Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas（Ａ）
Systems Neuroscience Group (A03)
A03-1 Robustness and recovery of motor control in the animal brains
PIYoshito MasamizuProfessor, Doshisha UniversityResearchmap
Co-IKaneyasu NishimuraAssociate Professor, Doshisha UniversityResearchmap
Co-IHironobu OsakiResearch Associate Professor, Doshisha UniversityResearchmap
Goal
We reveal the neural activity during brain function recovery using in vivo calcium imaging.
Research plans
The brain has the characteristics of damage tolerance and self-organization. We will investigate the spatiotemporal firing patterns in multicellular networks during brain function recovery using in vivo calcium imaging. Moreover, we reveal the neuronal mechanism of damage tolerance and self-organization. Quantitative analysis of high-dimensional time series data will be carried out with the A01 Matsui group. We will estimate various parameters to describe it as a generic RNN (recurrent neural network) with the A01 Katori group. Furthermore, we will compare the neural activities in the animal brains with those in the cultured neurons of the A02 Yamamoto and Hirano groups. We will then link them to the proposal for an efficient control method for bioactuators developed by the A02 Tanii group.
A03-2 Network basis of learning and modulation in multicellular systems
PIHaruyuki KamiyaProfessor, Hokkaido UniversityResearchmap
Co-IShutaro KatsurabayashiProfessor, Fukuoka UniversityLab.HP
Goal
We aim to unveil the mechanisms underlying the modulation and plasticity of dynamics in multicellular neural networks by neuronal activity and neuromodulators.
Research plans
To elucidate the mechanisms of plasticity in the artificial neuronal networks, we will carry out an electrophysiological approach in cultured neuronal preparation and brain slice preparation. Comparing the plasticity in simple and complex neuronal networks in cultured neurons, we will seek the necessary and sufficient conditions for the induction of plasticity. We will also examine the actions of neuromodulators such as dopamine and the influence of surrounding glias. With these findings, we will attempt to propose the method of neuromodulation and plasticity in the artificial neuronal network reconstructed in the culture preparation. In addition, we also address the mechanisms of oscillation by clarifying the fluctuation of axonal conduction. A modeling approach will also use to reconstruct the network oscillation observed in the experiment.
A03-3a Elucidation of multicellular mechanisms of behavioral selection under conflict scenario
PINatsuko Hitora-ImamuraLecturer, Kumamoto UniversityResearchmap
Goal
The goal is to elucidate the neural basis for how diverse inputs determine neuronal population activity and behavioral outputs.
Research plans
Appropriate decision-making and corresponding behavioral output are essential for organisms to survive and adapt to the surrounding environment. In particular, in conflict situations where rewarding and aversive stimuli exist simultaneously, it is thought that different neural pathways—such as those that trigger exploratory behavior in response to rewards and those that induce freezing responses to aversive stimuli—are activated concurrently. However, the mechanisms by which this information is processed and leads to the selection of an appropriate behavior remain unclear. In this study, we aim to elucidate how inputs from these distinct pathways shape the activity of neuronal populations and ultimately result in behavioral choices, by utilizing real-time neural activity recording and manipulation techniques such as in vivo calcium imaging and optogenetics.
A03-3b Understanding robust and flexible gustatory information processing via multicellular networks
PISoma ShogoAssistant Professor, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineResearchmap
Goal
We aim to elucidate the fundamental principles of taste information processing by combining optogenetics with multi-unit recording.
Research plans
The visual pathway integrates signals from cone and rod cells to generate visual experiences. In contrast, the gustatory pathway processes signals from taste cells that detect the five basic tastes to form taste perception, but the mechanisms underlying this processing remain unclear. In this study, we aim to elucidate the fundamental principles of taste information processing in the central nervous system using large-scale electrophysiological recordings. Furthermore, through collaboration with Group A01, we will explore information processing mechanisms unique to the gustatory system, distinct from the visual system, and challenge the establishment of a new mathematical model.
A03-3c TBA
PIMieko MorishimaAssociate Professor, Doshisha UniversityResearchmap
Goal
The goal is to elucidate the homeostatic reorganization of neural circuits resulting from activity changes at the cellular and synaptic levels following a stroke.
Research plans
During motor control, neural activity patterns across multicellular networks in local cortical circuits and subcortical regions are coordinated to encode motor commands. However, when these patterns are disrupted by a stroke, the subsequent neural reorganization remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, I aim to elucidate the reorganization of neural circuits involved in motor control using electrophysiological methods with living brain slice preparations.
A03-3d Cognitive map generation through interactions among multicellular networks
PITakuma KitanishiAssociate Professor, The University of TokyoResearchmap
Goal
Clarifying the neural mechanisms underlying the generation of spatial information through interactions among diverse multicellular networks.
Research plans
Spatial cognition is likely based on diverse neuronal populations encoding spatial information. However, the circuit mechanisms by which specific spatial information is generated through interactions between particular cell populations remain unclear. We investigate these mechanisms by combining large-scale multicellular recordings with optogenetic manipulations across the hippocampal–entorhinal circuit in rodents during spatial exploration tasks.
A03-3e TBA
PIAkihiro FunamizuLecturer, The University of TokyoResearchmap
Goal
TBA
Research plans
TBA
A03-3f TBA
PIHidenori AizawaProfessor, Hiroshima UniversityResearchmap
Goal
TBA
Research plans
TBA