Our laboratory aims at understanding the mechanisms of development and regeneration processes in the mammalian brain, and their functional outcomes on neural circuits, higher brain functions, and animal behaviors. We are focusing on the regulatory mechanism of cell growth, differentiation, and quiescence of neural stem cells. We are also focusing on the functional contribution of newly-generated neurons to neural circuits and animal behaviors. Our laboratory is also developing novel optogenetic tools that can manipulate gene expression of cells by light.