Unit News

Research Update

Discovery of a New Mechanism Regulating Information in the Brain

Researchers in the Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit discovered that the enzyme called Rho-kinase plays a critical role in the regulation of signal transmission between neurons.

Research Update

First Determination of Speed Vesicles Refill with Neurotransmitter

In the latest issue of Neuron, Prof. Takahashi and Dr. Hori have reported the first reliable measurement of the rate that chemical neurotransmitter is replenished in the brain.

08 November 2012

Research Update

OIST Researchers Answer Fundamental Question about Signal Transmission in the Brain

After a neuron fires an electrical impulse, this impulse needs to be chemically transmitted to another neuron to propagate into the neuronal circuit; otherwise communication would grind to a halt. In a paper published on May 10, 2012 in the journal Neuron, researchers at OIST identify a critical part of that chemical transmission.

Research Update

Dr. Takayuki Yamashita recognized for work at OIST

Dr. Takayuki Yamashita, formerly a group leader in the OIST Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit led by Dr. Tomoyuki Takahashi, will receive the 2011 Japan Neuroscience Society Young Investigator Award.

Research Update

Vesicles, the butlers of the brain

Scientists at OIST are working to illuminate the minute details of how brain cells called neurons communicate.

Research Update

Paper by Dr. Takayuki Yamashita et al. published in Nature Neuroscience