17th International Conference of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa Marrakesh-Morocco April, 17-20, 2025

Title: Brain Pathologies - Neuron and Glia Diversity in Regeneration
Organizer: Frank Kirchhoff & Luciana Politti Cartarozzi
Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Instituto Superior di Sanita, Italy
Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, New York, USA
email: frank.kirchhoff@uks.eu; lpcarta@unicamp.br

Abstract:

On behalf of the German Neuroscience Society (NWG), I am proposing a symposium for SONA 2025 titled "Brain Pathologies - Neuron and Glia Diversity in Regeneration." This symposium will bring together a diverse group of scientists from four continents, each contributing unique insights into brain pathologies and regeneration. Aligned with the conference theme "Brain Health and Environment: The Challenge of the Future," we will explore how neuron-glia interactions and brain organoids can inform future therapies for neurological diseases. The symposium will be co-chaired by myself, Prof. Frank Kirchhoff (University of Saarland, Germany), and Dr. Luciana Politti Cartarozzi (University of Campinas, Brazil), who will also present her research on "Exploring glial and immune mechanisms in spinal motoneuron regeneration." Our speaker lineup reflects a strong commitment to diversity: Dr. Mubeen Goolam (University of Cape Town, South Africa) will present "Developing African origin brain organoids as a genetically diverse preclinical model of neurological disease," focusing on stem cell models for neurological conditions like epilepsy. Dr. Priscilla Kolibea Mante (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana) will discuss "Harnessing Phytochemicals for Neuroprotection," highlighting plant-based compounds for treating epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and pain. Ms. Zainab Faik (University of Zurich, Switzerland), originally from Morocco, will present "Fueling the White Matter: Distinct Metabolism in Oligodendrocytes, Astrocytes, and Axons," using advanced imaging techniques to explore brain energy metabolism. Dr. Xianshu Bai (University of Saarland, Germany) will conclude with "The role of neuron-oligodendrocyte communications in the developing mouse brain and during remyelination processes." This symposium showcases cutting-edge research while emphasizing global representation in neuroscience. By including speakers from Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America, we aim to foster international collaboration and highlight diverse perspectives on brain health challenges. Our multidisciplinary approach—spanning organoid models, neuroimmunology, phytochemistry, and glial biology will engage a broad audience and contribute to advancing neuroscience research in Africa.

Speakers

Number	Speaker	e-mail	Title of  the communication
SP12_1	Priscilla Kolibea Mante	pkmante.pharm@knust.edu.gh	Harnessing Phytochemicals for Neuroprotection.
SP12_2	Mubeen Goolam	mubeen.goolam@uct.ac.za	Developing African origin brain organoids as a genetically diverse preclinical model of neurological disease.
SP12_3	Luciana Politti Cartarozzi	lpcarta@unicamp.br	Exploring glial and immune mechanisms in spinal motoneuron regeneration: insights from the ventral root crush model
SP12_4	Zainab Faik	zainab.faik@pharma.uzh.ch	Fueling the White Matter: Distinct Metabolism in Oligodendrocytes, Astrocytes, and Axons
SP12_5	Xianshu Bai	xianshu.bai@uks.eu	Plasticity of oligodendrocyte lineage cells during development and acute brain injury