Elucidating of the formation process of hierarchical networks in the visual cortex of mice

Among the complex connections in the brain are those in the cortical areas that control vision. There are research gaps concerning the visual neural network and its formation, and the early stages of corticocortical connection development. Assistant Professor Tomonari Murakami, The University of Tokyo, is working to uncover unknowns in the field of neural circuit development. In his studies he is using mice models as, in mice, some of the development of neural circuits within the visual system occurs postnatally. Murakami is exploring, on a molecular level, the details of the developmental processes involved in the formation of inter-regional connections. To do this, he is using comprehensive molecular expression analysis and genetic manipulation before and after the formation of the connections between the V1 and higher visual cortices. Subsequently, he and his team will build upon this work, investigating whether the developmental strategy used in the visual system of mice is common with that of primates using marmoset monkeys. The researchers are using optogenetics to clarify the information propagation pathway of visual information and plan to continue to clarify how the mammalian brain processes visual information and how the neural network composed of the higher visual cortex is formed during development. Ultimately, this will deepen understanding of the human brain.