This course provides an in-depth exploration of different animal and cellular models used in the study of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases. Through lectures and discussions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of various neuropathologies. Each lecture will be given by an expert in the field that will focus on a different CNS disease, delving into the pathologies, symptoms, and phenotypes captured by different models. Students will also learn how these models have contributed to uncovering the underlying mechanisms of the diseases. Moreover, we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each model, explore the correlation between animal model and human clinical endpoints in different disorders, and examine potential new directions for the field.
Topics to be covered (please note that lectures 2-12 are not necessarily in the correct order):
Lecture 1: Introduction to Animal Models in CNS Research
Lecture 2: Parkinson's Disease
Lecture 3: Dementia disorders, with a focus on Alzheimer's Disease
Lecture 4: Autism
Lecture 5: Prion diseases
Lecture 6: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Lecture 7: Addiction and drug addiction
Lecture 8: Huntington's Disease + Aging models
Lecture 9: Depression
Lecture 10: Stress, Anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Lecture 11: Eating disorders
Lecture 12: Autoimmune neurology - Brain Inflammation Model (Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke)
Lecture 13: Compassion fatigue + Summary