東北大学大学院医学系研究科・医学部

STAFF

Professor

• Tsutsui,KenichiroProfessor. 筒井 健一郎 教授
  

Other Faculty / Staff

• Ohara, Shinya

  Assoc. Prof. 大原 慎也 准教授

• Nakamura, Shinya

  Specially Appointed Associate Prof. 中村 晋也 特任准教授

• Kimura, Kei

  Assistant Prof. 木村 慧 助教(兼)

CONTACT

OUTLINE

Understanding the structure and dynamics of the brain and mind
The understanding of higher brain function is the central theme of science in the 21st century. To unveil the mechanisms of higher brain function, we investigate the structure and function of the neural circuits and networks in the brain using state-of-the-art neuroscience research methods.
1) Understanding the structure of the brain (molecular neuroanatomy): We investigate the structure of the brain that underlies higher brain function at a multi-scale level (cellular, local circuits, and inter-regional network). To achieve this, we develop and use novel research tools, such as visualization and manipulation of neural circuits based on circuit tracing using plasmid or virus vectors.
2) Understanding the dynamics of the brain (functional neurophysiology): We investigate the functional dynamics of the brain, such as temporal change in the neuronal representation of information, and information processing on the local circuit and inter-regional network level. To achieve this, we use various methods such as multiple unit recording, electrocorticogram (ECoG) recording, and brain imaging for monitoring neural activity and drug microinjection and trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for manipulating neural activity.

神経回路の構成と動態に基づく脳の動作原理の解明
脳の高次機能の理解は､21世紀科学の中心課題の－つである。われわれは､脳の動作原理を解明するためには､脳内の神経回路の構成と動態を理解することが重要であると考えており､神経科学の最新の方法を駆使しながら､その両面から研究をすすめている。
1）｢脳の構成｣の理解(分子神経解剖学）
高次脳機能を実現する脳の神経回路の構成を､細胞､局所神経回路､脳領域間回路のレベルで､マルチスケールに解析する。そのために､ブラスミドベクターやウイルスベクターを用いた神経回路標識法や操作法など､最先端手法を自ら開発し､研究に用いている。
2)｢脳の動態」の理解(行動神経生理学）
マルチニューロン活動記録､皮質表面電位､脳機能イメージングなどの脳活動の記録法と､薬物微量注入､経頭蓋磁気刺激などの脳活動の操作法を駆使しながら､脳の情報処理の動態を､細胞､局所神経回路､脳領域間回路のレベルで､マルチスケールに解析する。

• 

  Elucidating the neural mechanisms of logical decision based on functional category
  カテゴリーに基づく論理的判断の神経メカニズムの解明

• 

  Elucidating the neural mechanisms of mood and emotion regulation
  気分・情動制御の神経メカニズムの解明

• 

  Functional anatomy of the neural circuits underlying long-term memory
  長期記憶を支える神経回路の機能的解剖

• 

  Neuroanatomy/physiology training in graduate school
  神経解剖/生理学的実習（大学院）の様子

ARTICLE

Recent Publications01：Nakamura S, et al. Depression induced by low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to ventral medial frontal cortex in monkeys.
Experimental Neurology, 2022
URL：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114168

Recent Publications02 : Hosokawa T, et al. Monkey Prefrontal Single-Unit Activity Reflecting Category-Based Logical Thinking Process and Its Neural Network Model.
Journal of Neuroscience, 2022
URL：https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2286-21.2022

Recent Publications03：Ohara S, et al. Local projections of layer Vb-to-Va are more prominent in lateral than in medial entorhinal cortex.
eLife, 10:e67262, 2021
URL：https://elifesciences.org/articles/67262

Recent Publications04：Tsutsui KI, et al. A dynamic code for economic object valuation in prefrontal cortex neurons. Nature Communications, 7:12554, 2016
URL：https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms12554

Recent Publications05：Tsutsui KI, et al. Neural correlates for perception of 3D surface orientation from texture gradient. Science, 298:409-412, 2002
URL：https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1074128