Neural progenitor cells in both mammals and insects transit through multiple states of competence to produce diverse neural cell types, losing the ability to generate early-born neurons while gaining competence to generate later-born ones. How is competence regulated to ensure the development of a highly organized structure like the brain? Using Drosophila, we find that neuroblasts (fly neural progenitors) undergo a developmentally-timed reorganization of their genome that impacts competence to activate genes in the descendent neurons. Here I will discuss mechanisms of neuroblast genome reorganization and the role of nuclear proteins in competence regulation underlying neural diversification.

About the Speaker:
Minoree Kohwi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Neuroscience
Columbia University, Zuckerman Institute Mind Brain Behavior

Undergrad: Caltech; Ph.D.: UCSF, Programs in Neuroscience, studying adult neurogenesis with Arturo Alvarez-Buylla; Postdoc: University of Oregon, studying regulation of neuroblast progenitor competence with Chris Doe

Current Research at Columbia: Our lab investigates how diverse brain cells are generated by delving into the dynamic organization of the genome within neural progenitors.

Please Note:
This is a Hybrid Seminar: In person at Palmer Commons Forum Hall and on Zoom.