Research

The Molecular Mechanisms of Synapse Formation

The human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons. These neurons connect by
"synapse" structures to form a neural network that enables transmitting information and higher
brain functions such as memory and learning. Synapse formation failure or dysfunction during
development is believed to be deeply related to the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders such
as autism and intellectual disabilities. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of synapse
formation will contribute to understanding the construction and operating principles of brain
neural networks, the etiology and pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, and
developing therapeutic strategies to overcome these disorders.

Our research focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of central synapse formation. Specifically,
we focus on synaptic organizers, specialized cell adhesion molecules that induce presynaptic
terminal and postsynaptic structures. Our research aims to understand the molecular
mechanisms of synaptic formation and the pathological principles of neurodevelopmental
disorders caused by disrupted regulatory mechanisms of synapse formation.