Above right
A single axonal growth cone visualized as it makes its way through the hippocampus. Illuminated in the image are the proteins liprin and GRIP, the function of which are currently under investigation.

Above
Hippocampal neuron in culture immunostained for the synaptic proteins PSD-95 (blue), Shank (red) and synaptophysin (green), showing their colocalization at synaptic sites.

Below
Computer reconstruction of functional dye uptake by synapses in a hippocampal circuit. The red spots indicate the sites of most intense synaptic activity.

RIKEN-MIT Neuroscience Research Center

In April 2008, MIT joined with RIKEN, located in Saitama, Japan, to create the RIKEN-MIT Center for Neural Circuit Genetics (CNCG) within MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory. The RIKEN Brain Science Institute (RIKEN BSI) and the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT have created a strong, long-term mutually beneficial relationship for collaborative research, building on the resources and strengths of both institutes in the highly dynamic field of brain science. The program profits from the exchange of research staff between RIKEN and MIT. The RIKEN-MIT CNCG is lead by Nobel laureate Professor Susumu Tonegawa.

The objective of this research is to decipher molecular, cellular, circuits, and brain system mechanisms underlying learning and memory and other cognitive functions by combining genetic techinques including transgenics, knockouts and virus vector-mediated genetic manipulations with a variety of analytical methods.

For this purpose, CNCG scientists use a highly interdisciplinary approach that includes molecular and cellular biology, immunohistology, confocal and multi-photon microscopy, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology and behavioral paradigms.

As a research target, CNCG focuses on the function of the hippocampus, both its intrinsic circuits and extrinsic circuits involving the neocortex, limbic system, amygdala, and neuromodulatory systems.