Title: Modulating Reactive Gliosis and Neuroinflammation by ASD-associated Chd8 in the Adult Mouse Brains

Speaker: Dr. Yang Zhou, Assistant Professor, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2), Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: Room 3H-1, Tupper Building

Description: Mutations of gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) represent a causal factor for ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders. Prior characterization of CHD8 concentrated on stem cells and germline-mutated model organisms, which shed light on its functions in development. However, little is known about the cellular function of CHD8 in the matured brain. Using mouse genetic approaches, we delineated the role of astrocytic CHD8 in orchestrating reactive gliosis and neuroinflammatory processes in the adult brain. We further engineered an AAV- and CRISPR-mediated Chd8 gene editing strategy and revealed that injury-induced reactive gliosis can be directly mitigated in mouse and marmoset brains. Given that excessive reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation are hallmark features in neurodegeneration and brain injury, I will introduce our ongoing efforts and discuss the potential of targeting CHD8 for alleviating excessive gliosis and modulating pathophysiology in an experimental mouse model of neurodegenerative disorder.