We use fruit fly motor neurons and human cell culture to understand how neural circuits develop and function. Dendritogenesis Dendrites are the branches of neurons that receive information from other cells. Their formation—called dendritogenesis—is a critical step in building functional neural circuits. Remarkably, dendrites can begin forming even before they receive input from other neurons. Our research focuses on how dendrites grow at the right place and time. We study how signals from outside the cell are translated into precise internal responses, revealing the mechanisms that control when and where dendrites form. Kamiyama et al., Nature Communications (2025) Bui et al., eNeuro (2024) Kamiyama et al., Developmental Cell (2015) Kamiyama et al., Science (2009) Axon Growth and Guidance Once neurons are born, they extend long projections called axons to connect with their targets. During development, axons navigate through complex environments to find the correct partners. We investigate how axons interpret signals from surrounding cells and tissues to guide their growth. We are also interested in how these interactions are reciprocal—how growing axons influence the cells they encounter along the way. Synapse Formation Neural circuits rely on synapses—the specialized connections between axons and dendrites. After neurons make contact, they must form stable and functional synapses. Using motor neuron systems, we study how connections are established between motor neurons and their partners, including other neurons and muscle cells. Our goal is to understand how these interactions lead to functional communication within neural circuits. Inal et al., bioRxiv (2026) Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders Proper brain function depends on the coordinated development of axons, dendrites, and synapses. Disruption in any of these processes can lead to neurological disorders. We study how genetic mutations, protein dysfunction, and cellular defects contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions and how these early defects may also lead to neurodegenerative diseases later in life. Kamemura et al., Nature Communications (2024) Methods and Technology Development Advances in technology are essential for understanding the brain. We develop and apply cutting-edge genetic tools and imaging approaches to study cells and molecules in living systems. These methods allow us to visualize and analyze neural development with high precision, helping us uncover fundamental principles of how the brain is built and maintained. Tamura et al., Communications Biology (2021) Kamiyama, Banzai et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. (2021) Kamiyama et al., Nature Communications (2016)
