Division of Integrated Life Science

Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology

Research summary

Research outline

The mammalian brain is composed of nearly 100 billions of neurons that are orderly arranged in cortices and nuclei for integration into specific neural circuits. During brain development, neurons directionally migrate from their birthplace to their destination within the cortex, and then arborize well-patterned dendrites and axons to form contacts with their specific synaptic counterparts. Subsequently, animal behavior during postnatal development leads to activity-dependent circuit remodeling. Failures in these fundamental processes cause brain malformations, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. The major goal of our research is to clarify the celullar mechanisms of brain development using multidisciplinary approach including molecular biology, live-cell imaging and mechanobiology.

Main themes

  • Dynamic cell motility control in the developing mouse brain
  • Activity-dependent circuit remodeling during postnatal development
  • Mechanobiology research on brain development using bioengineering and live-cell imaging

Member

KENGAKU, MinekoProfessor

kengaku*icems.kyoto-u.ac.jp See faculty
information
  • Please note that the @ symbol has been replaced by *.

Movie of research introduction

Access

Main Campus, Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study (KUIAS) Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) Research Bldg.

See the campus map