Our objectives include gaining a mechanistic understanding of fundamental cognitive processes, exploring their impairments in neuropsychiatric disorders, and discovering innovative treatments for these conditions. To achieve these aims, our research is directed towards the following areas:
Development of new neuroscience technology: The brain is a complex network comprising various types of neurons interconnected by synapses. Our research focuses on advancing technology to selectively target specific neuronal cell types in the brain. This enables us to elucidate their precise roles in normal brain functions and develop therapeutic interventions to correct dysfunctions in brain disorders. Additionally, we develop technology to trace the synaptic connectivity of neurons and control neuronal activity based on their connectivity patterns.
Neuronal circuits underlying learning and memory: We leverage our developed technology, integrating it with cutting-edge approaches, to map brain circuits and uncover neuronal mechanisms involved in the encoding, retrieval, and generalization of memory.
Brain diseases and novel therapies: We utilize our developed technology, integrating it with state-of-the-art approaches, to investigate brain circuitry in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Our objective is to translate our experimental approaches into clinical treatments for these neuropsychiatric disorders.