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The Feindel Brain and Mind Seminar Series will advance the vision of Dr. William Feindel (1918–2014), Former Director of the Neuro (1972–1984), to constantly bridge the clinical and research realms. The talks will highlight the latest advances and discoveries in neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroimaging.

Speakers will include scientists from across The Neuro, as well as colleagues and collaborators locally and from around the world. The series is intended to provide a virtual forum for scientists and trainees to continue to foster interdisciplinary exchanges on the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of brain and cognitive disorders.

To attend in person, register

To watch via Vimeo, clickÌý

Chao Zheng

Assistant Professor, Departments of Psychiatry, Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of TorontoÌý

Scientist, Brain Health Imaging Centre and the Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Abstract: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an essential non-invasive imaging technique widely used in disease diagnosis and drug discovery. SV2A (Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2A) serves as a key biomarker for imaging synaptic density in the brain, making it an important target in neurological research. Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), a member of the AGC family of serine/threonine kinases, plays a critical role in various cellular functions. In this presentation, Dr. Zheng will share his work on the development of innovative PET imaging tracers for both SV2A and ROCK2, advancing our ability to visualize and study the brain in the context of neurological diseases and therapies.