Masanobu Iwanaga Miharu Eguchi Shinichi Enami Yasuko Osakada Hiroyuki Katsuki
Tetsuo Kishimoto Daisuke Kojima Akitoshi Koreeda Takuya Satoh Atsushi Syouji
Hiroki Takahashi Fumio Takahashi Hidehiko Nakagawa Biju V. Pillai  

 

Single molecule imaging of neurons with photo-functional quantum dots

Yasuko Osakada

Kyoto University,
Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS)
Assistant Professor

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Research Theme

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system, maintaining its functions in living cells with dynamic changes. The major goal of my research is development of novel, real time, single-molecule imaging systems for understanding neuronal networks that regulate these neuronal activities. This proposal seeks to functionalize quantum dots with photoswitchable molecules upon photoactivation. By modulating the photophysical properties of quantum dots using light, we visualize neuronal processes directly at single molecule levels. These techniques will enhance understanding how various neuronal processes and signaling pathways affect the neuronal networks.