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Name |
Email |
Telephone |
| Proffessor |
YAGI,
Takeshi, Ph.D. |
 |
+81-6-6879-7991 |
| Associate Prof. |
Kitsukawa Takashi , Ph.D. |
 |
+81-6-6879-7991 |
| Assistant Prof. |
Takahiro Hirabayashi, Ph.D. |
 |
+81-6-6879-7991 |
| FAX |
+81-6-6877-1922 |
| Postal Mail Address |
Graduate School of Frontier
Biosciences, Osaka University 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka
565-0871, Japan |
Our investigations are aimed toward understanding
the biological mechanisms underlying the generation of brain
function. The generation of brain function occurs through innate
programming initially as well as by acquisition via environmental
stimuli during brain development. Studies in our laboratory focus
on the identification of molecular groups that regulate brain
development, brain evolution, and mental disorders. We hope to
employ these molecules in order to understand the biological
mechanisms involved in neural circuit generation and reorganization,
as well as the relationship between neural circuits and brain
function. In particular, brain function analysis at the individual
level is performed in our laboratory using gene-converted mice
and rats.
| 1 |
The molecular function
of Fyn tyrosine kinase in the generation of brain
function. |
| Using gene knockout mice, we have determined
that Fyn tyrosine kinase regulates learning and emotional
function in the brain. Fyn is associated with brain
development and is localized at the synapse where it
controls NMDA receptor function. Using Fyn, we are
investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying mental
disorders and function. |
| 2 |
Molecular function of
the gene-clustered cadherin family localized at the
synapse. |
| Synapse is a significant apparatus that
generates and rearranges neural networks. Using Fyn
tyrosine kinase, we have isolated a cadherin-related
neuronal receptor family which produces diversified
molecules at the synapse. The genomic structure of
CNR family genes is similar to those of the immunoglobulin
and T cell receptor family genes. We are investigating
the molecular function of the gene-clustered cadherin
family including the CNR family in the synapse. |
|
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| 3 |
Gene rearrangement at
the somatic level in the nervous system. |
| Both the nervous and immune systems are
characterized by diversified cell types, high organized
networks, and learning and memory function. In the
immune system, DNA rearrangement of immunoglobulin
genes generates memory function. Recent reports on
the discovery of CNR family genes, somatic mutation
of CNR family transcripts, and the requirement of DNA
repair molecules for brain development suggest that
genomic rearrangement occurs in the nervous system.
We are undertaking a comprehensive investigation of
gene rearrangement in the nervous system. |
|
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| 4 |
Molecular mechanism
of brain function development. |
| The plasticity of brain function and neural
networks facilitates the influence of environmental
stimuli on neural activity. The generation of neural
networks is dependent upon a critical period of activity.
We are investigating the molecular basis regulating
such critical periods during brain development. |
| 5 |
Genome structure and
function and brain evolution. |
| Brain function is diversified among animal
species, suggesting that the genetic information regulating
brain function is also diversified among animal species.
We are investigating the relationship between genomic
structure regulating brain function and brain evolution.
Through the production of gene-converted mice, we are
exploring the molecular mechanisms controlling the
generation of brain structure and function. |
 |
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