- Hitoshi Okamoto
- Yasuo Kawaguchi
- Yukiko Gotoh
- Tomoyuki Takahashi
- Takahisa Furukawa
- Masanori Matsuzaki
- Hajime Mushiake
- Kensaku Mori
- Michisuke Yuzaki
Study on the regulatory mechanisms for behavioral and learning choices by the habenula
Research Director
Hitoshi OkamotoDeputy Director/ Senior Team Leader, RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Outline
The habenula occupies bilatelally the most dorsal part of the diencephalon and relays the telencephalic limbic system with the monoaminergic neurons in the midbrain and the hindbrain. Taking advantage of the conservation of the habenula from fish to mammals, we use zebrafish, rat and mouse to reveal the functional roles of the habenula as a switchboard for the choices of behaviors based on the judgement of the emotional values of given situations. Our research may lead to the understanding of the etiology of psychiatric disorders such as the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the savant syndrome which abnormally enables memorization of objects irrespective of their values.
Joint research groups
- Tomoki Fukai
- Team Leader, RIKEN Brain Science Institute
- Thomas J. McHugh
- Team Leader, RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Integrative analysis of inter-region and local circuit connections in the cerebral cortex
Research Director
Yasuo KawaguchiProfessor, National Institute for Physiological Sciences
Outline
Neurons from discrete neocortical areas send axons near and far to numerous subcortical and cortical targets. The great diversity of neocortical neurons allows some neuron subtypes to specialize in specific projection pathways. Our research will characterize the connection specificity between cortical neuron subtypes and their projection targets. Furthermore, we will test the hypothesis that the local synaptic connectivity between inhibitory and excitatory neurons depends upon the projection targets.
Joint research groups
- Yoshiyuki Kubota
- Associate Professor, National Institute for Physiological Sciences
- Fumino Fujiyama
- Professor, Doshisha University
Production of various neural cell types by regulation of neural stem cells
Research Director
Yukiko GotohProfessor, The University of Tokyo
Outline
In the cerebral cortex, different neuronal cell types are generated in a temporally defined sequence and constitute the cortical layers; neural stem cells then switch off neuron production to make glial cells. We will study epigenetic mechanisms that underlie this temporal regulation of neural stem cell fate during development. We will also study the origin of adult neural stem cells, and try to find a way to activate this population and incorporate them into the neuronal network.
Presynaptic regulatory mechanism in neuronal communication and its postnatal development
Research Director
Tomoyuki TakahashiProfessor, Doshisha University
Outline
By introducing molecular tools and manipulations to giant presynaptic terminals and glia, visualized in slices and cultures, we investigate dynamic changes of electrical/Ca signals and movements of intracellular organella in association with neuronal activity, thereby clarifying how presynaptic molecules regulate transmitter release, and how they are involved in developmental and activity-dependent changes of synaptic function. Through this study, we aim at providing a novel basic insight into the molecular mechanism underlying neuronal communication, thereby contributing to clinical studies pursuing new treatments for neuronal diseases.
Analysis of the synapse formation and the functional networks in the vertebrate retina
Research Director
Takahisa FurukawaProfessor, Osaka University
Outline
We focus on the retina, a part of the central nervous system (CNS), to understand molecular and functional mechanisms underlying specific synaptic connections and neuronal networks. Toward this end, by generating various genetically engineered mice including selective neuron-disrupted mouse, we will investigate synapse formation at the molecular level, electrophysiological properties at the cell and tissue levels, and visual function at the individual level. Through these studies, we attempt to elucidate how elaborate neural networks are formed and visual information is processed in the retina.
Joint research groups
- Masao Tachibana
- Professor, The University of Tokyo
Spatio-temporal representation of the motor information in the brain revealed by cutting-edge techniques
Research Director
Masanori MatsuzakiProfessor, National Institute for Basic Biology
Outline
The aim of this study is to reveal how voluntary movement is represented in cortical circuits. We will combine a number of cutting-edge techniques to clarify the activity, distribution, and connections of the cortical neurons that are involved in sequential motor phases. The activities of the cortical neurons will be modulated by using 'optogenetic' tools to clarify the direction of flow of motor information. Our results will provide insights into the principles of circuit operation and the cellular basis for recovery from brain cortical damage.
Joint research groups
- Yoshikazu Isomura
- Professor, Tamagawa University
Neural mechanisms underlying dynamic representations of information in the brain: state transitions in local circuits
Research Director
Hajime MushiakeProfessor, Tohoku University
Outline
Higher cognitive functions represent and dynamically transform multiple kinds of information in the brain to achieve behavioral goals. As the highest level in the hierarchical organization of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, in particular, is involved in representing and transforming behaviorally relevant information in coordination with cortical and sub-cortical structures. We hypothesized that a dynamic representation of information in the brain is dependent on a balance between excitatory and inhibitory activities that play important roles in maintaining and transforming the state of local neural circuits. To test this hypothesis, we will evaluate the state of neural circuits by measuring multiple cellular activities and developing a new research technique combining electrophysiology and optogenetics.
Joint research groups
- Hiromu Yao
- Professor, Tohoku University
- Yukio Yanagawa
- Professor, Gunma University
- Makoto Osanai
- Associate Professor, Tohoku University
Neuronal circuit mechanisms underlying odor-induced motivational and emotional behaviors
Research Director
Kensaku MoriProfessor, The University of Tokyo
Outline
With the goal of understanding neuronal circuit logic that translates sensory inputs into motivational and emotional behaviors, we study the function of central olfactory neuronal circuits underlying food odor-induced appetitive motivation and positive emotion and that underlying predator odor-induced fearful motivation and negative emotion. We study also the information processing mode of central olfactory neuronal circuits during the off-line periods when olfactory sensory inputs are gated, such as during sleeping and resting.
Role of C1q family signaling in regulation of synapse formation in mature brain
Research Director
Michisuke YuzakiProfessor, Keio University
Outline
Neuronal activities induce morphological changes at synapses throughout adulthood. This process is considered as a basis for long-lasting memory. In this study, we will elucidate roles of C1q family proteins in regulation of synapse formation and maintenance in adult brain. Furthermore, we will develop a method to modify neuronal circuits and its associated behaviors in vivo by regulating the C1q family signaling. The findings of these studies will have therapeutic potentials against synapse losses, which are known to occur during aging and under certain pathological conditions.
Joint research groups
- Masahiko Watanabe
- Professor, Hokkaido University
- Kenji Sakimura
- Professor, Niigata University