Analysis of behavior and neural circuits with optogenetics

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24247001
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Genetics/Genome dynamics
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: MORI Ikue 名古屋大学, 理学(系)研究科(研究院), 教授 (90219999)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): TSUKADA Yuki 名古屋大学, 大学院理学研究科, 助教 (80580000) ; NAKANO Shunji 名古屋大学, 大学院理学研究科, 助教 (60608529)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 感覚神経細胞 / 記憶・学習 / 温度走性 / Cエレガンス / 神経回路

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Using thermotaxis behavior of C. elegans as a model system, we analyzed the relationship between behavioral regulation and neural activities in the neural circuit responsible for thermotaxis. We introduced and evaluated newly developed optogenetic tools to elucidate the mechanism through which a behavior is regulated in the circuit. We constructed reliable assay systems that enable to monitor neural activity and behavior. Our results show the relationship between AFD thermosensory neural activity and behavior, and shed light onto the function of stochastic activity of interneurons AIY and RIA.

Free Research Field

分子遺伝学、神経科学