Title: Development of fluorogenic probe imaging of RNA related to synaptic plasticity
Summary: The project is aiming at development of RNA imaging probe. RNAs related to synaptic plasticity will be targeted by probe. First issues are to develop probe that enable sensitive and multiple color detection. Second, probe is applied to mRNA imaging in neuron. Chief goal is to reveal of the relationship between RNA dynamics and synaptic plasticity.

Title: Understanding and controling the neural network underlying flexible decision making
Summary: How do humans make flexible decisions out of a multitude of choices? In this study, I propose a "leaky integrator hypothesis" of flexible decision making. I will train monkeys on a task switching paradigm and verify this hypothesis using neural recording and microstimulation techniques in area MT and LIP of the cerebral cortex.

Title:Uncovering the universal mechanism for axon guidance
Summary: Axon guidance is one of the critical steps for the accurate neuronal network formation. Neuronal growth cones, which are located at the tip of the growing axon, act as a sensor for guidance cues, and neurons are guided to their proper targets by sensing various extracellular guidance cues in the local environment. The aim of this project is to uncover the universal mechanism for axon guidance that contributes to integration of multiple extracellular guidance cues.

Title: A forward genetic approach to the polarized vesicle transports in neurons
Summary: Neurons are highly polarized cells composed of several membrane domains. To establish and maintain these polarized structures, polarized vesicle transports are essential. I will perform the forward genetic screening and identify and analyze the genes involved in polarized vesicle transports using Drosophila photoreceptors.

Title: Imaging and manipulation of the neural circuits underlying cognition in the primate cerebral cortex.
Summary: We often make our decisions based on the sensory information and/or memory. In the current project, we aim to reveal the neural circuits underlying such decisions. Using the ocluar motor system of primate as a model system, we will investigate how the neural circuits in the frontal cortex integrate various information that results in the eye movement commands. We will apply cutting-edge imaging technique and molecular biology to primates and reveal the higher brain function at the level of neural circuits.

Title: Local Connectomics: Cell Type Specific and Developmental Dissection of Inhibitory Local Neural Circuits.
Summary: Diversity of inhibitory neurons confers a rich repertory of inhibitory controls on neural circuits and contributes to stability and dynamics in neural activity, thereby enabling complex neural computation in the brain. In this project, I will develop a new technique to visualize connectivity between a single pyramidal neuron and a subtype of inhibitory neurons using state of the art genetic methods. Deciphering "anatomical codes" of inhibitory local circuits embedded in the brain will lead to a deeper understanding of brain function and disease.

Title: Understanding Neural Circuits of Body Temperature Rhythm in Drosophila
Summary: Human body temperature is rhythmic over the course of a day as it rises during the day and falls during the night. Body temperature rhythm (BTR) is critical for maintaining homeostasis. However, the molecular and neural mechanisms regulating BTR are largely unknown. The goal of this proposal is to understand the neural circuits of BTR in Drosophila. Using Drosophila as a model has contributed to the discovery of many genes and mechanisms crucial for circadian clock and sleep that are conserved between flies and humans. Therefore, this proposal may lead to a breakthrough in the study of BTR in humans.

Title: A new understanding of circadian rhythm regulation as neuroglial interactions
Summary: It has long been believed that behavior is regulated by neuronal networks. Recent advances in glial researches, however, strongly suggest involvement of glias in the central roles in the brain. In this research project, I will test the hypothesis that glial cells are involved in variability/flexibility of the circadian clock that is capable of adapting to outer environment. In addtion, this research may lead to understanding of common principles of behavioral regulations by neuroglial networks.

Title: Molecular basis of activity-dependent formation of glycinergic synapse and its plasticity
Summary: Synapse is regulated in an activity-dependent manner. In fact, synaptic inputs alter morphology of synapse and receptor density at the postsynaptic site as well as kinetics of synaptic transmission. Activity-dependent regulation of glycinergic synapse has been recently studied in vivo using zebrafish. In this study, I challenge to elucidate the activity-dependent regulation of glycinergic synapse in live animals.

Title: Elucidating the operating principle and development of the neural network underlying locomotion
Summary: Walking and swimming are fundamental behavior of the animals. In this study, I will examine the operating principle and development of the neural network underlying locomotion at the cellular and genetic level by using the basal chordate ascidian which has only 100 neurons. I will try to elucidate the evolutionarily conserved operating principle of neural network among chordate by comparing the ascidian locomotor network and the vertebrate locomotor network.

Title: Analysis and Manipulation of Neuronal Networks Encoding Specific Memories
Summary: How are memories encoded and correctly retrieved in the brain? In this project, I will generate a transgenic mouse line whose functionally activated neuronal networks can be selectively manipulated. By the combination of behavioral analysis and imaging technique, I will challenge the neural basis of "memory".

Title: Regulation of protein transport and synaptic plasticity by light stimulation
Summary: Synaptic plasticity has been proposed to underlie the memory and learning. Activity-dependent trafficking of postsynaptic AMPA receptors plays a central role in experience-dependent plasticity. However, it is still unknown whether the trafficking of AMPA receptor directly regulates the memory and learning. In this project, I am going to develop a method which can regulate the trafficking of AMPA receptor by light stimulation, and clarify the underlying mechanism for memory and learning. I am also going to develop the methods for controlling the function of Golgi apparatus and mitochondria.

Title: Study of Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity by Imaging and Manipulation of Signaling Molecules
Summary: The formation and function of neural network are based on synaptic plasticity. It is believed that synaptic plasticity is regulated by biochemical signaling in dendritic spine. However, the molecular mechanisms of biochemical signaling in spine have not been well-studied. In this project, we try to understand the mechanism of synaptic plasticity at the level of single synapse by using imaging and manipulation techniques.

Title: Regulation of target recognition and selective synapse formation by synapse-organizers
Summary: A small subset of cell adhesion molecules called "synapse organizers" that have an ability to induce pre- or postsynaptic differentiation play crucial roles in neuronal network formation. In this project, I will investigate the molecular mechanisms for target recognition and selective formation of synapses mediated by these synapse organizers. I will also focus on the regulatory mechanisms of synapse formation by signal crosstalk among distinct synapse organizers.