Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology is focusing on the relevance between synaptic defect and the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism.
Our department is focusing on the relevance between synaptic defect and the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism.
OVERVIEW
In our laboratory, we investigate the impact of synaptic molecules on neural circuit formation and synaptic function, as well as how their abnormalities contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders using genetically modified mouse models. Our research aims to elucidate the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders through a combination of molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral analyses.
Our primary research focus is on synaptic molecules such as Neurexin/Neuroligin,
CASK, and IQSEC2. These molecules play a regulatory role in information
transmission between nerve cells, and their functional abnormalities have
been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurexin/Neuroligin interact
at the pre- and post-synaptic membranes, playing crucial roles in synaptic
stabilization and functional regulation. Deficiencies or functional abnormalities
in these molecules affect the formation and function of neural circuits
and have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism
spectrum disorder (ASD). CASK is a multifunctional protein involved in
the formation and regulation of synaptic functions, and its genetic mutations
have been linked to intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.
IQSEC2 controls GTPase activated to regulate synaptic plasticity, and its
abnormalities have been implicated as causes of intellectual disabilities
and epilepsy. Through these studies, our laboratory aims to elucidate the
pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by synaptic molecules.
Furthermore, these findings are expected to contribute to the development
of new therapeutic strategies. Our laboratory actively pursues these objectives
and strives to discover further insights. We also hope that our research
findings will contribute to a better understanding and improvement of treatment
methods for neurodevelopmental disorders. In our laboratory, researchers collaborate to solve challenges using cutting-edge technology and a multifaceted approach. Our research spans a wide range, from experiments using genetically modified mouse models to electrophysiological analysis of cultured neurons and brain slices, as well as behavioral evaluations, allowing us to capture the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders from multiple perspectives.
Our laboratory aims not only to analyze the functions of synaptic molecules and elucidate neural circuits but also to produce research results that lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. We also strive to give back to society through our research findings and support patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. If you are interested in our research, we encourage you to visit our laboratory's homepage or attend our presentations at conferences to learn about our latest research findings. Alternatively, we would be delighted if you could visit our laboratory or attend one of our seminars. We will continue to work on unraveling the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders and developing treatment methods.
NEWS新着情報
- April 10, 2023
- Marie-Louis Wronski from TUD will join as an exchange student.
- April 1, 2023
- Yuka Mizuno and Weichen Zang will join as master course students.
- March 23, 2023
- Anuradha Mehta obtained her Ph.D. degree and left for Johns Hopkins University as a post-doc researchear.
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Department of Molecular &
Cellular Physiology,
Shinshu University School of Medicine
3-1-1 Asahi, Matsumoto,
Nagano 390-8621
Japan
PHONE: +81-263-37-3775
FAX: +81-263-37-3776
E-mail: ktabuchi@shinshu-u.ac.jp