Division of Innovative Research and Development Advanced Research & Development Programs for Medical Innovation（AMED-CREST）

[Research and Development Objective] Clarification of the Control Mechanisms of Neural Circuit Operation and its Formation

This R&D area aims to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the generation, development, and regeneration of the brain neural network; to investigate how neural networks composed of a variety of elements in individual brain areas work and express their specific functions; and to clarify how the brain works as a coherent system by integrating the activities of these local networks. On the basis of such research, it also aims to create technologies for controlling the process of formation and activities of the brain neural network.

Specific approaches may include elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of development, differentiation, regeneration, target recognition, and migration of neurons (components of neural networks) and glial cells that significantly influence neural network formation and functions; elucidation of the mode of neural network activities by combining new technologies, such as visualization of specific neurons with the use of specific expression molecules and fluorescent proteins, simultaneous recording of activities of many neurons, and local stimulation with a caged compound; research to clarify the relationship of higher order brain functions with synaptic events through the combination of research at the network and system levels in model animals and research on the regulatory mechanism of synaptic transmission at the molecular and cellular levels; elucidation of the mechanism of neural network reorganization at the critical period or after brain damage; and creation of technologies for intervention in its process.

2010

Program Supervisor (PS)

OZAWA Seiji

Professor, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare

R&D Area Advisors

ISA Tadashi

Professor, Kyoto University

OHMORI Harunori

Professor, Kyoto University

OKABE Shigeo

Professor, The University of Tokyo

KIMURA Minoru

Professor, Tamagawa University

KUDO Yoshihisa

Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

KUBA Kenji

Professor Emeritus, Nagoya University

TSUDA Ichiro

Professor, Hokkaido University

NISHIZAWA Masatoyo

Professor Emeritus, Niigata University Fellow, Brain Research Institute

HONMA Sato

Professor, Hokkaido University

WADA Keiji

Director, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry