List of host researchers（2021/4/1）

Department

Department of
Molecular andCellularPhysiology

Division
Division ofBiophysics and
Neurobiology
Division of Membrane
Physiology
Division of NeuralDevelopment &Regeneration（Adjunct Division）

Division of Cell
Structure
Division of Cell
Signaling
Department ofHomeostatic
Regulation（Concurrent division）
Division of
Cardiocirculatory
Signaling（Concurrent division）
Division of
Endocrinology andMetabolism
Division of
Ultrastructural Research（Adjunct Division）

Professor

Associate Professor

TEL

KUBO, Yoshihiro

TATEYAMA,
Michihiro<0564>55-7831<0564>55-7832

FUKATA, Masaki

FUKATA, Yuko

<0564>59-5873（Adjunct Prof. ）SAWAMOTO,
Kazunobu
FURUSE, Mikio

IZUMI, Yasushi

TOMINAGA,
MakotoSOKABE, Takaaki

NISHIDA,
Motohiro
MINOKOSHI,
YasuhikoDepartment of
SystemNeuroscience

Supportive Center
for Brain Research

NAKAJIMA Kenichiro<0564>55-7742

OHNO, Nobuhiko
KUBOTA,
Yoshiyuki
NARUSHIMA,
MadokaDivision ofHomeostatic
Development
Division of Visual
Information
Processing
Division ofBiophotonics
Division of
Behavioral
Development
Division of System
Neurophysiology
Division of Neural
Dynamics
Division of Cerebral
Integration<0564>59-5560（Adjunct Prof. ）Division of Cerebral
Circuitry
Department ofFundamental
Neuroscience<0564>59-5277<0564>59-5279<0564>59-5286<0564>59-5287（Project）

AGETSUMA,
Masakazu
YOSHIMURA,
Yumiko<0564>59-5282<0564>55-7851<0564>55-7854<0564>55-7731

NEMOTO, Tomomi

ENOKI, Ryosuke

ISODA, Masaki

TOMATSU, Saeka（Project）（Project）<0564>59-5255<0564>59-5258<0564>55-7761<0564>55-7764<0564>55-7824

GO, Yasuhiro
NAMBU, Atsushi<0564>55-7771

KITAJO, Keiichi<0564>55-7751

SADATO,
Norihiro

FUKUNAGA,
Masaki<0564>55-7841<0564>55-7844

Section of Brain
Structure Information

MURATA,
Kazuyoshi<0564>55-7872

Section ofMultiphoton
Neuroimaging

MURAKOSHI,
Hideji<0564>59-5290<0564>55-7857（Concurrent）

Section of Electron
Microscopy（Concurrent）

FURUSE, Mikio

MURATA, Kazuyoshi（Concurrent）<0564>59-5277

KUBOTA, Yoshiyuki（Concurrent）

Center for Genetic
Analysis of
Behavior

Section of Brain
SADATO, Norihiro
Function Information （Adjunct Prof）
INUI, Koji
Section of Viral（Concurrent）
NAMBU, Atsushi
Vector Development
Section of MammalianTransgenesis
Section of Metabolic
Physiology

CHIKAZOE,
Junichi
KOBAYASHI,
Kenta
HIRABAYASHI,
Masumi<0564>55-7845<0564>55-7827<0564>59-5265（Concurrent）

MINOKOSHI,
Yasuhiko<0564>55-7741

Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
The Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology (Prof. KUBO, Yoshihiro) uses an in vivo
expression system to study dynamic structure–function relationships, with a focus on themechanisms of ion channels, receptors, and G proteins, which are key elements of the nervous
system. The Division also uses genetically modified mice in order to clarify the functionalsignificance of each element in the cranial nervous system.
The Division of Membrane Physiology (Prof. FUKATA Masaki) uses a unique biochemical
method to identify synaptic protein complexes in brain tissue, and then uses the complexes in
conjunction with a hippocampal neural cell primary culture system, genetically modified mice,etc., to clarify the mechanism that controls synaptic transmission efficiency. In addition, focusing
on palmitoylation, the Division identifies specific palmitoylating enzymes and analyzes the
localization and kinetics of synaptic proteins mediated by these enzymes.
The Division of Neural Development & Regeneration (Adjunct Division, Adjunct Prof.
SAWAMOTO, Kazunobu) studies the mechanism whereby neurons and glial cells are generated
during brain development and regeneration after brain injury. The Division also tries tostimulate these regeneration processes.
Department of Homeostatic Regulation
The Division of Cell Structure (Prof. FURUSE, Mikio) focuses on the molecular basis of cell-celljunctions involved in epithelial barrier function and passive transfer via paracellular pathways.
In addition to basic analysis using cultured epithelial cells, the Division is proceeding withindividual-level analysis using genetically modified mice and Drosophila in conjunction withtechniques in the fields of cell biology and physiology.
The Division of Cell Signaling (Thermal Biology Group, Exploratory Research Center on Lifeand Living Systems (ExCELLS)) (Prof. TOMINAGA, Makoto and Assoc. Prof. SOKABE,
Takaaki) aims to clarify the molecular mechanisms of thermosensitivity and pain sensitivity
centering on TRP channels, which serve as biomolecular sensors necessary for cells survival. In
addition to analyses using electrophysiological, molecular cell biological, and biochemical
techniques, the Division conducts studies at an individual level using genetically modified mice.
Behavioral analysis of temperature, taste, and mechanical stimulus reception using Drosophila,
and analysis of effects of pesticides and repellents are also performed. In addition, the Division
analyzes the evolution of temperature-sensitive TRP channels because it is considered thatorganisms evolutionarily adapted to changes in environmental temperature by dynamicallychanging their temperature sensitivities.
The Division of Cardiocirculatory Signaling (Cardiocirculatory Dynamism Research Group of
the ExCELLS) (Prof. NISHIDA, Motohiro) aims to clarify the mechanism that controls the
cardiovascular adaptation or maladaptation to hemodynamic load. Specifically, it strives toelucidate the molecular mechanism of cardiovascular homeostasis from the viewpoint of signaltransduction by using a wide range of techniques, including creation of model mice for humancardiovascular disease, measurement of cardiovascular functions using isolated organs, signaltransduction analysis using primary cultured cardiomyocytes, and in situ imaging of posttranslational protein modification based on chemical principles.
The Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (Prof. MINOKOSHI, Yasuhiko and Assoc. Prof.
NAKAJIMA Ken-ichiro) studies the control mechanisms, mainly involving the hypothalamus,that underlie the regulation of whole-body energy metabolism. Specifically, the Division aims to
elucidate the mechanism of eating and food preference and the means by which taste sensitivity
is controlled by the hypothalamus, as well as the mechanism whereby metabolic homeostasis is
maintained by the autonomic nervous system at the molecular, tissue, and individual levels. The
Division also studies the relationship between disordered homoeostasis and obesity, diabetes, andlifestyle-related diseases.
The Division of Ultrastructural Research (Adjunct Division) (Adjunct Prof. OHNO, Nobuhiko)aims to clarify the molecular backgrounds of structural and functional changes in the nervous
system in myelin diseases. To this end, the Division uses imaging techniques such as 3dimensional microstructure analysis involving microtome-integrated serial block-face scanningelectron microscopy (SBF-SEM). In addition, by combining such imaging techniques with
cultured models and genetically modified animals, the Division is elucidating the mechanisms ofdynamic changes in organelles (e.g., mitochondria) in the nervous system and developing
technologies to control these changes.
Department of Fundamental Neuroscience
The Division of Cerebral Circuitry (Assoc. Prof. KUBOTA, Yoshiyuki) aims to elucidate thestructural basis of cortical microcircuits as well as the principles of their involvement in learning.
This is done by combining in vivo brain observation / virus tracing using a two-photon microscopewith synaptic connection analysis using 3-dimensional reconstruction of electron microscopic
serial sections.
The Division of Homeostatic Development (Assoc. Prof. NARUSHIMA, Madoka and Project
Assoc. Prof. AGETSUMA, Masakazu) focuses on the remodeling of neuronal circuits during thedevelopmental and injury recovery periods. In particular, they are involved in the following: 1)
electrophysiological analysis of synaptic transmission and receptor functions; (2) analysis ofplastic changes in the functions of the inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine, especiallyfrom the viewpoint of the intracellular regulation mechanism for chloride ion concentration; and(3) use of in vivo multiphoton laser microscopy to determine the morphological and behavioral
changes in neuronal circuits during the developmental period and in various disease states, andthe contribution of glial cells to these changes.

The Division of Visual Information Processing (Prof. YOSHIMURA, Yumiko) characterizes theneural circuits of the visual cortex and elucidates the mechanisms underlying the experiencedependent development of the cortex. To this end, cortical slices and anesthetized and conscious
mice are analyzed with the combined use of local laser light stimulation and electrophysiologicaland Ca2+ imaging techniques.
The Division of Biophotonics (Biophotonics Research Group of the ExCELLS) (Prof. NEMOTO,
Tomomi and Assoc. Prof. ENOKI, Ryosuke) advances the development and application of cuttingedge imaging devices, including in vivo two-photon microscopes, multi-beam scanning-type twophoton microscopes, and two-photon super-resolution microscopes. The Division also conducts
research in the field of chronobiology, for instance utilizing imaging techniques to examine theneuroscientific basis of circadian rhythms.
Department of System Neuroscience
The Division of Behavioral Development (Prof. ISODA, Masaki) aims to clarify the neural basisof social cognitive functions via studies of system neuroscience using primates. To this end, theDivision conducts integrated analyses combining behavioral, electrophysiological, andneuropharmacological techniques, and also utilizes neuroanatomical methods and selectively
manipulates neural circuits using viral vectors.
The Division of System Neurophysiology (Prof. NAMBU, Atsushi) strives to clarify the brain
mechanisms underlying voluntary movements, and to understand the pathophysiology of
movement disorders due to malfunctions of these mechanisms. To this end, the Division records
nerve activity in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and cerebrum in primates, rodents, and otherdisease model animals, and manipulates this activity with neuropharmacological, photochemical,
chemogenetic, and other techniques.
The Division of Neural Dynamics (Prof. KITAJO, Keiichi) aims to unveil the functional roles ofdiverse neural dynamics in brain information processing. In particular, experiments involving
the non-invasive measurement of human electroencephalogram and brain stimulation are usedin conjunction with data analysis (nonlinear dynamics, network analysis, statistical machinelearning methods, etc.) to model the information-processing mechanisms of the human brain andthereby clarify pathological conditions and individual characteristics.
The Division of Cerebral Integration (Prof. SADATO, Norihiro) advances experimental studies
on higher cerebral cortex activities related to cognition, memory, emotion, judgment, intention,
behavior, and social ability using neuroimaging techniques. The Division aims to understandhigher brain function dynamically and globally by utilizing non-invasive brain function imaging

techniques to assess local circulatory changes and alterations in energy metabolism associatedwith cranial nerve activity.
Supportive Center for Brain Research
The Section of Brain Structure Information (Assoc. Prof. MURATA, Kazuyoshi) aims to
elucidate the complex biological functions of the brain based on its structure. A 200-kV cryoelectron microscope is used for structural analysis of biomolecular samples. Some samples may
be analyzed with an energy filter, a phase plate, a sample stage with larger tilt, etc., in
combination with the cryo-electron microscope.
The Section of Multiphoton Neuroimaging (Assoc. Prof. MURAKOSHI, Hideji) explores cellfunctions by imaging cell morphology, signal transduction, and molecular interactions using
unique two-photon microscopy techniques and two-photon fluorescence resonance energy
transfer (FRET) microscopy. In addition to state-of-the-art optical technology, the Section
develops novel fluorescent proteins and photoresponsive protein molecules. By combining thesetechnologies with the patch clamp method, the Section aims to elucidate the functions of nerve
cells and cultured cells.
The Section of Electron Microscopy (Prof. FURUSE, Mikio, Assoc. Prof. MURATA, Kazuyoshi,
and Assoc. Prof. KUBOTA, Yoshiyuki) has introduced a new microtome-integrated scanningelectron microscope for conducting connectomics studies. With this device, the Section
automatically captures several hundred to a thousand sequential electron microscope images a
day and reconstructs them into 3D models.
The Section of Brain Function Information (Prof. SADATO, Norihiro, Assoc. Prof. CHIKAZOE,
Junichi, and Adjunct Prof. INUI, Koji) supports collaborative studies on brain function
measurement in humans and monkeys using high-field magnetic resonance imaging (3T and 7T)
and magnetoencephalography (MEG) devices equipped at NIPS. The Section also promotes
research on functional–anatomical mapping of the primate brain. A 7-T magnetic resonanceimaging device for evaluating humans was installed in 2014. It was confirmed that the device
can be operated in a stable manner so it will be generally available for collaborative research
projects. In addition, the Section promotes collaborative projects specializing in basic brain sciencethat evaluate humans using whole-head magnetoencephalography.
Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior
The Section of Viral Vector Development (Prof. NAMBU, Atsushi and Assoc. Prof.
KOBAYASHI, Kenta) develops high-quality and high-performance virus vectors that can beapplied to: i) analysis of the neural basis of higher brain functions using model animals such as
primates and rodents, and ii) pathological analysis of mental and neurological diseases. In
addition, it serves as a central hub for providing viral vectors in response to requests from otherlaboratories. Through such efforts, the Section actively promotes joint research.
The Section of Mammalian Transgenesis (Assoc. Prof. HIRABAYASHI, Masumi) produces andprovides genetically modified animals (transgenic and gene-targeted rats and mice), making fulluse of molecular biology and developmental engineering techniques. To make further advancesat the technological level, the Section also performs reproduction engineering research such as
gamete preservation of genetically modified animals, microinsemination, and establishment of
rat embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.
The Section of Metabolic Physiology (Prof. MINOKOSHI, Yasuhiko) is equipped with andconducts joint research using apparatuses for chronological and automatic measurement ofphysiological functions and metabolic parameters of mice and rats. The apparatuses can measure
the following: 1) single-unit recordings from motor related brain regions in an awake state; 2)energy intake and expenditure in free-moving animals; 3) body temperature, heart rate, andblood pressure in free-moving animals; 4) non-invasive echographic imaging of tissue structurefunction relationships (liver, kidney, and blood vessels), 4-dimensional changes in cardiac
functions, and capillary blood flow (brain and umbilical cord) in anesthetized mice; and 5) mousetemperature preference assays with a thermal gradient ring.

ANNEX 1

Overview of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners installed at NIPS
Performance and features of the MRI scanner installed at the NIPS Supportive Center for Brain
Research (two 3-T Verio scanners, 2009, Siemens Co.; one 7-T scanner, 2014, Siemens Co., Ltd.)
Verio
1. Superconducting magnet
1) Magnetic field strength:

3 Tesla, magnet inner diameter 70 cm

2) Magnetic field uniformity: 0.03 ppm or less (spherical range with a diameter of 20 cm, volume
residual mean squared method)3) Shimming:

Active + passive shimming, automatic shimming for each subject

4) Liquid helium evaporation: 0.01 L/year or less
2. Imaging functions
1) Nuclei: 1H2) Pulse sequence: echo planar imaging, turbo spin echo imaging, etc.
3) Slice direction: axial, sagittal, coronal, oblique4) Min. slice thickness: 1 mm (2-dimensional imaging), 0.3 mm (3-dimensional imaging)5) Gradient magnetic field: 45 mTesla/m, rise time 0.225 ms
6) Probe: 32-channel head coil, circular polarized body coil, etc.
7) Data processing device: Automatically saves obtained images in DICOM format via Windows
network8) Other functions: T1, T2, T2*, proton density-weighted images, MR angiography, diffusionweighted image, image statistical processing software, communication mediation relay system forsimultaneously measuring neural activity during interaction between two individuals
7-T MRI
1. Superconducting magnet
1) Magnetic field strength:

7 Tesla, magnet inner diameter 60 cm

2) Magnetic field uniformity：1 ppm or less (spherical range with a diameter of 25 cm, volume
residual mean squared method)3) Shimming:

Active + passive shimming, automatic shimming for each subject

4) Liquid helium evaporation: 0.01 L/year or less
2. Imaging functions
1) Nuclei:

1H, 13C, 17O,19F, 23Na, 31P

2) Pulse sequence:echo planar imaging, turbo spin echo imaging etc.

3) Slice dimensions: axial, sagittal, coronal, oblique4) Min. slice thickness:

0.5 mm (2-dimensional imaging), 0.05 mm (3-dimensional
imaging)5) Gradient magnetic field:

70 mTesla/m, rise time 0.350 ms

6) Probe:

32-channel receive-only head coil (1H), circular polarizedtransmit/receive head coil (1H, 23Na, 31P), transmit/receive
surface coil (13C, 17O, 19F), etc.

7) Data processing device:

Automatically saves obtained images in DICOM format via
Windows network

8)

Other functions:

T1, T2, T2*, proton density-weighted images, MR angiography,
diffusion-weighted image, image statistical processing software

ANNEX 2

Overview of the whole-head type magnetoencephalography (MEG) device installed
at NIPS
Overview of the Vectorview whole-head type MEG device installed at NIPS (2002, Neuromag)
1.

Sensor(1) Number of channels:(2) Induction coil:

306 channels
flat-bottomed gradiometer, 204 channels
magnetometer, 102 channels(3) System noise: 5 fTesla /√Hz or less
(4) Sensor arrangement:

102 sensor units evenly distributed over 1220 cm2

Each sensor unit incorporates two orthogonal gradiometersand magnetometers(5) Measurement position: sitting position or supine position
2.

Shielded room(1) Inner dimension: width 3 m x depth 4 m x height 2.4 m(2) Outer dimension: width 3.6 m x depth 4.6 m x height 3 m(3) Shielding ratio 0.1 Hz, 42 dB or more
1.0 Hz, 60 dB or more
10 Hz, 80 dB or more

3.

Active shielding system
An active shielding system is adopted to reduce the influence of the environmental magnetic
field at low-frequency bands. The change in the environmental magnetic field at 1 Hz or less isdecreased.

4.

Analysis control device (UNIX Workstation HPUX J6700)(1) Control device
Connected to sensor system via Ethernet
Analogue inputs:
MEG: 306 channels
EEG input: 128 channels
A/D conversion:
24-bit/Save 32-bit
Sampling (up to 8 kHz)(2) Key processing functions Signal source estimation: Single/multi-dipole estimation(Sphere model/Real shape model)
MCE
Signal processing:
Digital filter, FFT, etc.
(3) Data storage device
5-inch magneto-optical disk 9.1 GB/disk