Research Director

Shuya Fukai

The University of Tokyo
Associate Professor

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Outline

Numerous neurons in a brain are connected via spcialized cell junctions termed synapses to build complicated and diversified neuronal networks. This research project will analyze protein complexes that induce synapse formation to elucidate mechanisms for the synapse formation at atomic-level resolution. Based on the structural information, methods for controlling the synapse formation will be further developed. Since dysfunctions of the synapse formation are closely related to neurodevelopmental disorders, expected results of this project might lead to an innovation of therapeutic methods for neurodevelopmental disorders, which cannot be effectively improved by existing therapeutic methods.