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Thursday, May 28, 2026

Please note that the below is a preliminary schedule.Ìý

Abstract Submissions

We invite trainees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level to present their work as posters. Abstracts will also be considered for oral presentations.

We encourage you to share your most current project in any stage of development, including literature reviews, research questions, and pilot projects.

The deadline for abstract submissions is March 23, 2026

Speakers

Stéphanie Baulac

Bio: Stéphanie Baulac is a Research Director at Inserm and Group Leader at the Paris Brain Institute (ICM) of the MOSAIC Team « Genetic Mosaicism in Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders » Her team implements a comprehensive translational approach spanning from the identification and characterization of somatic mutations in brain tissues obtained from patients undergoing epilepsy surgery to in-depth functional analysis, combining functional testing on patient-derived brain organoids, and mouse models.

Lecture Abstract: Focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII) is a cortical malformation causing refractory epilepsy, resulting from developmental somatic mutations in mTOR pathway genes. To understand how these mutations create a mosaic pattern of affected cells and lead to cortical dyslamination, we performed comprehensive single-nucleus analyses of surgical samples from genetically-characterized FCDII patients. By combining genotyping and transcriptomics at single-cell resolution, we revealed that mutations predominantly affect glutamatergic neurons and astrocytes, creating distinct transcriptional programs in both mutated and non-mutated cells. This mosaicism drives cell-type-specific dysregulation of synaptic and neurodevelopmental pathways that likely contribute to epileptogenesis. Notably, our analysis of cytomegalic cells uncovered pronounced alterations in mitochondrial metabolism pathways and cellular senescence. We uncover a signature associated with cellular senescence in abnormal FCDII cells and further provide evidence in preclinical FCDII mouse models that senolytic agents could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for this disorder.

Location

The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital is at 3801 University Street, north of Pine Avenue West, on the ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ campus opposite the former Royal Victoria Hospital.

Montreal is served by highway Routes 10, 15, 20 and 40, and by Greyhound Bus, Via Rail and the P-E-Trudeau airport. In the city, bus and metro service is provided by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).

Wheelchair access

A wheelchair accessible entrance is on University Street north of the main entrance. Another wheelchair accessible entrance is in the loading area behind the building: to enter the loading area, turn into the driveway south of the main entrance. Please note, there is no parking in the loading area.

Parking

Parking near the MNI is sometimes difficult. There are parking meters on University Street and a parking lot north of the main entrance. To enter the lot, turn right into the driveway toward Molson Stadium.

Information about parking fees

Taxi Stand

There is a taxi stand on University Street across from the main entrance. You may call a cab from the free taxi phone in the main lobby near the Security Desk.

Access by Public TransportationÌý

Bus

There are four bus stops within walking distance:

• Bus 144 stops at Pine Avenue and University Street
• Bus 356 stops at Sherbrooke Street and University Street (Nightbus)
• Bus 107 stops at Pine Avenue and Docteur Penfield
• Bus 24 stops at Sherbrooke Street and University Street

Metro

Take the Metro Green Line to the ÐãÉ«Ö±²¥ station. Walk north on University Street and cross Pine Avenue. The main entrance is on the right, past the flags.

Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre

• Enter the main lobby, turn left, and go down the hallway to the end.
• Turn right and go down the second hallway until you see another hallway on the left.
• This hallway leads to the Jeanne Timmins Foyer.
• On yourÌýrightÌýare the Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre entrance doors.

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Committee

Boris Bernhardt

Sam Audrain

Alexander Barnett

Sara Lariviere

Raluca Pana

Myriam Srour

Debbie Rashcovsky

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