Memory Neuroscience

Members

Theme Leader :
Sho Kakizawa, Ph.D.
Researcher :
Ritsuko Inoue, Ph.D., Eri Takeuchi, Ph.D.
Adjunct Researcher :
Shogo Endo, Ph.D.

Keywords

memory, learning, functional recovery, functional compensation, plasticity, synapse, electrophysiology, cerebellum, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), calcium, music therapy

Major Research Titles

  1. Signaling mechanisms underlying memory and learning / synaptic plasticity
  2. Neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying brain functional decline and its modulating factors
  3. Mechanisms of cerebellar functional compensation and modulating factors (e.g. auditory stimulation)

Profile

Brain function becomes relatively stable and "maintained" after development and maturation, but it "declines" with aging, traumatic injury, or neurodegenerative disorders. In contrast, it is known that in relatively young individuals, impaired brain function can sometimes "recover." Therefore, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the "maintenance," "decline," and "recovery" of brain function--as well as the mechanisms of action of various factors that influence brain function, such as pharmaceuticals, bioactive food components, physical exercise, auditory stimulation, and environmental enrichment--is essential for ultimately controlling brain function and overcoming functional deterioration.
In this research program, we use the mouse cerebellum, which possesses relatively simple and well-organized neural circuits, as a primary model system to investigate the mechanisms that maintain, impair, and restore brain function and the action mechanisms of factors that modulate brain function.
Through progress in this project, we aim to establish strategies for regulating brain function based on scientific evidence, thereby contributing to the development of preventive and therapeutic approaches to counteract brain functional decline, including cognitive impairment in humans.

References

(Original papers)

  1. Kakizawa S. Assessment of retention and attenuation of motor-learning memory by repeated rotor-rod analyses. Scientific Reports 14, 31003, 2024.
  2. Kakizawa S, Arasaki T, Yoshida A, Sato A, Takino Y, Ishigami A, Akaike T, Yanai S, Endo S. Essential role of ROS - 8-Nitro-cGMP signaling in long-term memory of motor learning and cerebellar synaptic plasticity. Redox Biol 70, 103053, 2024.
  3. Takeuchi E, Hatanaka T, Iijima T, Kimura M, Katoh A. The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on motor learning. Scientific Reports 14, 17056, 2024.
  4. Inoue R, Miura M, Yanai S, Nishimune H. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves the motor function of middle-aged mice by restoring the neuronal activity of the motor cortex. Scientific Reports 13, 4323, 2023.
  5. Kakizawa S, Kishimoto Y, Yamamoto S, Onga K, Yasuda K, Miyamoto Y, Watanabe M, Sakai R, Mori N. Functional maintenance of calcium store by ShcB adaptor protein in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Scientific Reports 10, 14475, 2020.
  6. Mikami Y, Kanemaru K, Okubo Y, Nakaune T, Suzuki J, Shibata K, Sugiyama H, Koyama R, Murayama T, Ito A, Yamazawa T, Ikegaya Y, Sakurai T, Saito N, Kakizawa S, Iino M. Nitric Oxide-induced Activation of the Type 1 Ryanodine Receptor Is Critical for Epileptic Seizure-induced Neuronal Cell Death. EBioMedicine 11, 253-261, 2016.
  7. Kakizawa S, Shibazaki M, Mori N. Protein oxidation inhibits NO-mediated signaling pathway for synaptic plasticity. Neurobiol. Aging 33, 535-545, 2012.
  8. Kakizawa S, Yamazawa T, Chen Y, Ito A, Murayama T, Oyamada H, Kurebayashi N, Sato O, Watanabe M, Mori N, Oguchi K, Sakurai T, Takeshima H, Saito N, Iino M. Nitric oxide-induced calcium release via ryanodine receptors regulates neuronal function. EMBO J. 31, 417-428, 2012.
  9. Kakizawa S, Kishimoto Y, Hashimoto K, Miyazaki T, Furutani K, Shimizu H, Fukaya M, Nishi M, Sakagami H, Ikeda A, Kondo H, Kano M, Watanabe M, Iino M, Takeshima H. Junctophilin-mediated channel crosstalk essential for cerebellar synaptic plasticity. EMBO J. 26, 1924-1933, 2007.
  10. Kakizawa S, Miyazaki T, Yanagihara D, Iino M, Watanabe M, Kano M. Maintenance of presynaptic function by AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic activity in adult brain. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 102, 19180-19185, 2005.

（Review articles）

  1. Kakizawa S. Involvement of ROS signal in aging and regulation of brain functions. J Physiol Sci 75, 100003, 2025.
  2. Kakizawa S, Park J, Tonoki A. Biology of cognitive aging across species. Geriatr Gerontol Int 24 (Suppl 1), 15-24, 2023.
  3. Mikami Y, Kakizawa S, Yamazawa T. Essential Roles of Natural Products and Gaseous Mediators on Neuronal Cell Death or Survival. Inter J Mol Sci 17, 1652, 2016.
  4. Kakizawa S. Nitric Oxide-Induced Calcium Release: Activation of Type 1 Ryanodine Receptor, a Calcium Release Channel, through Non-Enzymatic Post-Translational Modification by Nitric Oxide. Frontiers in Endocrinology 4, 142, 2013.
  5. Kakizawa S, Moriguchi S, Ikeda A, Iino M, Takeshima H. Functional crosstalk between cell-surface and intracellular channels mediated by junctophilins essential for neuronal functions. Cerebellum 7, 385-391, 2008.