“Functional organization of cerebro-cerebellar loop in motor control and learning”

Acquisition and execution of skilled motor actions critically depend on the interplay between many brain areas, including cerebro-cerebellar communication loop. Despite decades of investigation, the mechanism of motor control and learning implemented by cerebro-cerebellar loop remain elusive. The goal of our research is to understand the functional organization of cerebro-cerebellar loop and its role in motor control and learning. We employ two-photon imaging, electrophysiology and optogenetics in awake mice performing motor and cognitive tasks, and analyze structure-function relationships of microcircuits in the cerebellum and the neocortex. In particular, we will focus on the coupling between cerebellar modules (zones) and neocortical areas and its adaptive changes during motor learning. Our research will shed light on the important insights into the function of cerebro-cerebellar communication loop.

 

 
Recent Publications
1. Tsutsumi S, Yamazaki M, Miyazaki T, Watanabe M, Sakimura K, Kano M, Kitamura K (2015) Structure-function relationships between aldolase C/zebrin II expression and complex spike synchrony in the cerebellum. J Neurosci 35:843-852.
2. Inoue M, Takeuchi A, Horigane SI, Ohkura M, Gengyo-Ando K, Fujii H, Kamijo S, Takemoto-Kimura S, Kano M, Nakai J, Kitamura K, Bito H (2015) Rational design of a high-affinity, fast, red calcium indicator R-CaMP2. Nat Methods 12:64-70.
3. Kitamura K, Häusser M (2011) Dendritic calcium signaling triggered by spontaneous and sensory-evoked climbing fiber input to cerebellar Purkinje cells in vivo. J Neurosci 31:10847-10858.

Posted:2016/03/10