Construction and system analaysis of cultured neuronal circuit with learning ability

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15KT0082
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 特設分野
• Research Field: Constructive Systems Biology
• Research Institution: Kyoto University (2017-2018); Doshisha University (2015-2016)
• Principal Investigator: Kawaguchi Shin-ya 京都大学, 産官学連携本部, 特定准教授 (00378530)
• Research Collaborator: SAKABA Takeshi
• Project Period (FY): 2015-07-10 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 神経細胞 / シナプス / イメージング / 膜電位 / 可塑性 / 軸索 / パッチクランプ / 培養神経回路

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To fully understand the plasticity of neuronal circuit underlying the learning and memory in animals, we need a technique that enables large scale recordings of multiple neuronal activity and/or functional changes of synapses at the same time. For this aim, here I have developed a fluorescent imaging probe for membrane potential that reports neuronal activities in real-time. Voltage imaging enabled to observe spatio-temporal pattern of neuronal circuit and its plastic changes.
In addition, combined application of fluorescent imaging technique and sub-cellular patch-clamp method have clarified mechanisms of plasticity at various synapses in the cerebellar circuit.

Free Research Field

神経生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

記憶や学習がいかなる神経回路の情報処理変化によりもたらされるかを理解することは、認知症など高次脳機能障害の原因・対処法に繋がる基盤となる。本研究で得られた神経細胞の活動を大規模に観測することを可能にする革新的光技術と、神経回路の柔軟性を生みだす細胞・分子レベルでのメカニズムについての知見は、神経系の作動原理の理解を深化させ、さらに将来の発展につながる基礎となるものと言える。