Hitoshi Okamoto
Deputy Director/ Senior Team Leader, RIKEN Brain Science Institute

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.

Yasuo Kawaguchi
Professor, National Institute for Physiological Sciences

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.

Yukiko Gotoh
Professor, The University of Tokyo

Tomoyuki Takahashi
Professor, Doshisha University

Takahisa Furukawa
Professor, Osaka University

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.

Masanori Matsuzaki
Professor, National Institute for Basic Biology

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.

Hajime Mushiake
Professor, Tohoku University

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.

Kensaku Mori
Professor, The University of Tokyo

Michisuke Yuzaki
Professor, Keio University

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.