Neuromodulatory Signaling Pathways that Modify the Function of Circuits

An essential function of the nervous system is to generate optimal behavioral responses to diverse environmental cues. Experience can profoundly modulate this process by modifying the properties of the underlying neural circuits. With prolonged activity, sensory inputs can also shape the development of neural circuits to produce adaptation. An ever-increasing number of neuromodulators, including monoamines, peptides and growth factors, act on neural networks to regulate a wide range of behavioral and physiological traits, including emotion, sleep, motivation, as well as learning and memory. A mechanistic understanding of neuromodulation faces two fundamental challenges: first, how are sensory signals transduced into specific and time-dependent release of neuromodulators; second, how are neurons organized into circuits that release or respond to neuromodulators?

Neuromodulation, while essential to nervous system function, has been significantly more difficult to study than classical neurotransmission. However, in the past decade, several advances have led to dramatic progress. These advances include the mapping of neuromodulatory circuits, physiological analysis of circuit dynamics, theoretical modeling of circuit properties, and interrogation of circuit function using genetic methods. More recently, stunning technological advances in imaging and light-controlled neural excitation have enabled high resolution studies of specific neural circuits. These interdisciplinary efforts have led to rapid progress in our understanding of how neural circuits are modulated to generate adaptive behaviors. This new conference will bring together researchers from a variety of disciplines and model systems, all with an eye on the common goal of understanding neuromodulation. By design, this conference will foster cross-disciplinary collaborations that will help drive the next breakthroughs in our understanding of neuromodulatory control of behavior. The meeting will cover research and technical developments in both invertebrate and vertebrate model systems, as well as draw in expertise in modeling and imaging. Our goal is to organize a dynamic conference that will highlight the exciting advances in neuromodulation and attract new talent and energy to this rapidly developing field.

The neuroscience research in Asia has grown tremendously in the past few years and many scholars in China and Japan have made remarkable contributions to our understanding of neural circuits. Thus, this Gordon Research Conference will be held in Hong Kong, a central meeting point that reflects the global efforts to understand neuromodulation.