RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research)

RIKEN Brain Science Institute (RIKEN BSI)

Brain Science Institute



	Four New Research Laboratories Established
	At BSI two research laboratories of the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) and two at the Developmental Brain Science Group were newly established in January and February 1999 respectively. The technical developments at ATDC are concentrated in two studies; which are measurement technologies and the development of biological technologies. The newly established Laboratory for Cell Function Dynamics (Head, Dr. Atsushi Miyawaki) aims at achieving significant progress in calcium imaging using cameleon, the newly developed calcium indicator and at observing the dynamics of molecules involved in many cell functions utilizing the physical and chemical properties of GFP. The Laboratory for Cell Culture Development (Head, Dr. Masaharu Ogawa) is developing unique cell/tissue culture methods to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the morphological development of the cerebral cortex, hippocampal cortex and cerebellar cortex, etc. in normal and neurological mutant animals. Research into the control of the cell interaction and gene expression involved in the cortical layer formation is also undertaken by this laboratory. And also, a newly established Laboratory for Neural Regeneration (Head, Dr. Kazuto Kajiwara) in the Developmental Brain Science Group employs a unique approach for reproducing neural stem cells from terminally differentiated adult somatic cells for the clinical application to functional recovery of damaged CNS. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of retinal regeneration via trans differentiation in redbelly newt, the laboratory explores novel aspects of the neural implantation. The new Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis (Head, Dr. Teiichi Furuichi) aims at the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the series of neuron events which are present in the processes of neural network formation. These mechanisms include proliferation, differentiation, maturation recognition, synapse formation and cell death. The laboratory uses the cerebellar neuron circuitry of the mouse as the model system for the systematization of the neurogenetic gene groups involved in the molecular and cellular mechanisms in terms of both time and space.

	Accelerating Collaboration with Outside Research Institutes
	In addition to the independent research undertaken at BSI, many collaborative research projects with outside institutes have been instigated. There are many benefits to such collaborative projects. Often the synergistic effect achieves better results than one institute working alone. Research subjects are selected from those with a strategic target, but which require specialist equipment or are being conducted with difficulty at BSI. In the future RIKEN hopes to promote an even wider range of collaborative projects and plans to prepare facilities and staff to enable top level scientists in the field to undertake specific research projects in the most efficient, effective manner. At present BSI has formed collaborative relationships with the following research institutes: [Understanding the Brain] Oita Medical University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Hokkaido University Brain Research Institute, Niigata University National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki National Research Institutes Research Institute for Brain and Blood Vessels-Akita [Protecting the Brain] Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Psychiatry Creating the Brain Electrotechnical Laboratory, AIST, MITI Honda R & D Co., Ltd. Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.

	A Newly Constructed Long-Lasting Rearing System for Squid
	A long-lasting squid rearing system has recently been constructed at the BSI. Although squid are said to be one of the most difficult fish to rear, the Brainway Group Director, Dr. Matsumoto and Head, Dr. Ichikawa have succeeded in developing an original cistern system by concentrating and applying the expertise they have gained from more than 20 years of handling squid. Neural squid cells are regarded as holding the key for interpreting the process of learning control, one of the fundamental strategies for "Creating the Brain". A new series of research projects has begun, based on the results gained from many biophysical experiments using giant squid axons.
	Long-Lasting Squid Rearing System	The newly constructed squid rearing system consists of a large circular 20-ton cistern, a small 1.5-ton cistern and multi-purpose, densely culturable equipment. Features of this system include UV sterilization devices at key points and a buffering tank filled with algae for stabilizing the water quality. The ratio of filter tank capacity with respect to the cisterns is controlled and it is possible to change the water flow rate as required.

	Fiscal Year 1999 Budget
	The budget for Science and Technology in Japan has been steadily increasing thanks to both the S&T Basic Law and the S&T Basic Plan (passed in 1995 and 1996 respectively). Due to this trend, the BSI budget for Fiscal Year 1999 has also increased from 8.8 billion yen (initially approved amount) in FY98 to 11.2 billion yen in FY99. One of the key projects of the Japanese Science and Technology Agency, (STA) is the "Life/Information Fusion Research Development Program" which aims to develope and advance life science and information science and technologies by integrating life functions and information processing technologies. As a step towards realizing this objective, one of the most important provisions in the FY99 budget is research in the domain of "Creating the Brain", which aims at artificially replicating the information processing of the brain. Other major budget appropriations include 2.4 billion yen for advancing our "Understanding of the Brain" research including joint research with MIT; 1.6 billion yen for research into the recovery of damaged nerve cells and aging-related research to expedite "Protecting the Brain"; and 3.3 billion yen for the construction, maintenance and administration of research facilities.

BRAIN

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