最先端研究セミナー

招聘者： 八木 健（大阪大学大学院生命機能研究科）

演題：Exploring the role of neuronal individuality in neuronal survival and brain function

日時：2026年5月13日（水）　12：00-13：00

開催場所：発生医学研究所1階　カンファレンス室

※ZOOMミーティングのURLはMoodleの「S-HIGO最先端研究セミナーA、B」にてご確認ください。

https://md.kumamoto-u.ac.jp/course/view.php?id=136783

Abstract：

In the brain, individual neurons form precise and complex neural networks that underlie a wide range of brain functions, including cognition, emotion, motor control, and the formation of massive memories. Recent studies have revealed that each neuron possesses distinct molecular, structural, and functional identities. However, the fundamental question of how such individuality arises and how it contributes to the organization of brain functions and behavioral control remains unresolved. Our previous work identified the clustered protocadherin (cPcdh) gene family as key molecules that generate neuronal individuality by producing random yet combinatorial gene expression patterns (Morishita & Yagi, Curr Opin Cell Biol, 2007). These molecules have been implicated in neuronal survival, dendritic and axonal self-recognition, circuit formation, and behavioral regulation. Despite these insights, the functional significance of the stochastic expression of cPcdh genes remains incompletely understood. Here we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which randomly expressed cPcdh genes regulate neuronal survival and synapse formation. Furthermore, by capturing and manipulating the stochastic expression of cPcdh, we investigate how neuronal individuality contributes to the establishment of complex and precise neural networks and the formation of higher-order brain functions.

担当分野：脳発生　嶋村（6583)