Neural circuit mechanisms for visual processing and behavior in zebrafish

Faculty

Research Summary

Animals generate a range of behaviors depending on visual information that they receive from their outside world. Using zebrafish as a model, our lab studies the neural circuit mechanisms by which visual inputs produce goal-directed behavioral outputs. In particular, we aim to understand the roles of genetically defined neuron types and their circuit connectivity underlying the visually guided behaviors. The approaches that our lab uses include behavioral, genetic and optical techniques, as well as quantitative data analyses.

(A) A larval zebrafish at 5 days post fertilization. Arrows indicate visual motion stimuli presented to the zebrafish. (B) Calcium imaging and quantitative analysis reveal the activity pattern of multiple neuron types in a brain region (e.g. pretectum) involved in the visual processing. (C) Predicted wiring diagram of the whole-field motion processing circuit in the pretectum.

Selected Publications

Matsuda K, Kubo F. Circuit Organization Underlying Optic Flow Processing in Zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits. 2021 Jul 21;15:709048.

Wu Y, Dal Maschio M, Kubo F, Baier H. An Optical Illusion Pinpoints an Essential Circuit Node for Global Motion Processing. Neuron. 2020 Nov 25;108(4):722-734.e5.

Kramer A, Wu Y, Baier H, Kubo F. Neuronal Architecture of a Visual Center that Processes Optic Flow. Neuron. 2019 Jul 3;103(1):118-132.e7.

Förster D, Kramer A, Baier H, Kubo F. Optogenetic precision toolkit to reveal form, function and connectivity of single neurons. Methods. 2018 Nov 1;150:42-48.