Tetsuya Takano

Associate Professor, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyushu University*Profile is at the time of the award.

2025Inamori Research GrantsBiology & Life sciences

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Research topics: Elucidation of Stress-Response Neural Circuits at the Molecular Level Using High-Precision Proteome Analysis and Understanding of Mental Disorders

Keyword

Summary: Neural circuits in the brain undergo daily modifications in response to environmental factors such as stress; however, the precise mechanisms governing their formation and functional regulation remain largely elusive. This complexity arises from the vast diversity of synaptic connections formed by individual neurons, which poses significant challenges for traditional analytical methods in mapping the molecular constituents of specific neural circuits.
　　Recent advancements, such as the development of microfluidic culture techniques and the application of spiking neural network models, have enhanced our ability to reconstruct and analyze intricate neural activity patterns. Additionally, genetic approaches have shed light on the anatomical aspects of neural circuit formation. For instance, studies have demonstrated that microglia play a crucial role in experience-dependent synapse formation, influencing the development of neural circuits in response to environmental stimuli.
　　Building upon these technological and methodological advancements, this study aims to develop spatiotemporal proteomic techniques to comprehensively identify the molecular components of neural circuits that adapt in response to stress. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern the formation and functional regulation of these circuits at various stages of stress memory, we aspire to deepen our understanding of brain operational principles and contribute to the elucidation of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Comment

Neural circuits within the brain undergo daily changes in response to environmental factors such as stress; however, the processes governing their formation and their impact on brain function remain largely unexplored. This is primarily due to the vast diversity of synaptic formations among neurons, which has historically hindered the detailed analysis of the molecular compositions of individual neural circuits using conventional methodologies.
　　In this study, we propose the development of an innovative spatiotemporal proteomics technique, uniquely designed to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the molecular constituents of neural circuits that adapt in response to stress. Our objective is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation and functional modulation of these circuits at various stages of stress memory. We anticipate that this approach will offer novel insights into the operational principles of the brain and significantly advance our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying mental and neurological disorders.
　　By introducing this proprietary technology, we aim to make substantial contributions not only to diverse research domains within neuroscience but also to the development of effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of mental and neurological conditions.

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Biology & Life sciences

Yoshiyuki Manabe

Tokai University