Multiscale data analysis of brain disease models for brain disease elucidation and drug discovery

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H00492
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 47:Pharmaceutical sciences and related fields
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Hashimoto Hitoshi 大阪大学, 大学院薬学研究科, 教授 (30240849)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 笠井 淳司 大阪大学, 大学院薬学研究科, 准教授 (40454649) ; 勢力 薫 大阪大学, 大学院薬学研究科, 助教 (90802918)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 全脳イメージング / FAST / マルチスケール / 脳疾患 / 創薬

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We aimed to improve our whole-brain imaging system block-FAce Serial microscopy Tomography (FAST) and to promote research on observation and manipulation techniques that contribute to the analysis of brain diseases and the mechanisms of central nervous system function. To this end, we have developed a method for unbiased comparative analysis of normal and diseased brains using cellular-level spatial resolution imaging, image analysis segmented by brain region, and machine learning. By combining FAST technology with advanced neuroscience research methods, we have promoted brain research that is not necessarily dependent on conventional hypotheses or theories, such as discovering new pathogenic mechanisms and treatments for stress-related disorders, including anxiety and depression.

Free Research Field

神経薬理学、薬学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究において、全脳構造・活動を網羅的かつアンバイアスに個体間で比較解析するFAST技術を高度化し、さらにFASTと先端的な脳科学研究手法を組合せ、従来の仮説や定説に必ずしも依らない脳研究を推進し、幾つかの新たな仮説の起点を提示することができた。本研究は、神経科学の領域において独自性が高く、国内外の様々な研究分野に影響を与えるとともに、今後同様な研究方法が活用されることが期待される。