Development of innovative photo-functional small molecule probes for advancing comprehensive understanding of brain structure and function

Principal Investigator

Yasuteru Urano

Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo

Our project aims for developing novel photo-functional organic molecules, so called “fluorescence probes”, which realize precise analyses of complex nerve circuit and fine synapse structure in brain. For example, by fully utilizing our original and rational design strategies, highly selective and sensitive fluorescence probes capable of visualizing target nerve cells by administered to living animals or brain slices before fixation will be developed. Those for visualizing fine synapse structure based on super-resolution technique will be also developed. Thus, we aim for establishing core technologies for visualizing brain structure of a high order and for manipulating brain function.