Kenji Sakimura

Asymmetric turnover dynamics of Nav1.6 voltage-gated sodium channels at the axon initial segment

The paper uses a genetically engineered mouse to study Nav1.6 sodium channel turnover dynamics at the axon initial segment, revealing spatially asymmetric turnover and its role in AIS quality control.

Stressor-specific dynamic patterns of noradrenaline release in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in freely moving mice

This study investigates stressor-specific patterns of noradrenaline release in the PVN of freely moving mice using a fluorescent sensor, revealing distinct temporal dynamics across different stressors.

High basal autophagic activity in the brain revealed by systemic quantitative analysis using GFP-LC3-RFP mice

This study quantifies basal autophagic flux in mice using GFP-LC3-RFP reporter mice, revealing higher flux in brain, liver, and kidney compared to other tissues.

Neuropeptide CRH prevents premature differentiation of OPCs following CNS injury and in early postnatal development

This study identifies CRH-expressing OPCs that prevent premature differentiation following CNS injury and in early development, highlighting CRHR1's role in oligodendrogenesis.

Differential Effects of Inducible Cerebellar Granule Cell and Purkinje Cell Ablation on Motor Coordination and Motor Learning in Adult Mice

This study compares the effects of selective cerebellar granule cell and Purkinje cell ablation on motor coordination and learning in adult mice, finding that GCs are more critical for motor learning.

Visualization of stochastic expression of clustered protocadherin β isoforms in vivo

The paper develops cPcdhβ reporter mouse lines to visualize stochastic expression of cPcdhβ isoforms in vivo and identifies patterns such as cell-type selectivity and developmental regulation.

AUTS2, a causative gene for microcephaly, regulates division of intermediate progenitor cells and production of upper-layer neurons

This study identifies AUTS2's role in regulating intermediate progenitor cell division and upper-layer neuron production through interaction with PRC2 and repression of genes like Robo1.

NMDAR Phosphoproteome Controls Synaptic Growth and Learning

The paper identifies a phosphorylation pathway initiated by NMDARs that regulates synaptic growth and learning through a cascade involving CaMKII, ARHGEF2, Rho-kinase, and SHANK3.

Brn3a controls the soma localization and axonal extension patterns of developing spinal dorsal horn neurons

This study shows that Brn3a controls soma localization and axonal extension patterns in spinal dorsal horn neurons by analyzing its expression and effects in mice.

Neurexins in serotonergic neurons regulate serotonin transmission and complex mouse behaviors

This study shows that disrupting Neurexins in serotonergic neurons reduces serotonin release and alters behavior in mice.

Neurexins play a crucial role in cerebellar granule cell survival by organizing autocrine machinery for neurotrophins

This study shows that Neurexins are essential for cerebellar granule cell survival by organizing autocrine neurotrophin secretion machinery, independent of postsynaptic contact.

Common synaptic phenotypes arising from diverse mutations in the human NMDA receptor subunit GluN2A

The paper examines how different mutations in the GluN2A subunit of the NMDA receptor affect synaptic currents in hippocampal neurons, finding prolonged current decays as a common effect.

Activation of extrasynaptic kainate receptors drives hilar mossy cell activity

This study shows that mossy cells in the hippocampus express functional extrasynaptic kainate receptors that can drive their activity when glutamate levels increase.

Astrocyte GluN2C NMDA receptors control basal synaptic strengths of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in the stratum radiatum

This study identifies astrocyte GluN2C NMDARs as regulators of basal synaptic strength distribution in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, specifically in stratum radiatum inputs.

A Specific Neuroligin3-αNeurexin1 Code Regulates GABAergic Synaptic Function in Mouse Hippocampus

The paper shows that Nlgn3 interacts with Nrxn1+AS4 in inhibitory synapses to regulate synaptic transmission in mouse hippocampus.

AUTS2 Governs Cerebellar Development, Purkinje Cell Maturation, Motor Function and Social Communication

This study investigates the role of AUTS2 in cerebellar development, Purkinje cell maturation, and behavioral functions, finding that its loss leads to cerebellar defects and behavioral impairments linked to ASDs.

AUTS2 regulation of synapses for proper synaptic inputs and social communication.

This study shows that AUTS2 regulates excitatory synapse number to maintain E/I balance, and its loss leads to autistic-like behaviors and increased brain excitability.

GluD1 knockout mice with a pure C57BL/6N background show impaired fear memory, social interaction, and enhanced depressive-like behavior

This study shows that GluD1 knockout mice exhibit impaired fear memory, reduced sociability, and enhanced depressive-like behavior, with antidepressant effects observed with serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Dissociating orexin-dependent and -independent functions of orexin neurons using novel orexin-Flp knock-in mice

This study uses orexin-Flp knock-in mice to distinguish orexin-dependent and -independent functions of orexin neurons, finding orexin is essential for sustained arousal and basic neuronal properties.

GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area regulate non-rapid eye movement sleep in mice

This study identifies VTAGad67+ GABAergic neurons as key regulators of NREM sleep in mice through chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations and electrophysiological recordings.

Input-specific NMDAR-dependent potentiation of dendritic GABAergic inhibition

The paper shows that NMDAR activation leads to input-specific potentiation of dendritic GABAergic inhibition via somatostatin interneurons, requiring CaMKII and GABA-A β2-subunit, and highlights its role in maintaining synaptic balance.