Development of a noninvasive technique to functionally block neural projections in non-human primates and understanding of a regulatory mechanism of the higher brain functions

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20H03548
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 51010:Basic brain sciences-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Higo Takayasu 京都大学, 医学研究科, 講師 (10396757)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 霊長類

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Higher cognitive functions in primates, including humans, are thought to be controlled by highly developed neural circuits in the cerebral cortex. However, the research is stagnant internationally because the verification technology is underdeveloped. In this study, we aimed to complete the optimized neural circuit manipulation technology in the primate cerebral cortex and to clarify the control mechanism of higher cognitive functions from the circuit level. The result of this research is to complete a neural circuit-selective gene expression system, which is the basis of neural circuit manipulation technology, and to complete higher-order cognitive function-trained monkeys to evaluate its effectiveness. In the future, it is expected that by promoting research that combines these results, progress will be made in elucidating the actual state of primate neural circuits.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ヒトを含む霊長類の高次脳機能は、大脳皮質によって制御される。特に霊長類で顕著に発達した前頭前野が中心的な働きをしており、その制御メカニズムとして、前頭前野が内外の様々な脳領野と相互作用するトップダウン制御が想定されているが、その実態は不明な点が多い。本研究の成果は、この実態解明のために必要な技術開発の先駆けとなる成果であり、神経科学分野の研究を特に回路レベルで発展させると考えられる。また得られた成果は、神経科学だけでなく、心理学、教育学などの霊長類の認知機能を扱う幅広い学問領域の議論を活性化し、遺伝子治療やドラッグデリバリー研究開発への貢献も期待され、一般社会への影響も大きいと考えられる。