From May 22-26 of this year, AE Tbilisi Hub collaborated with the International School of Neuroscience. Within the framework of this collaboration, Tbilisi State Medical University hosted the lecture series “Unraveling the Neurochemical Secrets of the Brain.”
At the invitation of AE Tbilisi Hub, the event featured Professor Vladimir Parpura, a member of Academia Europaea and Director of the International Translational Neuroscience Research Institute at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Professor Parpura delivered a public lecture entitled “Astrocytes release glutamate by regulated exocytosis in health and disease.” He presented the evidence that astrocytes, a subtype of glial cells in the brain, can exocytotically release the neurotransmitter glutamate and analyzed how this release is regulated. He also discussed spatiotemporal characteristics of vesicular fusion that underlie astrocyte glutamate release. In addition, he presented data on a translational project in which this release pathway can be targeted for treating astrocytoma IV (also referred to as glioblastoma mutiforme IV), the deadliest brain cancer.
The event showcased cutting-edge research in contemporary neuroscience, whose findings are shaping the future of science and medicine. The lectures were followed by active Q&A sessions and discussions, during which scientists explored the revolutionary potential of the presented research for neuroscience and medicine. The exchange of knowledge and experience not only deepened participants’ understanding of these topics but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations. The event once again highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and international cooperation in neuroscience.
