The mechanism of compartmentalization of the cerebellar circuitry: an optogenetic approach using zebrafish

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K20907
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Animal physiology/Animal behavior; General anatomy (including histology/embryology)
• Research Institution: Saitama University
• Principal Investigator: TSUDA Sachiko 埼玉大学, 研究企画推進室, 助教 (80736786)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 小脳神経回路 / 区画形成 / ゼブラフィッシュ / 活動イメージング / 光遺伝学 / 膜電位センサー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Although the general anatomical organization of the cerebellar neural circuitries is well defined, their functional development is still unresolved. To address this issue, especially focusing on cerebellar compartmentalization, we have applied optical approaches and behavior analysis to zebrafish. We conducted high-speed calcium imaging of neural activities of cerebellar Purkinje cells, which was combined with behavioral tests, such as optokinetic response (OKR) test and tactile stimulation. Specific populations of Purkinje cells were found to be activated during these tests, and their distribution patterns tend to differ along D-V axis. Furthermore, OKR was repressed by optogenetic stimulation targeting the activated regions. These findings suggest the structure and roles of the functional compartments in the developing cerebellum. We have also succeeded in detecting neuronal activities in zebrafish brain by using newly-developed voltage sensors, ASAP1.

Free Research Field

神経発生学