Call for Joint Research Project Proposals FY 2024
National Institute for Physiological Sciences
National Institutes of Natural Sciences
1. Joint research projects to be proposed(1)

General collaborative project(2)

Planned collaborative project (NIPS)
Themes:(i) Ultrastructure analysis of biological specimens by cutting-edge electron microscopy(ii) Functional and morphological analyses of cells and tissues by multi-photon excitation
microscopy(iii) Development and supply of viral vectors and gene-transfer to primates(iv) Multi-dimensional fluorescence imaging analysis with a multi-point scanning microscope(v) Elucidation of the pathology of mental/neurological diseases by analyzing neural activity
dynamics(vi) Visualization of white matter fiber bundles and brain microstructure by analyzing brain
imaging data

(3)

Planned collaborative project (Center for Animal Resources and Collaborative Study)
Themes:(i) Production of animal models(ii) Analysis of behavior and physiological functions of mice and rats(A) Evaluation of behaviors related to emotions, learning, and memories, and analyses ofneural and muscular activities(B) Non-invasive 4D cardiac function and capillary blood flow ultrasound imaging in mice(C) Functional analysis of neuroimmune interactions in mouse models of diseases(D) Multicellular activity measurement and manipulation in vivo
(E) Physiological measurements and analysis in vivo(iii) Behavioral and neural activity analysis of macaque monkeys*Some of the planned collaborative projects of the Center for Animal Resources and Collaborative
Study (hereinafter referred to as the “Animal Resource Center”) were conducted as planned
collaborative projects at NIPS until fiscal year (FY) 2021 and have been transferred to the Animal
Resource Center.

(4)

NIPS Research Meeting(5)

NIPS International Workshop(6)

Cooperative study by functional imaging

2. Research Term
April 1st, 2024, to March 31st, 2025

3. Eligibility
A person who is a researcher at a research institution, such as a university or a national or publicresearch institute, or who is recognized by the Director-General of NIPS as having equivalent researchcapabilities.

4. How to apply
Proposals for joint research projects must be submitted to NIPS online using the Natural Science
Collaborative Research Management System (NOUS). NOUS can be accessed from the login page(https://nous.nins.jp/user/signin).
Before submitting the proposal, anyone wishing to apply must consult with a professor, associate
professor, or equivalent, belonging to the Division most relevant to the intended research, to discuss
details such as the research theme, research plan, visit term, and required expenses, etc.
The names, persons in charge, research outlines, and contact information of Departments, Divisions,and Sections of NIPS are as shown in the Annex 1.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Section of Collaboration Promotion of NIPS for help (e.g., if you
cannot find a NIPS laboratory that will accept your proposal).
<Support Desk for Collaboration Promotion (for both NIPS and the Animal Resource Center)>
Section of Collaboration Promotion of NIPS, NINSTEL: +81-564-55-7722
e-mail: collabo@nips.ac.jp
URL: https://www.nips.ac.jp/collabo/researcher_poster.html

The NOUS (NINS Open Use System) is an online integrated project management system for joint
research and joint use projects hosted by NINS. It covers all of procedures from submission, examination,
and adoption of research proposals to reporting, publication, and analysis of project outcomes (the NOUS
is a system shared among NINS member organizations, including NIPS and the Animal Resource
Center).

*Submission of a supervisor’s approval document was mandatory until FY 2021, but beginning in FY
2022 it is no longer required because the application to be submitted online will require you to declarethat you have your supervisor’s approval. Please note that an application for an ongoing project stillrequires your supervisor’s approval each year.

Please be careful not to miss the application deadline, because the approval process at your institution
may take some time.

5. Deadline for proposals
17:00 Friday, December 8, 2023
Some proposals not submitted by this deadline may be accepted at a later date. Please submit each
proposal at least 1 month before the scheduled start of the proposed project.
As a general rule, if a proposal is not submitted by the deadline but is accepted at a later date,reimbursement of travel expenses and research expenses will not be provided.
Also, please be aware that in some cases it may not be possible to decide whether or not to accept or
reject a proposal by the planned start date due to our review schedule.

6. Determination of proposal acceptance
The Director-General of NIPS will accept proposals based on reviews of proposed projects by theAdvisory Committee for Research and Management of NIPS and the Steering Committee of the Animal
Resource Center.
7. Date of decision regarding proposal acceptanceAround March 2024.
8. Collaborative researchers
If a proposed joint research project is successfully accepted, both the representative researcher and coresearcher(s) will carry out the accepted project as Collaborative Researchers (Article 2, item 1 of the
NIPS Regulations for Visiting Researchers).
Pursuant to article 3 of the above Regulations, Collaborative Researchers can use research equipment
at NIPS that is allowed for use by joint research projects and the Animal Resource Center, whereexperimental animals are bred and stored.
When vising the Institute as a Collaborative Researcher, Travel expenses will be covered by NIPS
(Article 4 of the same Regulations). For more details, please refer to item 9 (Travel expenses).
NIPS Regulations for Visiting Researchers (Japanese only): https://www.nips.ac.jp/profile/916seikisoku16.pdf
9. Travel expenses
Travel expenses will be reimbursed, after a review process, pursuant to the NINS Regulations for
Travel Expenses within the budget.
When an undergraduate student who visits NIPS is accompanied by or is under the direction of asupervisor who is a co-researcher of a joint research project with NIPS, the travel expenses for the
student may also be reimbursed.
*No additional budget will be assigned after the proposal acceptance procedure is completed.

*Due to budget constraints, daily allowances and/or accommodation expenses may be reduced or not
paid.
*If you have any inquiries about travel expenses, please see the contact information shown in item 24(Contact for inquiries).

10. Research expenses
Research expenses will be borne by NIPS as allowed by its budget (Research expenses must not be
used outside of NIPS). If you have any inquiries about research expenses, please see the contact
information shown in item 24 (Contact for inquiries).

11. Certificate application for individuals working with radiation
If your project involves the use of radioisotopes at NIPS, after its acceptance it will require registration
procedures for individuals who will be working with radiation.

12. Gene recombination experiments
If your project involves gene recombination experiments at NIPS, after its acceptance it will requireapproval by the NIPS Recombinant DNA Experiments Safety Committee.

13. Animal experiments
If your project involves animal experiments at NIPS, after its acceptance it will require approval by
the President of NINS once the project proposal is reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee of National Institutes of Natural Sciences. Projects involving mice or rats are required to use
specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals.

14. Any projects involving human subjects or specimens obtained from human bodies
If your project involves physiological research on human subjects or specimens obtained from humanbodies, or if it involves related fields at NIPS, approval must be obtained from the ethics committee ofyour institution before the project proposal is submitted to NIPS.
If the project is approved, it will also require the approval of the Ethics Committee for Human Researchof National Institutes of Natural Sciences.
Furthermore, if the proposed project uses the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus (3-T, 7-T)
for humans, the approval of both the NIPS MRI Safety Committee and the Ethics Committee for Human
Research of National Institutes of Natural Sciences.
Finally, if a project is classified as “clinical research” by the Ethical Guidelines for Medical andBiological Research Involving Human Subjects issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare ofJapan, please consult with a NIPS researcher in advance.

15. Human genome or gene analysis research
In the case of collaborative projects or experiments involving human genome / gene analysis
experiments at NIPS, approval by the Ethics Committee for Human Research of National Institutes of
Natural Sciences will be required after approval.

16. Japan-U.S. Brain Research Cooperative Program
Projects that have been successfully adopted for the Japan–U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation
Program, for which NIPS serves as a contact (http://www.nips.ac.jp/jusnou/), will be given priority uponclaim.

17. Submission of Joint Research Implementation Report
After the research term ends, a Joint Research Implementation Report that is prepared using theprescribed format must be submitted via NOUS within 30 days of the termination date. For researchmeetings and international workshop, an implementation report is required to be submitted promptly
after the event is closed.
Please be aware that information such as the title of the research project and the affiliations, positions,and names of the representative researcher, co-researchers, and NIPS research meeting participants may
be publicized through various public relations activities of NIPS and through the Joint Research
Implementation Report. Please ensure that all co-researchers and research meeting participants consent
to such information being made public once the project has been accepted.
If consent is not obtained, you will be required to submit a separate report (for publication) with suchinformation blacked out, in addition to the prescribed Joint Research Implementation Report.

18. Clarification of supports by NIPS
If you publish any outcome of the proposed joint research in academic papers, please be sure to clearly
indicate in the Acknowledgments that the work was performed as joint research hosted by NIPS or the
Animal Resource Center.
Example (for NIPS): “This study was supported by the Joint Research Program (XXNIPSYYY) of

the National Institute for Physiological Sciences.”
Example (for Animal Resource Center): “This study was supported by the Joint Research Program(XXNIPSYYY) of the Center for Animal Resources and Collaborative Study of NINS.”* Please replace "XXNIPSYYY" with the project number, which will be provided in the application
document and the notification of the results of the proposal review.

19. Handling of intellectual property rights

The basic policy on the intellectual property rights will be handled pursuant to the National Institutesof Natural Sciences Intellectual Property Policy.
Attribution of patent rights and other relevant rights shall be discussed separately.
National Institutes of Natural Sciences Intellectual Property Policy(Japanese only):https://www.nins.jp/open/post_13.html

20. Hotel accommodations
We have accommodations for use by researchers, specifically an Okazaki facility for facilitating joint
research.

21. Promotion of gender equality
NIPS actively promotes gender equality. Please consider this when planning and conducting any
collaborative project with us.

22. Personal information
The personal information provided in proposals will be used only for the purpose of selecting successfulprojects and for administrative procedures involving NOUS.
Please be aware that the name and affiliation of the representative researcher, the project title, andother related information pertaining to each successful project will be published on the NIPS website andin the NIPS Handbook.
For handling of personal information related to Joint Research Implementation Reports, please seeitem 17 above (Submission of Joint Research Implementation Report).

23. Childcare support(1) On-site childcare facility
Depending on availability, researchers who participate in NIPS joint research projects can use ouronsite childcare facility.
(2) Childcare support system
Researchers who participate in NIPS joint research projects can use our childcare support system, inwhich NIPS provides reimbursement for a portion of childcare expenses such as daycare, babysitting, andcare for sick children.
(3) Support scheme for researchers who travel with their children
Co-researchers and other researchers who participate in NIPS joint research projects can use ourtravel expenses support scheme whereby NIPS partially supports travel expenses when researchers areaccompanied by any of their children during travel made for the purpose of conducting the project.
For more details on (1) through (3), please refer to the NIPS website

(Japanese only): https://www.nips.ac.jp/collabo/child_rearing_support.html

24. Contact for inquiries■ General matters regarding joint research (incl. expenses and intellectual properties) / NOUS / Hotelaccommodation or Okazaki Conference Center usage
38 Nishigo-naka Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
Joint Research Section of the International Research Cooperation Division, General Affairs Department,
Okazaki Administration Center, the National Institutes of Natural Sciences
TEL: 81(Japan)-564-55-7133; Fax: 81(Japan)-564-55-7119; E-mail: r7133@orion.ac.jp―――――――――――――――――― ◇ ――――――――――――――――――――<<Access>>
From areas around Tokyo
Take JR Shinkansen to Toyohashi Station
Take Meitetsu Nagoya Honsen Line from Toyohashi Station to Higashi-Okazaki Station (about 20 min
with a Limited Express train)
From areas around Osaka
Take JR Shinkansen or Kintetsu Line to Nagoya Station
Take Meitetsu Nagoya Honsen Line from Nagoya Station to Higashi-Okazaki Station (about 30 min witha Limited Express train)
7-minute walk from the south exit of Higashi-Okazaki Station (Meitetsu Line).
For more details, please refer to the NIPS website (https://www.nips.ac.jp/eng/profile/access.html).

Details of the Call for Proposals
I. General collaborative projects
1) Outline:
A general collaborative project is a project on a research theme proposed by a representative
researcher and conducted by multiple researchers. The representative researcher must be a
researcher (or the equivalent) who does not belong to NIPS, and at least one or more NIPS professors
or associate professors must participate in each project.
2) Other:
No project can be conducted for over 5 years on the same research theme. When making anapplication for ongoing projects, please indicate the updates from the previous year's proposal in yourapplication.

II. Planned collaborative projects (NIPS)
1) Outline:
Planned collaborative projects are conducted on research themes designated by NIPS and arelisted below.
Themes(i) Ultrastructure analysis of biological specimens by cutting-edge electron microscopy
Using the most advanced cryo-electron microscopy techniques, such as those involving thephase-contrast method, we perform single-particle analysis of proteins and tomographic
analysis of cells. We also use microtome-integrated scanning electron microscopy to reconstruct
the three-dimensional ultrastructure model of specimens at a resolution of dozens ofnanometers.
(Person in charge) Project Prof. MURATA (Division of Structural Biology), Prof. FURUSE(Division of Cell Structure), and Adjunct Prof. OHNO (Division of Ultrastructural Research)(ii) Functional and morphological analyses of cells and tissues by multi-photon excitation microscopy
We perform intracellular signal transduction and functional analysis of cell morphology invivo and in vitro using fluorescence microscopy with two-photon excitation or fluorescenceresonance energy transfer (FRET).
(Person in charge) Assoc. Prof. MURAKOSHI (Section of Multiphoton Neuroimaging) and
Assoc. Prof. NARUSHIMA (Division of Homeostatic Development)(iii) Development and supply of viral vectors and gene transfer to primates
In recent years, the performance of viral vectors has improved as a gene transfer techniquein the central nervous systems of mice, rats, primates and the like. The Section of Viral Vector
Development of the Supportive Center for Brain Research has developed novel high-frequency
conventional lentiviral vectors and various serotypes of adeno-associated viral vectors that canbe manipulated in a pathway-selective manner. The various viral vectors we have developed
are and will continue to be used in projects. Furthermore, in order to clarify higher brain
function, we will use viral vectors to introduce genes into primates such as macaques andmarmosets to perform morphological, physiological, and behavioral analysis.
(Person in charge) Assoc. Prof. KOBAYASHI (Section of Viral Vector Development): preparationand provision of viral vectors
Prof. ISODA (Division of Behavioral Development): gene transfer into primates(iv) Multi-dimensional fluorescence imaging analysis with a multi-point scanning microscope
We conduct joint research with our original multi-point scanning confocal/two-photon
microscope. In particular, we quantitatively visualize and analyze various cell physiological
functions, including circadian rhythms, with high-speed 3D, ultra-long-term, multicolor, andsuper-resolution observations.
(Person in charge) Prof. NEMOTO (Division of Biophotonics)(v) Elucidation of the pathology of mental/neurological diseases by analysis of neural activity
dynamics
We study the relationship between human and animal neural activity dynamics and thepathology of various mental and neurological diseases by combining unit recording, local fieldpotentials (LFPs), electrocorticography (ECoG), scalp electroencephalography (scalp EEG),
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a
multi-layered manner. In particular, we analyze neural activity dynamics such as vibration,synchronization, and fluctuation from the perspective of nonlinear dynamics and computational
theory.
(Person in charge) Prof. KITAJO (Division of Neural Dynamics)(vi) Visualization of white matter fiber bundles and brain microstructure by analyzing brain
imaging data
We conduct collaborative research to visualize microstructures in white matter fiber bundles,
cortical gray matter regions, and neuronal nuclei by analyzing human or animal brain tructural
images acquired using MRI and other techniques(Person in charge) Prof. TAKEMURA (Division of Sensory and Cognitive Brain Mapping)2) Contact person: Before submitting any proposal, please consult with NIPS members indicatedabove according to your interest.
3) Others: No project can be conducted for over 5 years on the same research theme. When making anapplication for ongoing projects, please indicate the updates from the previous year's proposal in yourapplication.

III. Planned collaborative projects (Animal Resource Center)1) Overview
Planned collaborative projects are conducted on research themes designated by the Animal Resource
Center and are listed below. Accepted projects will be conducted at the Animal Resource Center
facilities.
(Themes)(i) Production of animal models
We produce genetically modified rats and mice and develop model animals that are useful forphysiological and neuroscience experiments.
Please note that as a general rule, the animals produced by these collaborative projects must
be preserved as public bioresources, and details regarding the animals must be available to the
public.Please therefore deposit produced animals in the National BioResource Project (rats:
Institute of Laboratory Animals Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University; mice: Riken
BioResource Research Center) within 3 years after completion of the project.
(Person in charge) Prof. NISHIJIMA (Section for development of advanced animal models,Animal Resource Center, Section of Multilayer Physiology, Center for Genetic Analysis of
Behavior)(Note) Until FY 2021, this theme was conducted at NIPS as a joint research theme titled“Physiological and neuroscientific analysis of genetically modified model animals.”(ii) Analysis of behavior and physiological functions of mice and rats
We measure behaviors and physiological of mice and rats, including disease models.
This year we focus on mouse analyses. The items analyzed and the persons in charge arelisted below:(Analyzed items, persons in charge)(A) Evaluation of behaviors related to emotions, leaning, and memories, and analyses of neuraland muscular activities
Open field, light/dark transition test, elevated plus-maze, forced swimming, rotarod test,
passive avoidance, fear conditioning, and Morris water maze tests, Barnes circular maze test,
recordings of neural (single unit, local field potential, etc.) and muscular activities underawake states(Person in charge), Assistant Prof. CHIKEN (Section for physiological analysis of animalmodels, Animal Resource Center, Section of Multilayer Physiology, Center for Genetic
Analysis of Behavior)(B) Non-invasive 4D ultrasound imaging of cardiac function and capillary blood flow in mice andcardiac function measurement using isolated perfused hearts(Person in charge) Prof. NISHIDA (Division of Cardiocirculatory Signaling)(C) Functional analysis of neuroimmune interactions in mouse models of diseases

(Person in charge) Prof. MURAKAMI (Section of Multiphoton Neuroimaging)(D) Multicellular activity measurement and manipulation in vivo
We measure activities of brain cell groups under awake conditions, mainly using bioimaging
techniques. Furthermore, by manipulating such cell groups with holographic microscopy, thecausal relationships between such cell group activities and the subject’s behaviors can bedemonstrated.
(Person in charge) Prof. WAKE (Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics)(E) Physiological measurements and analysis in vivo
We measure electrical activities of brain nerve cells, mainly via electrophysiological analysis,
and correlate the measurement results with bioelectrical signals from tests such as
electrocardiograms and electromyograms.
(Person in charge) Prof. WAKE (Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics)(iii) Behavioral and neural activity analysis of macaque monkeys
Using macaque monkeys as model animals, we will mainly evaluate social behavior andmeasure and analyze social-related neural activity.
(Person in charge) Prof. ISODA (Division of Behavioral Development)ii) Person in charge
Before submitting any proposal, please meet in advance with one of the members listed above, as
appropriate based on your interest.
iii) Overview of equipment used for analyzing metabolic physiology in mice and rats
Please refer to Annex 2.
iv) Other: No project can be conducted for over 5 years on the same research theme. When making anapplication for ongoing projects, please indicate the updates from the previous year's proposal in yourapplication.

IV. NIPS Research Meeting
1) Purpose and Overview
The NIPS research meeting is a relatively small group meeting (about 100 people or fewer) for
debating the creation of new academic fields and developing new technologies. At least one NIPS
professors or associate professors must participate in each meeting. Travel expenses of participants
will be partly borne by NIPS.
2) Duration
The duration of each research meeting cannot be longer than 3 days.
3) Venue
As a general rule, in-person and hybrid (both in-person and virtual) meetings must be carried out
at a facility located within the Okazaki area of NINS. Virtual-only meetings may be accepted.

Please note that you can hold a meeting in the Okazaki Conference Center (OCC) of NINS
(http://www.orion.ac.jp/occ/). For details on reservation procedures, please contact the Joint Research
Section of the International Research Cooperation Division (r7133@orion.ac.jp).
In addition, to contribute to the research communities surrounding NIPS and to Japanese
universities, we plan to annually adopt one proposal (or more if possible) for both a NIPS researchmeeting and a NIPS international workshop outside the NINS Okazaki area. Preferably the venue
will be a university or other related institute. As a general rule, the research meeting cannot be heldin conjunction with any other event, such as an academic conference or the like. Travel expenses forthese research meetings will be handled in accordance with the rules for those held in the Okazaki
area.
4) Others
If any research meeting is to be held on the same theme for more than 3 years, its significancemust be reviewed. If you desire to continue the meetings for over 3 years, we expect a new
development to be included in the proposal.
Please pay special consideration to gender equality when selecting participants in the proposed
project.
We welcome meetings that allow participants to join online.

V. NIPS International Workshop
1) Purpose and Overview
To promote the internationalization and development of NIPS, we hold a NIPS International
Workshop that invites several scientists from around the world. The Workshop is held in English.
You can submit the same content as both a NIPS Research Meeting proposal and a NIPS
International Workshop proposal. If both of the proposals are approved, the project will be held as
an International Workshop. We plan to adopt one to three proposals for the International Workshop
every year.
At least one or more NIPS professors or associate professors must participate in each workshop.
The expected number of participants in a Workshop is 50 to 100. The International Workshops are
relatively small events compared to the NIPS International Symposium, which is held once or twice
every year.
2) Duration
The duration of an International Workshop cannot be longer than 3 days.
3) Venue
As a general rule, in-person and hybrid (both in-person and virtual) meetings must be carried out
at a facility located within in the Okazaki area of NINS. Virtual-only meeting may be accepted.
Please note that you can hold a meeting in the Okazaki Conference Center (OCC) of NINS

(http://www.orion.ac.jp/occ/). For details on applying for its use, please contact the Joint Research
Section of the International Research Cooperation Division (r7133@orion.ac.jp).
In addition, to contribute to the research communities surrounding NIPS and to Japanese
universities, we plan to annually adopt one proposal (or more if possible) for both a NIPS researchmeeting and a NIPS international workshop outside the NINS Okazaki area.

VI. Cooperative studies by functional imaging
1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner
1) Research themes
For collaborative studies using our MRI scanner, we have defined the following two research
themes. Under these themes, researchers inside and outside NIPS aim to comprehensively elucidate
biological functions from the molecular level to the individual level.
i) Non-destructive, 3-dimensional observation of the inside of living organismsii) Continuous observation of morphological and energy states associated with biological activities(including brain activation tests)
Please note that our 7-T magnetic resonance device will be used for technical examination anddevelopment related to imaging and image processing for a while.
2) Overview of the MRI scanner installed at NIPS
Please refer to Annex 3.
3) Before submitting any proposal, please consult with one of the NIPS members listed below basedon your interest.
Prof. ISODA (Division of Behavioral Development)
Prof. KITAJO (Division of Neural Dynamics)
Prof. TAKEMURA (Division of Sensory and Cognitive Brain Mapping)
Project. Prof. FUKUNAGA (Section of Brain Function Information)4) Other
When making a proposal, please select a theme that will enable the project to be completed within
three years. If you are making an application for ongoing projects, please indicate the updates fromthe previous year's proposal in your application.

Annex 1

List of host researchers(NIPS)
Department

Department of
Molecular andCellular Physiology

Department ofHomeostatic
Regulation

Department ofFundamental
Neuroscience（2024/4/1）
Division

Professor

Associate Professor

TEL

Division of Biophysics
and Neurobiology

KUBO, Yoshihiro

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

Division of Structural
Biology（Concurrent/
Project）
MURATA,
Kazuyoshi

Division of NeuralDevelopment &Regeneration(Adjunct Division)（Adjunct Prof. ）SAWAMOTO,
Kazunobu

Division of Cell
Structure

FURUSE, Mikio

IZUMI, Yasushi<0564>59-5277<0564>59-5279

Division of
Cardiocirculatory
Signaling(Concurrent division)（Concurrent）
NISHIDA,
Motohiro(Project）
NISHIMURA,
Akiyuki<0564>59-5560

Division of Molecular
Neuroimmunology（Concurrent）
MURAKAMI,
Masaaki(Project）
HASEBE, Rie<0564>55-7729

Division of
Ultrastructural
Research(Adjunct Division)（Adjunct Prof. ）OHNO, Nobuhiko<0564>59-5279

Division ofMulticellular Circuit
Dynamics（Concurrent）
WAKE, Hiroaki<0564>55-7724

Division ofHomeostatic
Development
Division of Visual
Information
Processing
Division ofBiophotonics(Adjunct Division)

Department of
SystemNeuroscience<0564>55-7893

NARUSHIMA,
MadokaYOSHIMURA,
Yumiko<0564>55-7854<0564>55-7731

NEMOTO, Tomomi ENOKI, Ryosuke<0564>59-5255<0564>59-5258(Project）
TOMATSU, Saeka<0564>55-7761<0564>55-7764

Division of Behavioral
Development

ISODA, Masaki

Division of Neural
Dynamics

KITAJO, Keiichi<0564>55-7751

Division of Sensory
and Cognitive Brain
Mapping

TAKEMURA,
Hiromasa<0564>55-7861

Department

Division

Professor

Section of Multiphoton
Neuroimaging
Section of Electron
Microscopy
Supportive Center
for Brain ResearchCenter for Genetic
Analysis of
Behavior

Section of Brain
Function Information（Concurrent）
FURUSE, Mikio

Associate Professor

TEL

MURAKOSHI,
Hideji<0564>55-7857

KUBOTA,
Yoshiyuki<0564>59-5277<0564>59-5282(Project）
FUKUNAGA,
Masaki<0564>55-7842（Adjunct Prof. ）INUI, Koji

Section of Cellular
Electrophysiology（Concurrent）
YOSHIMURA,
YumikoSection of Viral Vector
Development（Concurrent）
ISODA, Masaki

Section of Multilayer
Physiology（Concurrent）
NISHIJIMA,
Kazutoshi

Research
Enhancement
Strategy Office/Sectionof Advanced Research
Support<0564>55-7731

KOBAYASHI,
Kenta<0564>55-7781(Project）
MARUYAMA,
Megumi(Center for Animal Resources and Collaborative Study)
Division(Center Director)
NISHIJIMA,
Kazutoshi（Concurrent）
NISHIDA, Motohiro（Concurrent）
MURAKAMI, Masaaki（Concurrent）
WAKE, Hiroaki（Concurrent）
ISODA, Masaki

Professor<0564>55-7827<0564>55-7803（2024/4/1）

Associate Professor

TEL（Concurrent）<0564>55-7742

CHIKEN, Satomi

(NIPS)
Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
The Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology (Prof. KUBO, Yoshihiro and Assoc. Prof. TATEYAMA, Michihiro)
aims to clarify the mechanisms of ion channels, receptors, and G proteins, which are key elements of the nervous
system. The Division approaches structure-function relationships and structural dynamics of the elements
through biophysical analyses with the electrophysiological and optical techniques in in vitro expression systems.）
The Division of Structural Biology (Material-Life Boundary Research Group, Exploratory Research Center
on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS)) (Project Prof. MURATA, Kazuyoshi) strives to elucidate the functionsof biomolecular complexes from a structural perspective. The Division uses a cryo-electron microscope toperform structural analyses of biomolecular complexes. In addition, electron tomography and serial block-facescanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) is used for morphological and structural analyses of intracellularbiomolecular complexes.
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 andregeneration after brain injury. The Division also tries to stimulate these regeneration processes.
Department of Homeostatic Regulation
The Division of Cell Structure (Prof. FURUSE, Mikio and Assoc. Prof. IZUMI, Yasushi) focuses on themolecular basis of cell-cell junctions involved in epithelial barrier function and passive transfer via paracellularpathways. In addition to basic analysis using cultured epithelial cells, the Division is proceeding with individuallevel analysis using genetically modified mice and Drosophila in conjunction with techniques in the fields of cellbiology and physiology.
The Division of Cardiocirculatory Signaling (Cardiocirculatory Dynamism Research Group of the ExCELLS)(Prof. NISHIDA, Motohiro and Project Prof. NISHIMURA, Akiyuki) aims to clarify the mechanism that controls
the cardiovascular adaptation or maladaptation to hemodynamic load. Specifically, it strives to elucidate themolecular mechanism of cardiovascular homeostasis from the viewpoint of signal transduction by using a wide
range of techniques, including creation of model mice for human cardiovascular disease, measurement ofcardiovascular functions using isolated organs, signal transduction analysis using primary cultured
cardiomyocytes, and in situ imaging of post-translational protein modification based on chemical principles.
The Division of Molecular Neuroimmunology (Prof. MURAKAMI, Masaaki and Project Assoc.Prof.
HASEBE, Rie) has been analyzing tissue-specific autoimmune diseases and found two novel concepts. One is thegateway reflex, which is a novel mechanism of neuroimmune interactions, and the other is the IL-6 amplifier,which is a fundamental mechanism of inflammation in nonimmune cells including tissue-specific cells. The IL-6
amplifier is activated by the simultaneous activation of STAT3 and NF-kB followed by the excessive activationof NF-kB. As for the gateway reflex, six types have been reported so far. Environmental and artificial stimulations,
including gravity, electrical stimulation, pain, stress, light, and inflammation in joints, activate specific neuralpathways, which induce activation of the IL-6 amplifier at specific blood vessels of target organs, particularly
those with blood barriers, such as the central nervous system. Activation of the IL-6 amplifier accumulates
autoreactive CD4+ T cells in the blood around the specific blood vessels, resulting in the development of tissuespecific inflammatory diseases. The lab is investigating details about the neural pathways for the six as well as
searching for new gateway reflexes.）
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 3-dimensional microstructure analysis involving
microtome-integrated serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM). In addition, by combining
such imaging techniques with cultured models and genetically modified animals, the Division is elucidating themechanisms of dynamic changes in organelles (e.g., mitochondria) in the nervous system and developing
technologies to control these changes.
Department of Fundamental Neuroscience
In the Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics (Prof. WAKE, Hiroaki), we mainly use two-photon
microscopy to visualize the structure and function of neurons and glial cells in the mouse brain under awake
conditions and extract their activities in physiological and pathological conditions. Furthermore, we are using
holographic microscopy to manipulate neurons and glial cells activity with high spatiotemporal resolution basedon this activity information.）
The Division of Homeostatic Development (Assoc. Prof. NARUSHIMA, Madoka) focuses on the remodeling of
neuronal circuits during the developmental and injury recovery periods. In particular, they are involved in thefollowing: 1) electrophysiological analysis of synaptic transmission and receptor functions; (2) analysis of plasticchanges in the functions of the inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine, especially from 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 thedevelopmental period and in various disease states, and the contribution of glial cells to these changes.
The Division of Visual Information Processing (Prof. YOSHIMURA, Yumiko) characterizes the neural circuitsof the visual cortex and elucidates the mechanisms underlying the experience-dependent development of thecortex. To this end, cortical slices and anesthetized and conscious mice are analyzed with the combined use of
local laser light stimulation and electrophysiological and 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 cutting-edge imaging devices,
including in vivo two-photon microscopes, multi-beam scanning-type two-photon microscopes, and two-photon
super-resolution microscopes. The Division also conducts research in the field of chronobiology, for instanceutilizing imaging techniques to examine the neuroscientific basis of circadian rhythms.

Department of System Neuroscience
The Division of Behavioral Development (Prof. ISODA, Masaki, Project Assoc. Prof. TOMATSU, Saeka) aims
to clarify the neural basis of social cognitive functions via studies of system neuroscience using primates. To thisend, the Division conducts integrated analyses combining behavioral, electrophysiological, andneuropharmacological techniques, and also utilizes neuroanatomical methods and selectively manipulates
neural circuits using viral vectors.
The Division of Neural Dynamics (Prof. KITAJO, Keiichi) aims to unveil the functional roles of diverse neuraldynamics in brain information processing. In particular, experiments involving the non-invasive measurementof human ectroencephalogram and brain stimulation are used in conjunction with data analysis (nonlinear
dynamics, network analysis, statistical machine learning methods, etc.) to model the information-processing
mechanisms of the human brain and thereby clarify pathological conditions and individual characteristics.
The Division of Sensory and Cognitive Brain Mapping (Prof. TAKEMURA, Hiromasa) aims to investigate
structure-function relationship in the human brain primarily based on neuroimaging methods. Specifically, theDivision combines structural neuroimaging (diffusion and quantitative MRI) and functional neuroimaging(functional MRI) to investigate brain structure and function, in order to perform comparisons between humanand animal brains as well as evaluate consequence of disorders）
Supportive Center for Brain Research
The Section of Multiphoton Neuroimaging (Assoc. Prof. MURAKOSHI, Hideji) explores cell functions byimaging 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-ofthe-art optical technology, the Section develops novel fluorescent proteins and photoresponsive protein molecules.
By combining these technologies with the patch clamp method, the Section aims to elucidate the functions ofnerve cells and cultured cells.
The Section of Electron Microscopy (Prof. FURUSE, Mikio and Assoc. Prof. KUBOTA, Yoshiyuki) has
introduced a microtome-integrated scanning electron microscope (SBF-SEM) for conducting connectomics
analyses. With this device, the Section automatically captures several hundred to a thousand sequential electron
microscope images a day and reconstructs them into 3D models. In addition, local neural networks in the cerebral
cortex are analyzed using wide-area electron microscope image datasets and correlative light-electron microscopy,
the latter of which seamlessly combines in vivo imaging by a two-photon microscope and an automated tapecollecting ultramicrotome (ATUM)-SEM.
The Section of Brain Function Information (Project Prof. FUKUNAGA, Masaki and Adjunct Prof. INUI, Koji)
supports neuroimaging studies in humans and monkeys using high-field (3T and 7T) MRI, and promotes
research on brain functional and structural analysis. Research areas in this section include basic research using
MRI, technical development, and mathematical analysis of large multicenter clinical neuroimaging studies. The
Section also supports the analysis of data obtained by collaborative projects involving magnetoencephalography(MEG) measurements conducted through academic year 2021, with the goal of advancing the evaluation ofhuman brain functions.
The Section of Cellular Electrophysiology (Prof. YOSHIMURA, Yumiko) explores the structures and dynamic
control of neural circuits and the action and control mechanisms of synaptic transmission by applying anelectrophysiological method (patch clamp technique) to different brain areas (e.g., cerebral cortex, basal ganglia
and cerebellum), mainly using sample slices. The Section also aims to elucidate the developmental mechanismsof brain and nervous system diseases and to develop novel treatment methods by performing pathologicalanalyses of mice with gene mutations related to these diseases. In this Section, Assist. Professors OTSUKA,
Takeshi and SATAKE, Shin’Ichiro will mainly promote the joint research project.
Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior
The Section of Viral Vector Development (Prof. ISODA, Masaki and Assoc. Prof. KOBAYASHI, Kenta)
develops high-quality and high-performance virus vectors that can be applied to: i) analysis of the neural basis ofhigher 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 Multilayer Physiology, (Prof. NISHIJIMA, Kazutoshi) promotes collaborative research for theevaluation of behaviors related to emotions, learning and memories, and for the recordings and analysis of neural(single-unit, local field potential, etc.) and muscular activities in an awake state.
Research Enhancement Strategy Office and Section of Advanced Research Support
The Research Enhancement Strategy Office and the Section of Advanced Research Support (Project Assoc.
Prof. MARUYAMA, Megumi) promotes efforts to establish a new NIPS research strategy based on surveys ofdomestic and international research trends, and provides administrative support services as a hub for local andinternational research communities. The Office and Section are also engaged in interdisciplinary joint researchon deepening the relationship between science and society. This research includes the field of neuroethics, which
deals with the ethical and social issues that accompany the development of neuroscience research.
Center for Animal Resources and Collaborative Study
The Center for Animal Resources and Collaborative Study develops experimental animals (including mice,
rats, rabbits, and monkeys) based on their characteristics (e.g., genetic recombination) and analyzes theirphenotypes (physiological functions such as behavior, electrical activity, metabolism, etc.) from the perspectivesof veterinary medicine and laboratory animal sciences. In addition, the Center develops strain preservation
techniques and husbandry practices that are suitable for different animal species to improve the quality of animal
experiments and animal welfare.

Annex 2

Overview of equipment used for analyzing physiology in mice and rats
【Major items to be analyzed and/or measured】(A) Evaluation of behaviors related to emotions, learning, and memories, and analyses of neuraland muscular activities(B) Non-invasive 4D cardiac function and capillary blood flow ultrasound imaging in mice(C) Functional analysis of neuroimmune interactions in mouse models of diseases(D) Multicellular activity measurement and manipulation in vivo
(E) Physiological measurements and analysis in vivo
【Equipment】
・ Brain wave–measuring apparatus (Nihon Kohden, AB611J)・ Electromyograph (Nihon Kohden, AB611J)・ Telemetry automatic measurement system for chronic experiments (Harvard Bioscience,
mouse, rat, etc.)
・ 4D ultrasound imaging device VEVO3100 (Primetech Corporation, for mice)・ Isolated heart perfusion system (Primetech Corporation, for mice and rats)
・・ Open field test analyzer (Section of Instrument Design Room of NIPS and other, for mice)・ Light/dark transition test device (O'HARA, for mice)・ Barnes circular maze test device (O'HARA, for mice)・ Elevated plus-maze test analyzer (Section of Instrument Design Room of NIPS and other, formice)
・ Forced swimming test analyzer (Section of Instrument Design Room of NIPS and other, formice)
・ Rota-rod test analyzer (Ugo Basile, for mice RotaRod NG, 47650)
・ Passive avoidance test analyzer (O'HARA, for mice)・ Fear conditioning test analyzer (O'HARA and other, for mice)・ Morris water maze pool (O'HARAand other, for mice)・ Intellicage: group-housed automated high-throughput behavioral and cognitive screening
system (TSE-systems, for mice)・ Nikon A1MP＋holographic microscope (Nikon & Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics, formice and rats)
・ The head-mounted miniature microscope（INSCOPIX）
・ X-ray irradiation device (MediXtec, for mice and cells)
・ silicon CMOS digital neural probe（Neuropixels）

Annex 3

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.)
3-T 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 network
8) Other functions:

T1, T2, T2*, proton density-weighted images, MR angiography,
diffusion-weighted image, image statistical processing software,communication mediation relay system for simultaneously
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