Neuronal circuit development and function in the mouse brain

Faculty

Research Summary

To understand development of complex yet sophisticated neuronal circuits underlying higher brain function of mammals, integrative studies which cover from molecules to whole animals are indispensable. By using a wide range of techniques, such as mouse genetics (gene knockout), 2-photon microscopy, confocal microscopy, histology and behavioral analyses, we are studying mechanisms of development and function of mammalian neuronal circuits. In particular, we are interested in activity-dependent circuit development during postnatal stages.

(Left) The barrel map is visualized by generating thalamocortical axon (TCA)-GFP transgenic mouse.
(Right) A single layer 4 neuron is labeled by Supernova-RFP and dendritic refinement is analyzed by long-term in vivo two-photon imaging in neonates.

Selected Publications

Nakazawa S, Mizuno H, Iwasato T. Differential dynamics of cortical neuron dendritic trees revealed by long-term in vivo imaging in neonates. Nat Commun. 2018 Aug 6;9(1):3106.

Mizuno H, Ikezoe K, Nakazawa S, Sato T, Kitamura K, Iwasato T. Patchwork-type spontaneous activity in neonatal barrel cortex layer 4 transmitted via thalamocortical projections. Cell Rep. 2018 Jan 2;22(1):123-135.

Luo W, Mizuno H, Iwata R, Nakazawa S, Yasuda K, Itohara S, Iwasato T. Supernova: A versatile vector system for single-cell labeling and gene function studies in vivo. Sci Rep. 2016 Oct 24;6:35747.

Mizuno H, Luo W, Tarusawa E, Saito YM, Sato T, Yoshimura Y, Itohara S, Iwasato T. NMDAR-regulated dynamics of layer 4 neuronal dendrites during thalamocortical reorganization in neonates. Neuron. 2014 Apr 16;82(2):365-79.