National Institutes of Natural Sciences

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

C o n t e n t s
02

Summary

03

Message from the Director-General

04

Organization of the Institute05

Research Departments

13

Researcher's Voice

14

Research Centers

20

Joint usage facilities

21

Research communities

22

Young Fostering
Common Facilities in Okazaki

Elucidation of
Pathophysiology
Promotion ofcollaborative study

Training Young
Researchers

Healthy Life
Elucidationof Physiological
Functions

Development
and Utilizingof Technology

Cuttingedge Researches

Goals for the NIPS
Physiology is the study of human beings and life.
The NIPS offers various types of the most advanced research devices andplaces for research using them to researchers belonging touniversities and other research institutes on a nationwide basis,as the promotion of joint usage research with other research institutes,
including national, public, and private universities throughout Japan, is one of its core duties.
In the NIPS, researchers with diverse backgrounds, belonging to it or universities orother research institutes, perform their research activities daily while desiring topromptly utilize the outcomes of their studies for social benefit and to
elucidate the science of life.

1Summary
Physiology
Physiology is the study of the functions and mechanisms of living organisms. “Living organisms” refer toall living matter, including the human body. “Functions” refer to the biological functions of an individual, as
well as those of its components (molecules, cells, tissues, and organs) and those needed when multiple
individuals lead social lives, including morphological and psychological events. In short, physiology aims
to elucidate biological functions by clarifying mechanisms at the levels of molecules, cells, organs, andindividuals, and integrate them as a system; therefore, physiology is also integrated biology. As one of thedomains targeted for the Nobel Prizes is “physiology or medicine”, it is an important academic discipline
providing a basis for all life sciences, including medicine.

Roles of the National Institute for Physiological Sciences（NIPS）
1. Leading physiological research
The first duty of the National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) is to: continuously conduct
high-quality studies on a global basis to examine living organisms at the levels of molecules, cells,
tissues, organs, systems, and individuals; organically integrate the outcomes of such studies; and clarify
biological functions and mechanisms.

2. Providing a basis for research on physiology
Its second duty is to: offer our most advanced research facilities, equipment, databases, techniques,
and conference halls to domestic and international research institutes, including national, public, andprivate universities throughout Japan, as a joint usage research institute; and promote joint usage
research by organizing diverse events, such as study seminars and symposiums, as a basis for domestic
and international research communities.

3. Training researchers
The NIPS provides 5-year comprehensive doctoral programs for the Department of Physiological
Sciences, School of Life Science at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies. It also contributes tothe nurturing of physiologists who globally expand their activities through training courses, lectures on
various topics, and symposiums for students and young researchers belonging to other research
institutes. The development of human resources supporting research on physiology in- and outside
Japan is the third duty of the NIPS.

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Message from the Director-Generalequipment, databases, techniques, and conference halls. Inline with this, the NIPS organises various and diverse
collaborative studies, joint experiments, study seminars, andannual international symposiums, and invites a large number(total annual number: approximately 1,000) of researchers
from in- and outside Japan. Recently, we have established asystem to accept domestic scientists on sabbatical as visiting
professors, associate or assistant professors to intensively
conduct joint studies while staying in for 3 to 12 months.
Our third mission is to: train graduate students and young
researchers; and provide human resources for universities
and research institutes. At the Graduate University for
Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), we are training about fifty
graduate students through 5-year educational programs forthe Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Life
Science. We are also providing training for graduate
students who belong to other universities. Furthermore, we
contribute to the training of students and young researchers
by delivering training courses and lectures for them. We
launched the SOKENDAI Brain Science Joint Program in
2010, aiming to provide brain science education for
graduate students in other fields.
In addition to the accomplishment of these 3 missions, werealise the importance of distributing academic informationand establishing mutually beneficial public relations. For
example, we conduct partnership programs on human bodyfunctions and systems for elementary, junior, and seniorhigh school education, public lectures, and open laboratory
events. Also, the NIPS website (http://www.nips.ac.jp/)
provides extensive information, such as on our latest
research outcomes.
Toward the achievement of our goal of “comprehensively
elucidating human body functions”, specified in Article 1 of
the “NIPS Charter” which was established when the institutewas founded, we continue to move forward. Your support
and guidance would be very much appreciated.

IMOTO, Keiji, M.D., Ph.D.,
The National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) is
one of the constituting institutes of the National Institutes of
Natural Sciences (NINS), and is dedicated to studying
human body functions, such as those of the brain, throughcollaboration with researchers in domestic and foreign
universities, and training young researchers in the fields ofphysiology and neuroscience. Basic research on humanbody functions and their mechanisms provides scientificbases of the guidelines for people to lead a healthy life andscientific clues for the clarification of mechanisms of
diseases. The NIPS is a unique inter-university research
institute for basic human physiology research and educationin Japan. As Blaise Pascal wrote “L’homme n’est qu’unroseau, le plus faible de la nature; mais c’est un roseau
pensant” (Pensées, 1670), the ability to think, thanks to ourwell-developed brain, is the most prominent feature ofhuman being. The brain and nervous system also control andregulate other organs and tissues throughout the body whileinteracting with them. Therefore, we put the main focus of
our research on the brain and neural control of the body.
The NIPS has 3 missions. The first one is to: conduct
pioneering studies at the levels of molecules, cells, tissues,organs, systems, and individuals, as well as social activities;
organically integrate the outcomes of such studies; andclarify biological functions and mechanisms. The NIPS hascontinuously conducted high-level studies on a global basis,
with cooperation and support from research communities
involved in physiology and related fields. We believe
high-level science is the indispensable grounds for thesecond and third missions.
Our second mission is to: promote collaborative studies
with researchers in domestic and foreign universities andinstitutes, while offering our advanced research facilities,

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Organization of the InstituteNational Institutes of Natural Sciences
Executive Directors
President
Auditors

Management Council
Board of Directors
Educational and Research Council

Depamnent of Molecular Physiology
Department of Cell Physiology

Department of Information Physiology

National lnstitute forPhysiological Sciences
Advisory Committee for Researchand Management
Director
GeneralDepartment of Integrative Physiology

Department of Cerebral Research

Department of Developmental Physiology

Research Enhancement
Strategy Office

Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior

Center for Multidisciplinary Brain Research

Supportive Center for Brain ResearchCenter for Communication Networks

Technical Division

Okazaki Research Facilities
National Institute for Basic Biology
National Institute for Physiologlcal Sciences
Institute for Molecular Science

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
National Institute for Fusion Science
National Institute for Basic Biology
National Institute for Physiological Sciences
Institute for Molecular Science

Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology
Division of Neurobiology and Bioinformatics
Division of Membrane Physiology
Division of Neural Systematics
Division of Cell Signaling
Division of Sensory and Cognitive Informaion
Division of Neural Signaling
Division of Visual Information Processing
Division of Cardiocirculatory Signalingng
Division of Sensori-Motor Integration
Division of System Neurophysiology
Division of Computational Neuroscience
Division of Cerebral Structure
Division of Cerebral Circuitry
Division of Cerebral Integration
Division of Behavioral Development
Division of Homeostatic Development
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Division of Adaptation Development
Section of Mammalian Transgenesis
Section of Metabolic physiology
Section of Behavior Patterns
Section of Brain Science Exploration and Training
Section of Hierarchical Brain Information
Section of Social Behavioral Neuroscience
Research Strategy for Brain Sciences OfficeSection of Visiting Collaborative Research Project
Section of Brain Structure Information
Section of Brain Function Information
Section of Multiphoton Neuroimaging
Section of Electron Microscopy
Section of Viral Vector Development
Section of Primate Model Development
Section of Instrument Design
Section of Evaluation and Collaboration
Section of Physiology and Medicine Education
Section of Network Management
Secbon of Health and Safety Management

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★

★

※

※

※

※

※

※denotes adjunct divisions／sections．
★denotes joint divisions．

Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience
Research Center for Computational Science
Center for Experimental Animals
Center for Radioisotope Facilities

Department of Biosensing Research
Department of Biodesign Research
Department of Bioorganization Research
Division of Coordinator for Animal Experimentation

Inter-University Research Institute Corporation National Institutes of Natural Sciences（NINS）
Inter-university research institute corporations are Japan’s original and high-level research institutes managed byresearch communities. In such institutes, which have been organized as bases to offer places for joint usage and research
to researchers throughout Japan, pioneering researchers are engaged in collaborative research activities, with the aim ofdeveloping new academic fields. The National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) consist of 5 inter-university research
institutes: the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), National
Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS), and Institute for Molecular Science(IMS).

National Institute for Physiological Sciences（NIPS）
The National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) is a research institute dedicated to studying human bodyfunctions, such as those of the brain, through collaboration with universities, and training young researchers as future
physiologists. It is also a unique inter-university research institute corporation for basic human physiology research andeducation in Japan. Man is a “thinking reed”, thanks to his well-developed brain. In the NIPS, diverse studies are currently
being conducted to examine the brain as the central system of the human body.

4Research Departments

01

Division of Biophysics and
Neurobiology
Professor

KUBO, Yoshihiro

Structure-function relationship and regulation mechanisms ofion channels and receptors

Research
Departments

The aim of our research is to elucidate the functioning
mechanisms of ion channels and receptors. Toward theaim, we focus on the structure-function relationship,
dynamic structural rearrangements and situation
dependent regulation mechanisms of membrane proteins.
We utilize in vitro expression systems such as Xenopus
oocytes and HEK293 cells which enable solid and precise
biophysical analyses by purely reconstituting the targetm o l e c u l e s . We c o n d u c t r e s e a r c h b y c o m b i n e dtechniques of (1) molecular biology to isolate cDNA andintroduce mutations, (2) electrophysiology such as twoelectrode voltage-clamp, gating current analyses andpatch-clamp, (3) optophysiology such as FRET analyses
to detect structural rearrangements, voltage clamp
fluorometry, and single molecule imaging for subunit
counting. We also perform research using gene targeted
mice to identify the distribution, molecular/cellular function
and behavioral roles of orphan metabotropic receptors.

02

Closed stateOpen stateElectophysiologicalrecording(ion channel current)

Optophysiologicalrecording(structural rearrangements)

Figure legends
Simultaneous recordings of voltage-gated K+ channel current and its
structural rearrangements by voltage-clamp ﬂuorometry using
Xenopus oocytes.

Division of Neurobiology andBioinformatics
Professor

IKENAKA, Kazuhiro

1.Development and function of glial cells,
and glial diseases

expression level increases during brain development, andapplication of N-glycan profiling to the diagnosis ofneuropsychiatric diseases.

Central nervous system is composed of neurons andglial cells. Glial cells form a mutually interacting huge
network, ‘glial assembly’. Glial assembly associates withneuronal circuit and modulates higher brain function.
We investigate on the following topics regarding glialassembly,(1) Molecular mechanisms underlying glial development(2) Mouse disease models caused by glial dysfunction(3) Functional analysis of myelination and demyelination

2.Significance of glycans on glycoproteinsin the nervous system
We have finely tuned the N-glycan analytical method
and clarified the function of N-glycans. There are threeprojects going on in our laboratory; clarifying the functionof sulfated N-glycans in the peripheral nervous system,
exploring the function of a novel N-glycan whose

Figure legend
Glial cells in brain. Glial cells form glial circuits and communicate withneuronal circuits.

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03

Division of Membrane Physology
Professor

FUKATA, Masaki

Fundamental mechanisms for synaptic transmission and synaptic disorders
proteins regulate synaptic plasticity and cognitive
functions of mouse and human brains using the following
our developed or cutting-edge approaches and resources.

We will elucidate the core regulatory mechanisms forsynaptic transmission and finally address the fundamental
question, “How does our brain physiologically function
and how is the system disrupted in brain diseases?”. We
have focused on the regulatory mechanisms for
AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) as AMPAR playsa central role in learning and memory formation. Based on
our specific and quantitative biochemical methods, we
discovered two types of AMPAR regulatory proteins: theDHHC palmitoylating enzymes and the epilepsy-related
l i g a n d / r e c e p t o r, L G I 1 / A D A M 2 2 . S o f a r, w e h a v eelucidated the physiological functions of these two
AMPAR regulatory proteins and the implication in thepathogenesis of brain diseases such as epilepsy andlimbic encephalitis, by developing new methods to screen
the palmitoyl enzyme-substrate pairs and to specificallyvisualize the palmitoylated protein, and by integrating
many methods such as super-resolution imaging, mouse
genetics, and electrophysiology. We will elucidate themolecular basis in which these AMPAR regulatory

A

B

AMPA
receptor

palmitoylated PSD-95

LGI1
ADAM221μm

Palmitoylating
enzyme(DHHC proteins)

palmitoylated
PSD-95

Depalmitoylating
enzyme(unknown)

depalmitoylated
PSD-95500 nmFigure (A) Two unique AMPA receptor regulatory proteins: DHHC
palmitoylating enzymes and the epilepsy-related ligand/receptor, LGI1
and ADAM22. (B) Discovery of novel postsynaptic nanodomains bypalmitoylated PSD-95-speciﬁc probe and super-resolution microscopy:
a synaptic DHHC protein locally regulates the formation andreorganization of nanodomains.

Division of Cell Signaling
Professor

TOMINAGA, Makoto

Clarifying the Functions of Thermosensitive TRP Channels
ambient skin temperature detection, regulation of skinbarrier function, detection of mechanical stimulation inbladder and intestine, regulation of taste sensation, insulin
secretion from pancreas, regulation of immune cellfunction and regulation of neural excitability in the central
nervous system under the body temperature conditions.
Thus, most of the cells in our body which are not exposedto the dynamic temperature changes survive by detecting
temperature around the cells.

It was little known until recently how temperature is
detected although we survive by sensing a wide rage of
ambient temperatures. Capsaicin receptor TRPV1 is thefirst molecule involved in temperature sensation, and now
there are nine ion channels belonging to the TRP ion
channel super family. These thermosensitive TRP
channels not only sense noxious temperature andchemical stimuli in the sensory nerve endings but also are
involved in the various physiological functions including
Thermosensitive TRP Channels
mint

cold

pepper

warm

TRPA1

TRPM8
menthol
receptor

TRPV3
TRPM4
TRPV4
TRPM5
TRPM2

hot

TRPV1
capsaicin
receptor

6

TRPV2

Research
Departments

04１）Analyses of in vivo protein-protein interactions２）Screening of palmitoylating enzyme library３）Live cell imaging with palmitoylated protein-specific probes４）Observation of synapses with super-resolution microscopy５）Mouse models of human epilepsy with the LGI1 mutation

Research Departments

05

Division of Sensory andCognitive Information
Professor

KOMATSU, Hidehiko

Neural mechanisms of visual perception and cognition
critically involved in color vision. With regard to Shitsukan,
we are analyzing neuron activities related to gloss
perception, and we are also studying brain activities
related to the representation of various materials.

Research
Departments

The main purpose of this division is to study the neuralmechanisms of visual perception and cognition. We aremainly recording neuron activities from visual corticalareas of the macaque monkey to study the stimulus
selectivity of neurons and their relationships withperception and behavior, as well as the representation ofvisual information in the brain. We are also conducting
fMRI experiments using awake monkeys. In addition, weare conducting psychophysical and fMRI experiments
using human subjects. We are mainly targeting higher
visual areas, but we also target lower visual areas or evennon-visual areas when necessary. Our research iscurrently focusing on the color information processing andneural representation of Shitsukan. Shitsukan is aJapanese word to indicate perception of materials andsurface qualities of objects. With regard to color
processing, we are studying functional architecture andthe relationship between neuron activities and perception
in the inferior temporal (IT) cortex, a higher ventral area

06

Color stimulus
bright color set

dark color set

MDS analysis:
neural representation of bright and dark colors
posterlor IT color area

anterior IT color area

● response tobright stimulus◆ response todark stimulus

Division of Neural Signaling
Associate Professor

FURUE, Hidemasa

Analysis of mechanisms underlying neural information processing
using genetically modified mice (Fig. 1C). 6) Mechanisms
underlying diseases of the nervous system.

Using electrophysiological techniques (e.g. patch clamp
recordings in vivo and brain/spinal cord slices in vitro), ourlaboratory focuses on the molecular and cellularmechanisms underlying the transduction and integration ofneural information in a local network. We combine the useof genetically-modified animals with electrophysiological,
biochemical and behavioral approaches to uncover themolecular basis of pathophysiological symptoms such as
deficits of learning and memory. Recently, we have begun
to use photo-release/optogenetic tools and computational
methods. Ongoing projects include: 1) In vivo patch-clamp
recording analysis of spinal synaptic responses elicited by
optogenetic activation of locus coeruleus neurons (Fig.
1A). 2) Analyses of nociceptive synaptic transmission andautonomic control of the lower urinary tract. 3) Transmitter
diffusion-dependent inter-synaptic crosstalk: Role of glia
and transporters (Fig. 1B). 4) Computational simulation ofneuronal network function. 5) Molecular basis ofmemory:Behavioral analysis of learning and memory

A In vivo patch & opt

B Slice patch & immunostaining

C Molecule & behavior

Fig. 1. Multilevel studies of the mechanisms underlying information
processing in a neural network from the molecular level to wholeanimal physiology.

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07

Division of Visual Information
Processing
Professor

YOSHIMURA, Yumiko

The mechanisms of information processing in sensory cortex and theexperience-dependent regulation of that processing.
neural circuits with a combination of laser scanningphotostimulation and whole-cell recording methods inbrain slice preparations, and the neural connections
morphologically using modern virus tracers.

In order to elucidate how specific neural circuits in thebrain are established during development and how thesecircuits contribute to the sensory information processing,
we are studying the following 3 issues using rodent
sensory cortex.
1. The mechanisms that establish fine-scale networks invisual cortex and the role of these networks in visual
information processing
2. Cell-lineage dependent establishment of neuralconnections and visual responsiveness in visual cortex
3. Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and theexperience-dependent plasticity of visual responses

Pa

Pb

Pa

L2/3

Pb

L5

To this end, we are analyzing the visual responses ofcortical neurons using multi-channel electrodes or calcium
imaging with 2-photon microscopy, the properties of

08

0

100

200

300 pA30
20
10
0-100 0100
Time (ms)The cross-correlation analysis of photostimulation-evoked EPSCs insynaptically connected pairs in visual cortical slices.

Division of
Cardiocirculatory Signaling
Professor

NISHIDA, Motohiro

Elucidation of biological functions using multi-level techniques to evaluate
cardiovascular functions and its clinical application
Our sanguiferous function is mainly regulated bymuscular organs composed of striated muscles (heartand skeletal muscles) and smooth muscle (bloodvessels). Our group aims to elucidate the molecularmechanisms underlying transition of the muscles from
adaptation to maladaptation against environmental stress(mainly hemodynamic load) in vitro and in vivo using
multi-level techniques to evaluate cardiovascularfunctions, and work toward practical application (e.g.,
drug discovery and fostering). We also investigate themechanism of muscle repair and regeneration, and aim todevelop a novel therapeutic strategy for refractorydiseases. In addition, we address the inclusive research
to elucidate the mechanism underlying maintenance andtransfiguration of cardiocirculatory homeostasis via
multi-organ interactions by combining non-invasive
measuring methodologies of motor functions andcardiovascular functions.
Our laboratory has various techniques and equipments
to drive the above researches.

8

Research
Departments

100 µmNumber of events

L4

Research Departments

09

Division of
Sensori-Motor Integration
Professor

KAKIGI, Ryusuke

Non-invasive measurement of human brain functions
mechanisms of auditory perception in normal and hearing
impaired people by measuring the brain activity. We areconducting joint researches to establish a new treatment
strategy against hearing disorders such as tinnitus andsudden hearing loss.

Research
Departments

We investigate human brain functions non-invasively
mainly using magnetoencephalography (MEG) andelectroencephalography (EEG), but recently we have also
used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI),transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and near-infrared
spectroscopy (NIRS). Integrative studies using various
methods are necessary to understand the advantages
and disadvantages of each method.
Recent main topics are as follows.
(1) By recording brain responses to noxious stimuli using
MEG and EEG, sensory processing in the nociceptive
system is being investigated. For noxious stimulation,
intra-epidermal electrical stimulation, which wasdeveloped in our department, is used.
(2) We newly developed an electrical stimulus method tocause itch sensation. It is very useful to investigate itch
perception in humans, and we have reported many new
findings using this method.
(3) Auditory system: we are investigating the neural

10

Magnetoencephalography device
with 306 channels.

Division of
System Neurophysiology
Professor

NAMBU, Atsushi

Mechanism of voluntary movements and pathophysiology of movement disorders
1) Electrophysiological and anatomical studies to analyze
information flows through the neuronal networks
connecting the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia andcerebellum.
2) Electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity
from animals performing motor tasks, combined with local
injection of neuronal blockers and optogenetics, tounderstand how the brain controls voluntary movements
and higher brain functions.
3) Application of electrophysiological methods to animalmodels of movement disorders to study theirpathophysiology and to normalize motor functions bysuppressing abnormal neuronal firings.

The cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum work
together to control voluntary movements. Malfunctions ofthese structures result in movement disorders, such as
Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. We are performing thefollowing projects using rodents and subhuman primatesto elucidate the mechanisms underlying higher motor
functions and the pathophysiology of movement disorders,which will help to develop new therapeutic strategies.

A sagittal section of the mouse brain showing selective expression ofchannelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2, C128S) in striatal projection neurons as
visualized by enhanced yellow ﬂuorescent protein signals. Strong
ﬂuorescence was observed in the striatum (Str), as well as its targets,
such as the external and internal segments of the globus pallidus (GPiand GPi) and the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Neurons
expressing ChR2 can be selectively stimulated by applying blue lights.

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11

Division of Cerebral Structure
Professor

FURUSE, Mikio

Molecular basis of the regulation of epithelial barrier function andparacellular transport
4) Response of epithelial barrier function to environmental
changes.

12Freeze-fracture replica of tricellular tight junctions (left) and a model ofthe molecular organization of tricellular tight junctions (right).

Division of Cerebral Circuitry
Professor

KAWAGUCHI, Yasuo

Analyses of neuronal organization and the micro-/macro-circuitry of the neocortex
neuron groups, and electrophysiology and electron
microscopy for circuit and synaptic transmission analysis.
Our hope is that this new knowledge will provide insights
into the function of the neocortex, as well as identify
changes in cellular and circuit function that contribute toneurological and psychiatric disease.

Although early anatomical work revealed that corticalneurons are very diverse in their morphologies, acomprehensive understanding of neocortical structure hasremained elusive. Cortical neurons are divided into
excitatory glutamatergic pyramidal cells and inhibitory
GABAergic cells. We first identified a subtype ofGABAergic neuron called 'fast-spiking basket cells' basedon their axonal morphology and selective expression of
the calcium-binding protein 'parvalbumin'. Since then, we
have identified many additional subtypes of cortical
GABAergic cells by examination of their morphological,
physiological, and chemical properties. We have followed
this up by investigating their synaptic structures withpyramidal cells. Our findings have provided a framework
for analysis of the structure and function of neocorticalcircuits under normal as well as pathological conditions. In
addition to the GABAergic cells, we are now also
investigating the organization and connectivity of corticalpyramidal cells projecting to diverse brain areas. To dot h i s , w e a r e u s i n g a n a t o m i c a l , m o l e c u l a r, a n ddevelopmental techniques for identification of neocortical

Basic subtypes andconnections of GABA
cells and layer 5
pyramidal cells in thefrontal cortex.
Molecules expressedin GABA cells: AAc, alpha-actinin-2; CCK, cholecystokinin; CR,calretinin; NPY neuropeptide Y; PV, parvalbumin; SOM, somatostatin;
VVA, binding with Vicia villosa . Pyramidal cell groups: CCS,
crossed-corticostriatal cell; COM, commissural cell; CPn, corticopontine
cell; CTh, corticothalamic cell; CSp, corticospinal cell.

10

Research
Departments

The epithelium maintains the fluid environment of each
body compartment not only by transporting various
substances selectively but also by working as a diffusion
barrier. To elucidate the mechanism underlying theseroles of the epithelium, we have been clarifying themolecular basis of cell-cell junctions that directly
contribute to the epithelial barrier function and passive
transport of solutes through the paracellular pathway. By
combinining molecular biological, morphological andphysiological analyses, the following research projects are
ongoing.
1) Analyses of the function and behavior of claudin family
proteins, major structural components of tight junctions.
2) Molecular dissection of tricellular tight junctions.
3) Analyses of the regulatory mechanism of cell-celljunction formation by using Drosophila genetics.

Research Departments

13

Division of Cerebral Integration
Professor

SADATO, Norihiro

Exploring neural substrates of human cognition by functional MRI
social cognition is the main focus of our research
activities. Multimodality approach including EEG, MEG,
TMS, and NIR are considered when appropriate. To
explore the neural mechanism of real-time social
interaction, hyper-scanning fMRI (3T) and 7TMRI will beapplied.

The goal of Division of Cerebral Integration is tounderstand the physiology of human voluntary movement
and other mental processing including language using
noninvasive functional neuroimaging technique, mainly
fMRI. In particular, understanding of the mechanisms ofplastic change in the human brain accompanied bylearning, sensory deafferentation, and development ofResearch
Departments

Brain areas commonly activated by social and monetary rewards. Why are we nice to others? Oneanswer provided by social psychologists is because it pays oﬀ. A social psychological theory
stated that we do something nice to others for a good reputation or social approval just like wework for salary. Although this theory assumed that social reward of a good reputation has thesame reward value as money, it was unknown whether it recruits the same reward circuitry as
money in human brain. In this study, we found neural evidence that perceiving one s good
reputation formed by others activated the striatum, the brain s reward system, in a similar manner
to monetary reward. Considering a pivotal role played by a good reputation in social interactions,this study provides an important ﬁrst step toward neural explanation for our everyday social
behaviors.

14

Division ofHomeostatic Development
Professor

NABEKURA, Junichi

Functional regulation of the neural circuits remodeling in development and recovery.
− Physiological role of the glial cells −Our research is focused on studying the physiological
function of glial cells. We use two photon microscopy tovisualize the morphology and function of neurons and glial
cells in living brain, and study how these cell types
interact during development and during different
behaviors.

We are focusing particularly on microglia cells and theircontribution to regulating the number and activity ofsynapses. Our research has identified microglial
phagocytosis of mature synapses, and conversely thepromotion of immature spines. The regulation by
microglia of the number and activity of synapses isessential for the proper development of the brain and forthe maintenance of neural circuits in the mature brain.

Glial contribution for remodeling of neural circuits in vivo

Glia (microglia) could regulate
the number of synapses bypromoting their formation andeliminating them through glial
phagocytic action in developing
and mature brain.Thus glia
(microglia) regulate the functionof neural circuits.

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15

Division of
Endocrinology and Metabolism
Professor

MINOKOSHI,Yasuhiko

The central regulation of whole body energy metabolism
autonomic nervous system, endocrine system andimmune function. This division is intensively investigating
the role of hypothalamus in body energy balance inmammals. These studies are now important for better
understanding the molecular mechanisms behindpathophysiology of obesity and diabetes mellitus.

The animal body has an integrated-regulatory system
for “homeostasis” that maintains a normal, constantinternal state by responding to changes in both theexternal and internal environments. Within the central
nervous system, the hypothalamus is a crucial center that
regulates the homeostatic activities by integrating

Fig. Regulatory role of the hypothalamic nuclei in glucose
metabolism in peripheral tissues in response to leptin.
Leptin activates POMC neurons in arcuate hypothalamus（ARC）via VMH neurons, thereby stimulating melanocortin
receptor（ MCR）in VMH and PVH neurons. Activation of
MCR in VMH stimualtes gluocse uptake in BAT, heart andskeletal muscle, while MCR in PVH stimulates glucose
uptake in BAT preferentially.

Research
Departments

12scientists working at NIPS. I believe that NIPS is one of thebest places to accomplish ambitious research projects inevery field of Physiology, from molecules to the wholeorganisms.

Ravshan Z. SABIROVNIPS Foreign Researcher

Professor and HeadLaboratory of Molecular Physiology,
Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciencesof Uzbekistan③．What are the good points about NIPS?
There are many good points about NIPS. First of all, it is very
well organized. Staff members, both scientific staff andtechnical departments, are very professional and are doing
their best to suppor t top-class research activities. The
atmosphere in NIPS is quite nice and friendly. NIPS has veryn ic e pro grams for collab ora tion , b oth dome stic andinternational. Seminars as well as conferences and symposia
inviting world-class Japanese and foreign scientists are held
frequently to provide first-hand knowledge and a creativeenvironment for researchers, particularly, for young people.
Excellent state-of-the-art animal facilities established at NIPS
are indispensable for high-level physiological studies.

①．What are you doing (researching) at NIPS?
My research is in the field of molecular and cellular physiology
of ion channels in general and of volume-regulated anion
channels in par ticular. I am currently trying to find themolecular basis of the maxi-anion channel and of thevolume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) anion channelof intermediate amplitude.
②．Why are you working at NIPS? (Why did you choose NIPS?)
The main reason I am working at NIPS is that my researchinterests are close to the field of studies of world-class②．Why are you working at NIPS? (Why did you choose NIPS?)
In order to contribute for the welfare of human beings it was
my very strong desire and big dream to conduct a good
research in biomedical field. After searching I found “National
Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS)” located in
Okazaki, Aichi, Japan as one of the world best research
institute where remarkable and world-class cutting-edge
research works in various fields (like molecular and cellularphysiology, neurophysiology etc) are being performed. That’s
why I selected NIPS to do my research work. I felt me
fortunate to get a renowned and highly cited researcher Prof.
Yasunobu Okada as my mentor. My heartfelt thanks to him.

Md. Rafiqul Islam
JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow①．What are you doing (researching) at NIPS?
I have been tr ying to identify the molecular entity of aubiquitously expressed anion channel (Maxi-anion/Maxi-Cl
channel) which plays a vital role under normal physiologicaland patho-physiological condition. This channel-mediatedreleased ATP and glutamate has been found to be associatedwith kidney tubuloglomer ular feedback, cardiac
ischemia/hypoxia, as well as brain ischemia/hypoxia andexcitotoxic neurodegenaration. Using fibrosarcoma L929 cells,
I could establish that Maxi-Cl channel works separately anddistinctly as an ATP releasing channel unrelated to Pannexin
1 and plays an essential role in the cell volume regulation
after osmotic swelling. Finally, we are now trying to pin-point
the channel molecule by using electrophysiological,
pharmacological, gene silencing and gene editing technology(CRISPR/Cas9).

③．What are the good points about NIPS?
There are several good points of NIPS like-i) here labs are ledby the world famous and highly talented & devoted Japanese
professors/scientists, ii) all laboratories are enriched withmodern sophisticated and state-of-the-art equipments &facilities and funding, iii) NIPS highly encourages international
collaboration and always inviting foreign researchers thereby
keeping a true international research environment and quality.
It is also nicely fostering young Japanese and foreign
researchers, iv) NIPS is located in a calm and quiet
environment favorable to do research, v) NIPS provides very
nice lodging facilities for the foreign researchers in a place
adjacent to the campus.

Researcher's
Voice

13

Research Centers

01

Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior
Director

Professor IKENAKA, Kazuhiro

Section of Mammalian Transgenesis
Services offered by Laboratory for Transgenesis include
generating transgenic rodents (mouse and rat) bypronuclear microinjection of foreign DNA and generatingknockout (KO)/knock-in (KI) rodents by new
genome-editing tools using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs),
TAL effector nucleases (TALENs) or the clusteredregularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/Cas9(CRISPR/Cas9). In addition, embryonic stem (ES) and
induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells established in rats
can be utilized for researches in regenerative medicine.
Production of cloned rats by somatic cell nuclear
transplantation is a challenging subject.

Approximately 80% of all genes are expressed in brain
and, to investigate their function in individual organisms,
we should investigate their functions in the brain. We canidentify the genes that have a significant impact on thebrain functions efficiently by examining the final output
level of gene function in the brain, that is, behavior. The
influence of a given gene on a specific behavior can be
determined by conducting the behavioral analysis ofmutant mice lacking that gene. The test comprehensive
behavioral battery covers sensori-motor functions,emotion, learning and memory, attention and so on. So
far, we obtained behavioral data from 75 strains. In thosemice strains, we found some models of psychiatricdisorders.

Fig.1.
A Rosa26-tdTomato KI rat oﬀspring derived from the gene-modiﬁed rat
ES cells.

Section of Behavior Patterns
Since 99% of mouse genes have homologous inhumans, a large-scale project that is aimed to encompass
knockouts of every gene in mice is in progress.

Heat map showing behavioral phenotypes of genetically engineered
mice. Each column represents the strain of genetically-engineered
mice that has been analyzed. Each row represents a category of
behavior assessed by comprehensive behavior test battery. Colors
represent an increase (red) or decrease (green) in a comparison
between the wild-type and mutant strains.

ARCO system: measurement ofwhole body energy metabolism
by mass spectrometoricalanalysis of respiratory gas
exchange

14

ResearchCenters

Section of Metabolic Physiology
This section analyzes the in vivo neuronal andmetabolic activity in mice and rats which were modified
their related genes and exposed with various
environmental conditions. This section has been opened
for the collaboratory use of researchers all over Japan
since April, 2011. This section examines the following
subjects:
1）Single unit recording from motor related brain regions inawake state.
2）Neurotransmitter release in local brain regions infree-moving animals.
3）Regional neural activity detected as intrinsic signals
with taking the advantage of light fluorescent dynamics offlavin or hemoglobin.
4）Energy intake and expenditure in free-moving animals.
5）Body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure in
free-moving animals.
6）Measurement of cardiac function using Langendorffperfused hearts and non-invasive measurement of cardiac
function and peripheral blood flow using anesthetizedmice.

Research Centers

02

Center for Multidisciplinary
Brain Research
Director

Professor ISA, Tadashi

ResearchCenters

the various research fields so that they can exchange
their ideas. Ot organized a public symposium based on
the outcome of such brainstorming. “Section of
Hierachical Brain Information” is promoting thecooperation with technologies for measurement andcontrol of brain dynamics, and the material design
technologies. “Section of Social Behavioral Neuroscience”
is promoting the cooperation with the humanities andsocial sciences to study the brain function as the basis ofhuman social interactions. “Research Strategy for Brain
Sciences Office” carries out administration support of themega-projects to create the domestic researchers
network, and its public relations to introduce the researchoutcomes to the public for promotion of understanding thebrain sciences among the citizens.
“Section of Visiting Collaborative Research Project”
accepts sabbatical researchers from inside Japan andfrom abroad to facilitate the collaborative research.
Especially, in 2014, an international collaborationlaboratory was initiated, and a research unit led by aforeign PI started its research activity. The activities ofsuch Center for Multidisciplinary Brain Research has beenutilized by researchers who launches a new research
project based on his/her original idea.

The brain adjusts and integrates the functions ofindividual organs in the human body. It is necessary tounderstand such brain function properly to understand thenormal function and dysfunction of the human body, andto find the treatment of diseases. In addition, it might also
be possible to make a computer or robots with novel
operating principles by learning from the brain. Physiology
and neuroscience has been developed to understandsuch brain function. However, nowadays, in addition tothese classical fields of sciences, collaboration with awide range of research fields such as engineering andpsychology has become very active. We now have astrong belief that to understand the brain, integration ofdifferent knowledge is necessary. The Center for
Multidisciplinary Brain Research offers the place andopportunities for the researchers from different fields, andfrom all over Japan, to create the human network,
cooperation and joint researches by inviting researchers
from various research fields as visiting professors. In
particular, “Section of Brain Science Exploration andTraining” is conducting model classes for creating a new
educational program of multidisciplinary integration. It
offers classes on the basic neuroanatomy to young
researchers with engineering background. In addition, it
organizes brainstorming for the young researchers from

Brainstorming meeting

Histology practice in the Training and Lecture Course

15

03

Supportive Center for
Brain Research
Director

Professor KUBO, Yoshihiro

non-human primate. Section of Viral Vector Development
plays a role as Vector Core, and collaborates with otherlaboratories by providing adeno-associated viral vectors
and lentiviral vectors. We have already provided viral
vectors for many domestic and foreign laboratories, andvarious collaborations, mainly brain research projects, are
now in progress. There are few domestic laboratories
which possess technique to produce high quality viral
vectors in a large scale. Therefore, we are going topromote the collaboration more actively by providing viral
vectors in the future (Figure 3).

ResearchCenters

Supportive Center for Brain Research consists of six
sections: Sections of Brain Structure Information, Brain
Function Information, Multi-photon Neuroimaging,Electron Microscopy, Viral Vector Development, Primate
Model Development and Instrument Design. Here theactivities of three sections are introduced.
(1) In the Section of Brain Structure Information, weinvestigate the structures of bio-macromolecules and cellorganelles at nanometer scales using the state-of-the-art
electron microscopes (High-voltage TEM, Phase-contrast
cryoEM, and Serial block-face SEM), and study the
relationship with the function. The major research targets
are large protein complexes, membrane proteins, viruses,bacteria, and synapses. We are also developing the new
methodologies of bioimaging and image processing using
electron microscopes through individual collaboration
researches (Figure 1).
(2) Our state of the art two-photon fluorescencemicroscope and two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging
microscope allow us to image biochemical reactions inliving cells and subcellular structures in deep tissue suchas brain slice and brain of living mouse (Figure 2). By
combining these techniques with optical manipulation
techniques such as optogenetic approach, we are trying
to understand the mechanism of memory system in brain.
We welcome any highly motivated student interested inour research area, and also accept collaborative
research.
(3) A viral vector is a useful experimental tool for genetransfer to various mammals including a rodent and a

Figure 2.
Imaging biochemical reaction in a single synapse by 2-photon
ﬂuorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. The arrowhead indicates theactivation of Cdc42 after glutamate uncaging stimulation.

Figure 1.
Asymmetric binding architectures of the activation factors on 20S
proteasome reveled by electron tomography and single particle
analysis (Kumoi et al. PLOS ONE 8:e60294, 2013). Scale 10 nm.

Figure 3.
Expression of GFP gene in striatal neurons of mice using AAV vectors.

16

Research Centers

04

Okazaki Institute forIntegrative Bioscience

ResearchCenters

space in life phenomenon are prescribed and regulated
are elucidated. The research targets are biologicalphenomena with a broad time range; from shorter time
range (such as molecular reaction) to a longer one (suchas evolution), and mechanisms underlying prescription
and regulation of size and location in a broad spacescale, such as molecular assembly, organ and individual.
Integrated research is performed by means of molecular
genetics, omic analyses, imaging techniques using
optical & electron microscopy, quantitative analyses
including imaging analyses, and mathematical &information biology.
In Department of Bioorganization Research, themechanisms determining how soft and robust
higher-order systems are constructed by dynamic
meeting and parting of biological elements that arecomponents of life system (cells and molecules
composing individual and cell, respectively) are studied.
The development of new techniques for physicochemicalmeasurement by which scientific inquiry for relationships
between micro and macro scales in bioorganization is
promoted. Based on obtained data, research is
performed with a broad and integrative approach bym e a n s o f b i o i n f o r m a t i c s , q u a n t i t a t i v e b i o l o g y,mathematical biology, supramolecular science andsynthetic biology.

Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience (OIIB) has
been implementing research aiming at developing new
research fields in biosciences since it was founded in2000 as an Okazaki Research Facility. As life has thecomplicated hierarchy, it is required that we develop new
research strategy with multiangle viewpoints andintegrative approach to study it. In 2013 OIIB had
reformed their organizational structure to meet thesescientific requests and restructured existing three
departments: Department of Biosensing Research,
Department of Biodesign Research, and Department ofBioorganization Research. The following research has
been performing in these departments.
In Department of Biosensing Research, biosensing
mechanisms responsible for sensing environmental
signals are studied to elucidate dynamism of life systemusing various sensing systems from a molecular level toan organ level. There are different mechanisms formolecules, cells, and organs to sense environmental
signals. The universality and specificity of biosensing
system in different cells and species are clarified byelucidating the mechanism underlying integration ofenvironmental signals by means of various approaches,
including structural analyses of biosensors, modeling
analyses, and evolutional analyses.
In Department of Biodesign Research, how time and

17

05

Center for Experimental Animals
Director

Professor MINOKOSHI, YasuhikoAquatic animal
sectionIndividually ventilated cage system

18

ResearchCenters

domestic and international scientific collaboration inbiomedical research in Japan. In addition, we concentrate
our efforts on three main priorities: (1) appropriate
breeding management of SPF rodents and otherexperimental animals, (2) embryo transfer andcryopreservation of genetically modified mouse lines, (3)providing information and techniques related to animal
experimentation, education and awareness, based on
ethical consideration and related regulations inexperimental animals. For this purpose, it is necessary toprovide air condition, care for animal health, andprevention of infectious diseases. In recent years, ourfacilities are equipped with modern cage washers,
autoclaves, surgical rooms, experimental rooms,
Individually Ventilated Cage (IVC) system and blood
chemical examination outfit. Facilities exist for a variety ofanimal use purposes including: maintenance ofgenetically defined animal colonies and ABSL-2 projects.
We h a v e a l s o e q u i p p e d w i t h a d v a n c e d b r e e d i n gequipment such as special cage system suitable for
non-human primates, especially the breeding area forJapanese macaques.
The Center for Experimental Animals has modern animalb r e e d i n g i n s t r u m e n t s a n d s t a ff s h a v e b r e e d i n gmanagement and technologies. We are capable ofsupplying high quality animal care and resources toresearchers to reach the best research achievements inthe world.

Experimental animals are relevant to human health andcontribute meaningfully to medical advances such asproviding better support for the life science research andthe development of medical technology. To perform ahighly reproducible animal experiment, it is necessary tomaintain high standards of experimental animals. In orderto achieve this aim, the experimental animal facilities haveto control the uniformly breeding environment all year
round, provide basic husbandry to experimental animals
in a clean state without pathogenic microbial
contamination (specific pathogen-free: SPF).
The structure of Okazaki National Research Institutes
changed following establishment of Center of Integrative
Bioscience in 2000. Currently, the Center for Experimental
Animals is intended for rearing management of animals
and conducting experiments on animals required for the
researches of Molecular Sciences, Basic Biology andPhysiological Sciences. The animal facility is one of the
top-class experimental animal centers in Japan. It
consists of “Myodaiji” area and “Yamate” area, the total
floor space is approximately 7,000 square meters. In theterrestrial animal section and the aquatic animal section,
where about 30 species including SPF rat, SPF mouse,marmoset, monkey, zebrafish and Xenopus, are kept andsupplied for experimentation.
The mission of the Center for Experimental Animals is not
only to provide Okazaki National Research Institutes
withoptimal animal resources, but also support for theResearch Centers

06

Research Center for
Computational Science

Further, the Center is supporting experimental datacollection and analysis, developed and maintained theprogram library and database in molecular science,basic biology and physiological sciences.

Research Center for Computational Science, it wasestablished the computer center of IMS in 1977,
primarily provides an opportunity for large scalecomputation in molecular science which could not be
carried out at regional university computer centers.

Computer Cluster
Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX300S7
Speciﬁcatons: 126.9TFlops, 5472cores,
342nodes, 43.7TB memory

Computer Cluster
Fujitsu PRIMERGYCX2550M1
Speciﬁcatons: 302.8TFlops,
7280cores, 260nodes,
33.2TB memory

ResearchCenters

07

Center for Radioisotpe Facilities

for their safe and efficient experiments and strictly
controls the use of radioisotopes to ensure the safe
handling.

The Center for Radioisotope Facilities promotes
research works using radioisotopes for three institutes in
the Okazaki campus. The center educates researchers

Radioisotope laboratory
Radioisotope experiments in thecontrolled area for research using
radioactive materials.

Monitoring system for thesafe use of radioisotopes

19

Joint usage facilities
The National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) as an inter-university joint usage institute corporationis conducting diverse (general and planned) joint research projects and joint usage experiments using various
types of large-scale equipment through collaboration with researchers belonging to universities throughout
Japan and national or public research institutes.

Large facilities and equipments for cooperative studies
As a mission to be the inter-university research institute, NIPS conducts joint studies with researchers from domestic
or foreign universities and other research institutes. NIPS provides specialized equipments, large-scale equipments andresearch facilities, and develops new equipments for morphological and functional 4D imagings of various organs suchas brain.
Analytical equipment for in vivo neuronal, metabolic andphysiological parameters in mice and rats

High Voltage Electron Microscope (HVEM)
Hitachi H-1250M is the unique high voltage electron microscope
specially designed for biological and medical sciences. The microscope
usually operates at an accelerating voltage of 1,000 kV. The columnpressure is kept at less than 7×10-6 Pa near the specimen position. The
image acuisition is performed at themagnification ranges from 1k to
1,000 k. Projections of thick biological
specimens up to 5 μm are collected
at tilt angles between ±60° using theside entry specimen holder, which
gives 3-dimentional ultra-structures of
biological specimens at nanometerscales.

We analyze the following physiological parameters in mice and rats:
1）Single unit record ingfrom motor related brain
regions in awake state , 2）Neurotransmitter releasein local brain regions in freemoving animals, 3）
Regional neural activity detected as intrinsic signals
with taking the advantage of light fluorescentdynamics of flavin or hemoglobin, 4）Energy intake
and expenditure in free-moving animals, 5）Body
temperature, heart rate and blood pressure in
free-moving animals.

A comprehensive behavioral test battery
We conduct various kinds of behavioral tests forgenetically engineered mice, including wire hang,
grip strength, light/dark transition, open field,
elevated plus maze, hot plate, social interaction,
rotarod, prepulse inhibition/startle response, Porsolt
eight-arm radial mazeforced swim, gait analysis, beam test, eight-arm
radial maze, T maze, Morris water maze, Barnes
maze, object recognition test, cued and contextual
fear conditioning, passive avoidance, tailsuspension, and 24 hour home cage monitoring.
The primary goal of our research group is toMorris water maze
reveal functional significances of genes and theiri n v o l v e m e n t i n n e u ro p s y c h i a t r i c d i s o rd e r s b y c o n d u c t i n g acomprehensive behavioral test battery on genetically engineered mice.

Phase Contrast Electron Cryomicroscope
Phase contrast electron cryomicroscope is anelectron microscope developed for observing
close-to-life state biological samples with a
combination of rapid freezing and ice embedding
sample preparation methods. Biological specimens
up to 200 nm thickness can be observed with ahigh-resolution and a high contrast. Structural
analyses of protein molecules, viruses, bacteria,
cultured cells and frozen tissue sections are
performed with this novel microscopic system.

Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscope (SBF-SEM)
Serial block-face scanning electron microscope（SBF-SEM）is anadvanced 3-D imaging equippment. Two different types of SBF-SEM areavailable; high-resolution type and wide-area type.
A resin-embedded biological specimen is trimed bya diamond knife attached inside the chamber, andthe block-face images are acquired by scanningelectron microscope（SEM）continuously. 3-Dstructure of the specimen is finally rebuilt from theserial block-face images. 3-D structures of large
biological specimens like a brain tissue can bevisualized by at dosens of nanometer resolution.

Magnetoencephalography（MEG）has a potential
to measure brain activities with better temporal andspatial resolution in milliseconds and millimeter,
respectively, compared with other methods such as
f u n c t i o n a l m a g n e t i c re s o n a n c e i m a g i n g .
Event-related magnetic fields following various kindsof sensory stimulation are mainly analyzed. In
addition, background brain activities（brain waves）
in various conditions can be analyzed.

Mutiphoton excitation microscopy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging System

Multi-photon excitation is a method to visualize living tissue by exciting
the fluorescence molecules with the tightly focused near-infrared
femtosecond pulse laser. Since the longer wavelength is used for
multi-photon excitaton, it has a superior deeper tissue penetration andreduced phototoxicity than single-photon excitation. Current projects are
the imaging of neurons, glial cells in deep tissues such as mouse brain.
Our 2-photon microscopes have a top level specification for deep tissue
imaging. As new projects, we recently started to image protein-protein
interaction and the activation of signaling molecules by using a 2-photon
fluorescence imaging
microscope.

MRI is an imaging technique that utilizes the nuclear magnetic
resonance of the hydrogen atom. Not only to image the anatomical
details of the brain, MRI also allows to explore the neural substrates ofhuman cognitive function by the visualization of the task-related changes
in regional cerebral blood flow（functional MRI）. For over a decade, wehave been working on 3T MRI to investigate higher brain function ofhuman. To simultaneously measure the neural activities of two
participants during their social interaction,we have recently installed dual
functional MRI system with two 3T MRI.
Furthermore, ultra-high field (7T) MRI
system is now being installed. Thus NIPS
is now equipped with three 3-Tesla MRIs
and one 7-Tesla MRI（Allegra, Siemens in
FY 2000, and Verio x 2, Siemens in FY
2009, Magnetom 7T, Siemens in FY2014）.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Pin point excitation20

Research communities
The NIPS also functions as a base for research communities. It is currently developing systems to provide
researchers throughout Japan and the general public with information more actively.

Japan-U.S Brain Research Cooperative Program
Japan-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation Program has
been implemented since 1979 under the treaty concluded between
the governments of two countries, of which "Brain Research"
Division was commenced in the year 2000. National Institute forPhysiological Sciences from Japanese side and National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a sub-organ of NIH,
from the U.S. support the cooperative projects of researchers of both countries as the responsible agency. The activities
are classified into 1) Researchers dispatched to the US, 2) Group joint study project, and 3) Information exchange
seminars. The recruitment is made by publicly announcing through the home page and academic journals.

National Bio-Resources Project “Nihonzaru”
National Bio-Resource Project “Nihonzaru” (NBR) aims at
establishing a system to collect, maintain, and supply the Japanesemacaque monkeys (macaca fuscata) as essential bioresource forlife science researches on the national scale. Macaca fuscata has
high cognitive abilities and is an
essential animal model for higher
brain function studies in Japan.
NIPS promotes the NBR as its
headquarter.

International research collaboration
The NIPS has reached agreements with 8 research institutes of
the United States,Germany, Uzbekistan, Italy, and South Korea for
academic exchange. It is also conducting joint research with thoseof other European countries, Asian countries, such as China andThailand, and Australia. Furthermore, it receives graduate students
from other countries, mainly Asia; the NIPS has also come to an
academic agreement with the University of New South Wales(UNSW) Medicine, Australia.

Study seminars
The NIPS organizes more than 20 study seminars annually for researchers belonging to universities throughout Japanto participate in discussions on important topics. Up to the present, a total of approximately 1,400 researchers haveparticipated in such events. Unlike academic meetings, these seminars enable researchers to thoroughly discuss
important research topics in relatively small groups within sufficient time frames, consequently contributing to thedevelopment of new research areas and formation of new research groups. For example, specific research areas, suchas “neuron-glia networks”, “the membrane transport complex”, and “cellular sensation”, have been developed in study
seminars organized by the NIPS.

NIPS international symposium and NIPS international workshop
We organize NIPS international symposium and workshop every
year inviting cutting-edge researchers from abroad. In 2014, two
NIPS international workshops entitled “Conference on neuraloscillation” and “A quarter century after the direct and indirect
pathways model of the basal ganglia and beyond”, and one NIPS
international symposium entitled “Cutting-edge approaches towards
the functioning mechanisms of membrane proteins” were held. In
the symposium, 26 oral presentations, including 10 by invited oversea speakers, and 36 poster presentations were given
to stimulate fruitful discussion. Okazaki Conference Center and accommodation facilities support institutional activities.

21

Young Fostering
One of the missions of NIPS is fostering young researchers who could lead science of Japan in the future.

What is SOKENDAI?
SOKENDAI (The Graduate University of Advanced Studies) is a graduate school which
educates students in the institutes belonging to the Inter-University Research InstituteCorporation where students are exposed to the leading edge of science and become
scientists having sophisticated expertise, a wide perspective and an ability to explore thenovel scientific research. NIPS is in charge of Department of Physiological Sciences
which forms School of Life Science with Departments of Basic Biology (National Instituteof Basic Biology) and Genetics (National Institute of Genetics).
A lot of researchers are working on brain and neuroscience in NIPS and NIPS is one ofa few strong education bases where students can learn a wide rage of brain science.
Because brain science is really interdisciplinary, students entering Department of
Physiological Sciences have various backgrounds not only of scientific research fields
such as medicine, science, technology and agriculture but also of cultural sciences. In order to further enhance theinterdisciplinary education of brain science, Department of Physiological Sciences is carrying out a Brain Science Joint
Program with other Departments related to brain science research using a remote lecture system.
In addition, School of Life Science Retreat is held once a year with students and teachers belonging to the three
Departments in School of Life Science and Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems in which people improvemutual understanding through oral and poster presentations.

Collaborative Researcher
In addition to the SOKENDAI students, graduate students from universities of all over the country are working in NIPS.

Young Fostering & Career Paths
It is an important function for NIPS to foster prestigious researchers in the field ofphysiological sciences and to supply them to universities and research institutes all overthe country, and indeed, a lot of excellent researchers from NIPS are successfully
working inside and outside the country. Sixteen, 16 and 10 researchers from NIPS got
full professor, associate professor and lecturer positions, respectively, in universities andresearch institutes last ten years. In addition, NIPS supports especially young
researchers by providing original research grants.

Common Facilities in Okazaki
Okazaki Conference Center
Okazaki Conference Center was founded on February,1996 to promoteinternational and domestic conferenceprogram of research and education.
Conferece Room A（capacity of 200）
Conferece Room B（capacity of 120）
● Conferece Room C（2 rooms, capacity of 50 each）●●

Conferece RoomAccommodation
The lodging houses（Mishima Lodge and Myodaiji Lodge）are provided for guests, bothforeign and domestic, for the common use of the three Institutes（NIPS, NIBB and IMS）.
The lodging
capacities are as
follows :Single RoomTwin Room

Family RoomMishima Lodge

60

14

20

Myodaiji Lodge

17

−

3

Myodaiji Lodge

The Sakura Nursery School
The Sakura nursery school is the institutional child care facility established for supporting both research and child-rearing.
The school accept a child from the 57th day of after the birth, and is supporting a researcher's smooth return to research activity.
Age: From the 57th day of after the birth to 3 years old
Capacity: 18 persons● Use candidate: The officers, reserchers, visiting researchers, graduate students at Okazaki three institutes● Opening day: From Monday to Friday● Opening time: From 8:00 to 19:00（maximum extension 20:00）● Childcare form: Regular childcare, temporary nursery care●●

22

Location of Institute（http://www.nips.ac.jp/eng/profile/access.html）
SapporoHigashi-Okazaki

Meitetsu line
Meitetsu-Nagoya

Shinkansen

JR West line
Osaka
(Kansai)

Kyoto

NagoyaJR East line
Toyohashi

Mikawa-Anjo

Tokyo

MoriokaTokyo(Narita)Bus

SendaiCentral Japan lnternational Airport (Centrair. NGO)A) By bus
Get on the Meitetsu Airport Bus bound for Okazaki Station andget off at Higashi Okazaki Station
B) By train
Take the Meitetsu train from Central Japan International Airport to
Higashi Okazaki Station. NIPS is a 7-minute walk up the hill on
the south side of the station.

Fukuoka

Higashi-Okazaki

Maibara

Osaka

Komaki JCT
Jingumae

Fukiyabashi
BridgeHigashi Okazaki
StationOkazaki I.C.

Mikawa-Anjo

Tomei Expressway
Hamamatsu
Toyohashi

Shinkansen

National Institute forPhysiological Sciences

Tokyo

Yamate Area
From the south exit of Higashi-Okazaki station.
・By taxi : About 7 min.
・By bus : Take Tatsumigaoka-jyunkan, which departs from No11bus station, and get off at Tatsumi-kita-1chome (about6min), and walk to the east for about 3min..
・On foot : About 20 min.

South Exit

M
ei
te

Rokusho
ShrinetsuLi
ne

Main Entrance

Myodaiji Area
Mishima Lodge
Okazaki
ConferenceCenterNational Institute forPhysiological Sciences

Okazaki

Myodaiji High
Lodge School
Lawson ●N

Central Japanlnternational Airport(Centrair. NGO)

Higashi-Okazaki

From the south exit of Higashi-Okazaki station.
About 7 min. on foot.

Myodaibashi
BridgeIMS

YokaichiToyota I.C.

Myodaiji Area

North Exit

NIBB

Nagoya I.C.

NagoyaRoute No.1

The Otogawa
River

Nakatsugawa
Komaki I.C.

A) By plane (*Recommended)
Transfer to Central Japan International Airport
B) By train
Take the JR Narita Express airport shuttle train from Narita toTokyo Station (approximately 60 minutes) and change trains to
the Tokaido shinkansen* (bullet train).
At Toyohashi JR Station (approximately 2.5 hours from Tokyo),change trains to the Meitetsu Line's Limited Express train** boundfor Gifu. Get off at Higashi Okazaki Station (approximately 20
minutes from Toyohashi). Turn left (south) at the ticket gate andexit the station. NIPS is a 7-minute walk up the hill.

Tokyo

Toyohashi

From New Tokyo International Airport (Narita Airport)

1

NagoyaOsaka

From Central Japan International Airport

MishimaElementary
School●Yamate Area
NIPS
NIBB
IMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
Phone :＋81-564-55-7700 Fax :＋81-564-52-7913

http://www.nips.ac.jp/