Nagayama Lab

We are interested in understanding the neuronal mechanism how information is processed in the brain and affect behavior. One of the biggest obstacles of current neuroscience faces is how to bridge the different hierarchical levels of knowledge, such as cellular and network levels. Because network activity is the result of temporal and spatial ensemble of multiple neuronal interactions, it is not a simple summation of the individual cellular properties. Additional information, such as connectivity and activity timings of component neurons in the network, is required to step up our knowledge from cellular level to the network level. Our lab challenges to collect the information. The unique points of our research are the combination of structural and functional studies to explore the logics, which organize the network functions. Mouse olfactory system is used as a model network system. Using multiple techniques, such as conventional and newly developed in vivo two-photon microscopy, fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography, and electrophysiology, we visualize each neuronal structure, measure its activity, identify its function and reconstruct their axon projection to clarify its output targets. Our lab also uses recent advanced optical and molecular engineering techniques. All of the researches are for building the theory underlies the network processing in the brain.

We are always happy to talk with our future lab members. If you are interested in our lab works, please contact us!

~Shin Nagayama