scale microscopic image data more accessible than ever before. These images offer unprecedented insights into the complex structures of the brain anatomy. However, in order to effectively profile these structures, proper visualization and interaction tools are essential. Additionally, the generation of neuronal morphology data needs to be performed in a high throughput manner to facilitate downstream studies such as analysis, brain modeling and simulation. In response to these challenges, our team has been working on developing tools and techniques for the visualization and mass generation of neuroscience data. In this work, several of our recently developed methods towards achieving these goals and their applications will be discussed.
Prof. Zhen YUAN
袁振教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Zhen Yuan is a full professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS)/Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences at University of Macau (UM). His research mainly focuses on biomedical optics, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroimaging. Professor Yuan has published over 260 papers in high profile journals in his fields such as Nature Communication, Research, Neuroimage, Cerebral Cortex, Cortex, and Human Brain Mapping. He is the editorial board member of Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery, associate editor of BMC Medical Imaging, and associate editor of Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
Talk Title
Optical Neuroimaging of Cognitive Functions and Brain Disorders
Talk Abstract
One aim of our present work is to use optical neuroimaging techniques such as fNIRS to reveal the neural mechanism associated with various cognitive functions such as deception, language, executive functions, emotion, and decision making. Behavioral data, demographic data, and fNIRS or EEG recordings were acquired to inspect the cognitive neural mechanism associated with various cognitive functions and brain disorders. Our fNIRS findings demonstrate that it is able to detect and predict various psychiatric disorders. Our pilot results exhibit the advantages of optical neuroimaging in the study of cognitive functions and brain diseases.
Prof. Peilian CHI
池培蓮教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Peilian Chi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences at University of Macau. Her research interest focuses on the development and maintenance of relationships and promoting youth resilience through family system perspectives. Recently, her work has focused on the dual-brain neuroscience. Dr. Chi has published over 90 peer-reviewed peer-reviewed journal articles. Her research has been funded by National Natural Science Foundation in mainland China and Science and Technology Development Fund in Macau SAR. She currently serves as an Associate Editor for Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being and Asian Journal of Social Psychology.
Talk Title
Interpersonal Neural Synchronization during Social Interactions in Close Relationships
Talk Abstract
Interpersonal neural synchronization (INS) has been found to emerge in a variety of human interactions. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesize the converging results on INS during social interactions in intimate partners and parent-child dyads from functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning studies. Nineteen studies with a total of 2006 participants were included in this review, among which six studies involved romantic couples and the other 13 studies were conducted in parent-child dyads. The meta-analysis revealed a robust and consistent INS in the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions of the brain, with significant overall effect sizes for parent–child dyads (r = 0.734–0.739) and romantic couples (r = 0.784–0.786) when compared with other types of relational partners, such as stranger or friend dyads. Moreover, the gender and age of children, tasks, and brain areas were significant moderators of INS in parent-child dyads, whereas no moderating effects were found in romantic couples. The findings provide solid empirical evidence for the attachment theory and model of biobehavioural synchrony, suggesting that close relationships, including parent–child and intimate bonds, are distinct from other social relationships.
Prof. Rihui LI
李日輝教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Rihui Li is currently an Assistant Professor in the Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences at the University of Macau. He obtained his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Houston. Before joining UM, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.
Dr. Li’s research focuses on developing multimodal brain imaging algorithms and computational approaches to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying typical and atypical human behaviors (e.g., social interaction, cognitive impairment).
Dr. Li’s research focuses on developing multimodal brain imaging algorithms and computational approaches to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying typical and atypical human behaviors (e.g., social interaction, cognitive impairment).
Talk Title
Multimodal Neuroimaging to delineate Autism and its comorbidities
Talk Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that emerges in infancy and early childhood (prior to the age of 3 years), characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity and comorbidity. Individuals with ASD typically exhibit varying degrees of social interaction and communication difficulties, alongside apathy and repetitive stereotypical behaviors. Failure to intervene in a timely manner can result in lifelong consequences for the affected individuals. Advanced neuroimaging techniques have progressively emerged as potent tools for investigating and comprehending the neural mechanisms underlying the core symptoms associated with ASD. They hold significant importance for the health management and precise intervention of ASD. In this talk, I will delineate the challenges currently confronted in ASD research, and elucidate how we harness multimodal neuroimaging techniques (e.g., fNIRS, EEG, fMRI) to investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of ASD and its comorbidities such as Fragile X syndrome, and offers contemplations on the prospective landscape of ASD diagnosis and therapy.
Prof. Cheng Teng IP
葉靜婷教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Cheng Teng IP holds an Industrial PhD in Neuroscience from Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark. She is currently an Assistant Professor of the Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences of the University of Macau. With a background as a postdoctoral researcher at the Neurobiology Research Unit of Copenhagen University Hospital, her expertise lies in clinical EEG biomarker research and data sharing initiatives. Dr. IP has also provided consultation services to DeepPsy AG in Switzerland, focusing on the development of EEG biomarker software for personalized treatment tools in psychiatric disorders.
Talk Title
EEG-Vigilance Regulation is associated with and predicts treatment response in Major Depressive Disorder
Talk Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex condition characterized by various underlying mechanisms, leading to a heterogeneous presentation. Consequently, not all patients respond equally to the same treatment approaches. Electroencephalography (EEG) biomarkers obtained before treatment initiation have shown promise in predicting treatment outcomes for MDD. Specifically, measures of EEG vigilance have been associated with depression severity and the response to antidepressant interventions. Our study revealed that patients with MDD exhibited hyperstable wakefulness regulation patterns in their EEG compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, patients who responded positively to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) demonstrated a tendency toward lower vigilance stages at pretreatment. Additionally, high vigilance stage A1 has emerged as a promising predictor of response to ketamine treatment. Notably, EEG wakefulness regulation patterns in MDD patients normalized toward those observed in healthy controls after an 8-week treatment period. These findings underscore the diagnostic and predictive value of EEG vigilance measures in MDD. We propose that the affordability and methodological simplicity of EEG make it an ideal tool for optimizing patient stratification in future clinical trials and for guiding the selection of appropriate drug treatments for MDD patients.
Prof. Ping REN
任平教授
Speaker Bio
Prof. Ping Ren is an Associate Professor of Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Shenzhen Mental Health Center/Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, China. He received PhD degree (Neurobiology) from Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011, and continued postdoc research in University of Rochester from 2012-2018. Since 2019, he joined Shenzhen Kangning Hospital. His research focuses on the neural substrates of cognitive aging and dementia, and early intervention of cognitive impairment. His lab uses multiple approaches, including computerized behavior tasks, non-invasive brain stimulation such as tES and TMS, and MRI. His recent work is mainly about altered financial decision-making and corresponding brain circuitry in aging.
Talk Title
Fronto-subcortical networks underlying financial decision-making in aging
Talk Abstract
Financial decision-making is an essential component of everyday life. Compared with young adults, older adults often have difficulty in risky decision-making, increasing the risk of financial exploitation. We hypothesized that the fronto-subcortical circuitry would play a critical role in aging-associated alterations in financial decision-making. Our work systematically examined the risk behavior of older adults in different decision-making tasks, combining resting-state and task-related fMRI. The results showed that some older adults have conservative risk-taking behaviors, while others still maintain comparable decision strategies relative to young adults. Connectivity analysis showed that fronto-putamen connectivity was critical for generating optimal decision strategies in aging. More importantly, we found opposite directions of correlation between fronto-amygdala connectivity and task performance in cognitively normal and impaired older adults, in which the dorsal and ventral amygdala networks play different roles. Our findings imply the critical role of the fronto-subcortical circuitry in maintaining normal financial decision-making ability.