Our lab aims to elucidate the neural circuits and computational algorithms for motivation, decision-making, and attention, and use the findings to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the symptoms of disorders of these functions.

Our lab is particularly interested in the role of the following neural circuits:

(1) Midbrain dopamine circuits

(2) Basal forebrain acetylcholine circuits

(3) Prefrontal cortex (especially, orbitofrontal cortex )

We will elucidate temporally-specific and context-specific functions, using

1. rodents (rats and mice) performing behavioral tasks that we have independently developed, inspired by animal psychological models, etc.

2. state-of-the-art genetic methods (e.g., optogenetics, viral vectors, genetically modified animals), measurement of neural activity (e.g., in vivo electrophysiology, single-cell level calcium imaging, genetic neurotransmitter sensors), and computational modeling.

We consider the following to be important for our studies.

1) Animal models, 2) Behavioral models, and 3) Techniques 

1) Animal models

We are working with rodents, mostly rats. Rats have been used extensively for decades, especially for studies in animal psychology, but their genetic approach lags behind that of mice.

2) Behavioral models

We focus on developing and using behavioral tasks by ourselves to evaluate motivation (and related psychological phenomena such as learning and attention), taking advantage of the cognitive abilities of rats, which may be difficult to do in mice. In particular, we focus on learning the relationship between conditioned stimuli (and behavior) and rewards (and punishment). Since the work of Pavlov, Skinner, and others, much psychological investigation has been focused on this type of learning, but much of its biological neural basis, particularly the dynamic role exerted by neural circuits operating from millisecond to second timescales, remains largely enigmatic.

3) Techniques

Neuronal circuit labeling and activity manipulation by optogenetics using viral vectors, novel genetically engineered rats, in vivo electrophysiology using "opto-tagging", calcium imaging (photometry, single-cell level imaging), genetic neurotransmitter measurement, single-cell gene expression analysis, and machine learning (collaborative research), etc. We will utilize these advanced technologies, which have traditionally been slow to be introduced to rats.

We use these techniques to understand the neural mechanisms underlying psychological phenomena of interest. On the other hand, the strategy of approaching phenomena that can be elucidated based on new techniques is also critical in modern neuroscience. In particular, genetic techniques are constantly evolving, so we will be flexible in their introduction and development.