Kei Ito
Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo

The brain combines sensory information from multiple system including vision, smell, taste, hearing, and somatosensation, to control behavior. However, the mechanisms behind the comparison and integration of different sensory modalities are not well understood. To address this issue, we will utilize the brain of the fruit fly Drosophila, a convenient model organism for visualizing and manipulating neurons at the single-cell level. By systematically analyzing the brain regions that integrate signals sent from different sensory centers, and by combining diverse experimental techniques to reveal the functions of identified neural circuits, we aim to reveal the processes underlying integration of sensory information.

Kenichi Ohki
Professor, Kyushu University

The cerebral cortex is composed of several tens of billions of neurons and is divided into tens of areas. Each area is further divided into many smaller modules, i.e., functional neural circuits. In this project, we will investigate the structure and function of unitary functional circuits in the cerebral cortex, using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging with single-cell resolution. We will explore how the unitary circuits develop and work, and elucidate the basic architecture of functional neural circuits in the cerebral cortex.

Kuniyoshi L. Sakai
Professor, The University of Tokyo

We aim to integrate clinical knowledge of language disorders and theoretical knowledge of language into systems neuroscience research of language. Our goal is to elucidate the computational principles underlying functional modules (i.e., syntactic and semantic processing, etc.) from the standpoint of functional differentiation and localization of language in the human brain. Our focus will be on elucidation of working principles within neural networks from the standpoint of the neural connections among modules within these networks. Furthermore, we will explore mechanisms of neural network reorganization during the sensitive period of language acquisition as well as after development of language disorders.

Yoshimi Takai
Professor, Kobe University

The critical role of the hippocampus in long-term memory formation has been well established. Mossy fibers in the hippocampus extend from granule cells to form specialized synapses with the dendrites of CA3 pyramidal neurons and a variety of inhibitory interneurons. This interconnection of excitatory and inhibitory neurons regulates neuronal activities. We will focus on the roles of the cell adhesion molecules nectins and their associated protein afadin to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of (1) target cell recognition, (2) synapse formation, and (3) neuronal plasticity. Our results will contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms in the formation of neuronal circuits and to the development of novel strategies for treatment of neuronal diseases.

Haruhiko Bito
Professor, The University of Tokyo

Previous work has established that neuronal circuits comprise two kinds of connections: hardwired circuits that are genetically programmed and plastic circuits whose connectivity is strengthened in an experience-dependent manner. In this project, we will investigate the molecular basis of the activity dependence of plastic circuits at both the synapse and system levels using novel imaging techniques. Based on these findings, we will further develop new molecular tools to deconstruct, reconstruct, and control the function of plastic circuits.

Toshihide Yamashita
Professor, Osaka University

Initial behavioral deficits resulting from brain injury are frequently followed by spontaneous recovery of function. The basis of this behavioral plasticity is not fully understood, although neural network reorganization is expected to contribute to this resilience. It has been noted that synaptic plasticity within pre-existing pathways and formation of new circuits through collateral sprouting of both lesioned and unlesioned fibers are important components of the spontaneous recovery process, although the molecular mechanisms of these phenomena are poorly understood. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this plasticity, knowledge of which will contribute to enhancement of functional recovery after injury to the central nervous system.