Optical approach to investigate brain mechanisms underlying cognition and visual system

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K18341
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: National Institute for Physiological Sciences (2017); Osaka University (2015-2016)
• Principal Investigator: Agetsuma Masakazu 生理学研究所, 基盤神経科学研究領域, 特任准教授 (30425607)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 二光子イメージング / population coding / 光遺伝学 / パルブアルブミン陽性細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have modified the optical system that enables neural activity imaging and simultaneous optogenetics so that we can perform more stable long-term observation and manipulation of neural activity than the previous method. Using this system, we first investigated the computational mechanism underlying visual information processing and the role of PV neurons under the anesthesia. These results were published (Agetsuma et al., 2017). We also developed a new system by which we can perform training and behavioral tests of mice under the objective lens, which enables imaging and optogenetics before, during, and after the learning/training. We performed actual experiments using this system. We will proceed the analysis of the data to understand the computational mechanism underlying cognition, learning and memory, and publish the results.

Free Research Field

システム神経生理学