Neuroscience Equilibrium of Excitatory and Inhibitory Functions in Neural Networks A proper equilibrium between excitation and inhibition is pivotal for the optimal performance of the brain. Any imbalances may result in both hypo- and hyper-excitability, contributing to various neurological diseases. On a microscopic level, excitatory and inhibitory synapses on dendrites of individual neurons integrate inputs, shaping outputs for adjacent neurons. Our study aims to explore the molecular basis of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic organization to gain a deeper understanding of the essential mechanisms driving brain activity.​ Kamiyama, Banzai et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. (2021) Cellular Structures in the Initiation of Neuromuscular Junctions Motoneurons guide their axons towards specific muscles, aiming to establish synapses. Throughout this process, filopodia and lamellipodia—critical cellular structures emerge on both the axons and muscles. These cellular structures are essential in collecting vital information from their surroundings, facilitating the formation of synapses. The primary goal of our research is to elucidate the role of these cellular structures in the initiation of neuromuscular junctions. Inal, Bui et al., Current Protocols (2021) Transient Neurons in Axon-Dendrite Matching During the embryonic stage, the brain is densely populated with numerous neurons, but as development progresses, only a small fraction of them will survive. Interestingly, some of these neurons programmed for elimination play a critical role in guiding the axons and dendrites of neighboring neurons. They facilitate an axon-dendrite matching process before undergoing programmed cell death. Our current research is centered around investigating the presence of these instructive neurons and their function in brain development. Kamiyama et al., Developmental Cell (2015) Signal Transduction for Axon and Dendrite Formation The development of axons and dendrites is a vital process that takes place at specific times and locations. It relies heavily on signal transduction, where cell surface receptors receive extracellular signals and relay them to intracellular proteins within the neuron. Our research is dedicated to uncovering the spatiotemporal control of signal transduction, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms that drive axon and dendrite formation during development. Banzai et al., Neuroscience Insights (2022) Inal et al., Journal of Visualized Experiments (2020) Kamiyama et al., Science (2009) Furrer et al., Development (2007) Advancements in Technology Methods for Cell Investigation Innovative methods for analyzing tissues, cells, and proteins have empowered scientists to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes within the brain. Cutting-edge genetic methods enable the study of individual cells, while imaging analysis techniques provide valuable insights into the molecules and genes that govern cell behaviors. Our ongoing development of these methods contributes to the continual advancement of scientific knowledge. Bui et al., Gene and Genome Editing (2023) Tamura et al., Communications Biology (2021) Kamiyama et al., Nature Communications (2016) Kamiyama et al., Developmental Cell (2012)
