The Brain’s Dark Matter: Exploring the Extracellular Matrix | Prof. Jessica Kwok

In our 25th episode, we're highlighting a fascinating and often overlooked area of neuroscience: the extracellular matrix of the brain. We are delighted to host Dr. Jessica Kwok, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Leeds, whose research is reshaping our understanding of memory, brain plasticity, and post-injury recovery. In this episode, you will learn: -What perineuronal nets (PNNs) are and their influence on brain function. -The surprising role of the ECM in spinal cord injury recovery. -How the ECM shapes brain development and aging. -The reasons why some neurons possess PNNs while others do not. -The therapeutic potential of targeting PNNs, and many more interesting topics! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us for exciting neuroscience content.🎙️Link to our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/neurosciencebeyond #Neuroscience #ExtracellularMatrix #SpinalCordInjury #ECM #PNN This podcast is supported by the International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences in #Göttingen, the European Neuroscience Institute, the Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging" in Göttingen, as well as, SFB1286. Neuroscience and Beyond team: Svilen Georgiev Kristina Jevdokimenko Ahsen Konaç Sayıcı Beatriz Apgaua Mels Akhmetali Timestamps 00:00:00 - 00:01:40: Introduction 00:01:50 - 00:02:45: Dr. Jessica Kwok 00:02:45 - 00:06:00: What is the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)? 00:06:50 - 00:14:00: Historical Perspective on ECM & Perineuronal Nets (PNNs) 00:14:00 - 00:19:40: ECM's Role in Neurodevelopment and Aging 00:19:40 - 00:21:50: ECM Components in Different Brain Regions 00:21:50 - 00:24:40: The Role of ECM in Spinal Cord Injury 00:24:40 - 00:29:10: Major ECM Components 00:29:10 - 00:32:10: Trafficking of ECM Molecules 00:32:10 - 00:34:05: Functions of PNN/ECM 00:34:05 - 00:36:40: Why Do Some Cells Have PNNs, and Others Don't? 00:36:40 - 00:39:20: Hibernating Animals and PNNs 00:39:20 - 00:43:30: Studying PNN Components 00:43:30 - 00:51:40: Difference in Scientific Culture: East vs. West 00:51:40 - 00:57:40: Clinical Trials & Animal Tests 00:57:40 - 00:59:00: PNNs in Alzheimer’s Disease 00:59:00 - 01:00:30: Studying ECM: Why and How? 01:00:30 - 01:03:50: Exciting Discoveries in ECM Research 01:03:50: Concluding Remarks References: https://neural.leeds.ac.uk/news/modifying-perineuronal-nets-to-improve-neuroplasticity-published-in-molecular-psychiatry/ https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/5/2434 https://cambridgeblog.org/2015/12/5-facts-you-should-know-about-choanoflagellates/ Choanoflagellates research group: https://www.uib.no/en/michaelsarscentre/114773/burkhardt-group