“Development of viral vector systems for pathway-specific neuronal visualization and manipulation”

To know about a variety of higher brain functions systematically, it is essential to elucidate the architecture of complex and elaborate neural networks. For clarifying the functional role of a given pathway, it is effective to explore behavioral and physiological changes by modifying neuronal activity through the target pathway. Recently, we have developed a novel technique that achieves pathway-selective ablation in the primate brain, by employing a retrograde gene-transfer vector. In this project, we are attempting to establish novel experimental techniques to visualize or manipulate a particular pathway, especially in primate, by developing various viral vectors and utilizing optogenetic or chemogenetic technologies. This study will provide a potent strategy to explore the functional roles of individual pathways constituting a particular neural network.

 

 
Recent Publications
1. Inoue K, Takada M, Matsumoto M. (2015) Neuronal and behavioral modulations by pathway-selective optogenetic stimulation of the primate oculomotor system. Nat Commun. 6:8378
2. Inoue K, Koketsu D, Kato S, Kobayashi K, Nambu A, Takada M. (2012) Immunotoxin-Mediated Tract Targeting in the Primate Brain: Selective Elimination of the Cortico-Subthalamic “Hyperdirect” Pathway. PLoS ONE 7: e39149.
3. Ohara S, Inoue K, Witter MP, Iijima T. (2009) Untangling neural networks with dual retrograde transsynaptic viral infection. Front Neurosci. 3:344-349.
4. Kato S, Inoue K, Kobayashi K, Yasoshima Y, Miyachi S, Inoue S, Hanawa H, Shimada T, Takada M, Kobayashi K. (2007) Efficient gene transfer via retrograde transport in rodent and primate brains by an HIV-based vector pseudotyped with rabies virus glycoprotein. Hum Gene Ther. 18:1141-51.

Posted:2016/03/10