Dynamics of neural circuit and its impariment studied by optical imaging

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26250014
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Nerve anatomy/Neuropathology
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Okabe Shigeo 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 教授 (60204012)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): IWASAKI Hirohide 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 講師 (30342752)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: シナプス / イメージング / 超解像顕微鏡 / 自閉症モデル動物

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed at understanding biological mechanism of synaptic dynamics by cutting-edge imaging technologies. To achieve this goal, we analyzed morphology and function of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the neocortex, maturation steps of individual synapses imaged in vivo by two-photon microscopy, and defects in synaptic functions and dynamics in mouse models of psychiatric disorders. From these experiments, we conclude that synaptic dynamics in the developing neural circuits show circuit-specific regulation mechanisms. Furthermore, we showed that early impairments in synaptic dynamics cause dysfunction of neural circuits in later stages of development.

Free Research Field

神経細胞生物学