Division (Research Field) and Members
UGSCD

Division of Developmental Neuroscience(Osaka University)

  • Pediatric Developmental Neurology

    Professor
    TANIIKE Masako
    Associate Professor
    MOHRI Ikuko
    Specially Appointed Associate Professor
    TACHIBANA Masaya

    Both genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to developmental disorders by adversely affecting children during a critical developmental period, including the fetal and neonatal periods. Although this developmental period is particularly affected by environmental factors, exposure to media and short sleep times can also disrupt developmental trajectories, even if they are not the primary causes of developmental disorders. Overall, children with sleep problems frequently exhibit hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. However, on average, Japanese children sleep less, and with a later phase, compared with children in other countries. These observations suggest that shortened sleep times may contribute to the current rise in the incidence of developmental disorders in Japan. Our organization has several unique characteristics. First, we have highly specialized clinics for studying both developmental and sleep disorders. Second, we have conducted many electrophysiological and neuroimaging clinical studies in our patient population. Third, we conduct clinical research in close cooperation with clinicians in other pediatric subspecialties, including neonatology, which is a field that has become a recent focus of much research attention. Fourth, we have several research departments that focus on supporting children in community settings. In addition, we have made several important research contributions in the field of neuroinflammation, which is one of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying many developmental disorders. Finally, we have participated in the Center for Innovation (COI), which is a medicine-engineering collaboration that aims to empower people in Japan. These characteristics enable us to offer a number of diverse subjects to students, according to their background and motivation.

  • Psychological Support for Child Development

    Associate Professor
    FUJINO Haruo

    Growing attention to childhood problems and developmental disabilities in recent years has increased the need for support for children with disabilities and problems, their caregivers and other family members. In the field of support, learning how to support children and their caregivers is an urgent priority, as well as understanding the development of children’s minds, and interactions between caregivers and children. Recently, it has been pointed out that, in addition to the characteristics of children, understanding the characteristics of caregivers is crucial for supporting a whole family. Therefore, developing new approaches to supporting children and their surrounding social environments is important.

    In the field of psychological support for child development, we focus on the examination of various techniques applied in clinical psychological assessment and interview settings, deepening the understanding of the characteristics of children and caregivers, and the relationships between children, caregivers, and families. Using these approaches, we research theories and practices regarding support, potentially leading to the development of better living environments for children, as well as alternative approaches to support for children and their parents, such as parent training.

  • Molecular Brain Science

    Professor
    KATAYAMA Taiichi
    Professor
    SATO Makoto
    Associate Professor (Lecturer)
    OKA Yuichirou
    Associate Professor (Lecturer)
    YOSHIMURA Takeshi
    Assistant Professor
    MIYOSHI Ko
    Assistant Professor
    FUJIWARA Yuuki

    In current genetic research, vulnerability factors related to the risk of mental disease have been frequently reported, as is the case with other organic diseases.

    Our current research focuses on vulnerability genes for major childhood and adolescent mental diseases, including developmental disorders, childhood schizophrenia, and childhood mood disorders. The role of these vulnerability factors and their influence on the development of the brain and mind will be investigated using anatomical, biochemical, and molecular biological methods to elucidate the mechanisms underlying brain development, developmental disorders, and childhood and adolescent psychological diseases at the molecular level. Through such research, we can develop a scientific understanding of the development of the brain and mind, enabling the identification of preventive measures as well as providing countermeasures for various emotional problems including developmental disorders in children.

    How does the brain work? Researchers have been struggling with this simple but profound question for a century. Because of its extreme complexity (there are approximately 86 billion neurons in the human brain!), it is crucial to sculpt essential neural circuits as well as revealing their key operating principles. Since brain architecture, including neural circuits, is highly organized, one way to address this question is to investigate the “tabula rasa” state of early brain function, and to explore brain development processes in depth.

    We are currently studying how the brain, particularly the neocortex, develops at both the cellular and molecular levels.

  • Traumatic Brain Injury & Developmental Disorder

    Associate Professor
    SHIMONO Kuriko
    Assistant Professor
    TOMINAGA Koji

    As more children are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders than ever before, the social impact of these conditions is increasing. However, the causes and pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders are diverse. In particular, in the past two or three decades, owing to the advancement of medical techniques, successful life-saving treatment rates have improved to a surprising extent among premature infants and young children. As a consequence, acquired brain damage in infancy, such as periventricular leukomalacia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), associated with congenital heart disease, acute encephalitis by infection, brain infarction, brain injury and epilepsy account for a significant proportion of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.

    In this course, we study how neuroinflammation and excessive neuronal activity affect cognitive development in children using neuroimaging, physiological techniques, and cognitive developmental assessment. We explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between acquired brain damage and neurodevelopmental disorders, and seek to develop new treatment approaches.

Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience(Kanazawa University)

  • Social Cognitive Bioscience

    Professor
    SHIBA Kazuhiro

    Developmental disorders affecting learning, social functioning and behavior are major health issues in contemporary societies. We regard these disorders as brain dysfunctions, investigating their underlying mechanisms and providing education about healthy brain development and examining policy- and therapy-based approaches to overcoming dysfunction. As a strategy for producing effective research results, we are conducting comprehensive research screening to identify nerve development-related genes in drosophila using RNA interference (RNAi) technology which is one of the most significant biological discoveries of the past several years. The discovered genes, which are highly homologous to human genes, are next studied in mammalian model animals, such as mice, to determine their molecular function in mammals. Findings from these animal model studies are finally applied to human studies using blood or postmortem brain samples. We are conducting research to identify genes associated with developmental disorders and specify biological molecules to improve learning, social functioning and behavior.

    We are preparing genetically manipulated mice enabling us to modify the genes associated with developmental disorders affecting learning, social functioning and behavior, and observe behaviors related to affection in mice. The relationships between genes and abnormal affection-related behaviors are being investigated. We are developing a new in vivo brain functional imaging probe for the visualization of neurochemical and neuropathological changes in patients with autism. Using in vivo radioactive molecular imaging technology, we are developing not only an early method for diagnosis of autism, but are also elucidating the molecular mechanisms operating in the nervous systems of patients with autism.

    Finally, we are using these technologies, including gene manipulation and molecular imaging technology, for the development of therapeutic drug treatments for autism.

  • Human Communication Science & Intervention

    Professor
    KOBAYASHI Hiroaki
    Associate Professor
    ARAKI Yukiko
    Assistant Professor
    TANAKA Sanae

    The goal of our research is to investigate human higher cognitive functions derived from the study of brain mechanisms using non-invasive functional neuroimaging techniques including magnetoencephalography (MEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

    We focus on the following topics: 1) Clarifying the development of brain function by comparison between people with developmental disorders and typically developing individuals using MEG and/or functional MRI; 2) Identifying developmental changes in brain structure and volume using structural MRI; and 3) Clarifying the influence of tDCS on human higher cognitive functions such as working memory and inhibitory function.

  • Higher Brain Functions & Autism Research

    Associate Professor
    YOSHIMURA Yuko
    Assistant Professor
    IKEDA Takashi
    Assistant Professor
    An Kyung Min

    The goal of our research is to investigate human higher cognitive functions derived from the study of brain mechanisms using non-invasive functional neuroimaging techniques including magnetoencephalography (MEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

    We focus on the following topics: 1) Clarifying the development of brain function by comparison between people with developmental disorders and typically developing individuals using MEG and/or functional MRI; 2) Identifying developmental changes in brain structure and volume using structural MRI; and 3) Clarifying the influence of tDCS on human higher cognitive functions such as working memory and inhibitory function.

  • Developmental Coordination Disorder

    Professor
    YOKOYAMA Shigeru
    Associate Professor
    HORIKE Shin-ichi

    Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by impaired motor skills including prominent clumsiness, awkward crawling and unbalanced locomotion. Importantly, DCD frequently overlaps with autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disability (LD). The purpose of this program is to study motor and postural control using various approaches, such as anatomy of brain regions and conduction pathways, and molecular and cellular mechanisms of nerve excitation and neurotransmission. We are also attempting to elucidate the pathophysiology of DCD with multi-faced analyses using molecular biological, cell biological and biochemical techniques.

  • Socio-Neuro Science

    Professor
    KIKUCHI Mitsuru
    Assistant Professor
    YAOI Ken
    Assistant Professor
    HIROSAWA Tetsu

    We aim to develop human resources enabling innovative research for elucidating the processes underlying the interactions between humans and decision making from the perspective of both neuroscience and human social sciences, including the integration of philosophy, psychology, and sociology. We focus on elucidating the relationships between biological and social factors which contribute to developmental disorders like autism, the interactions between the autistic and non-autistic brain, the relationship between developmental disorders mediated by individual differences of brain function and society, issues involving rationality-irrationality in human social behavior, the relationship between socioeconomic behavior and the brain, the impact of medicine on the brain, and the relationship between enhancement of brain function and society. We also aim to elucidate the differences between the fully developed brain in adults and the developing brain in children, based on these themes. In this field, studies are conducted based on close coordination with the Division of Socio-Cognitive-Neuroscience, Human Communication Science & Intervention, and Higher Brain Functions & Autism Research in Kanazawa at the United Graduate School of Child Development.

Division of Neuropsychological Development and Health Sciences(Hamamatsu University School of Medicine)

  • Neuroimaging

    Professor
    OUCHI Yasuomi
    Professor
    YAMASUE Hidenori
    Assistant Professor
    IWABUCHI Toshiki
    Assistant Professor
    YOKOKURA Masamichi
    Assistant Professor
    HARADA Taeko

    In vivo neuroimaging techniques, e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), allow us to objectively and non-invasively investigate morphology and function of the brain. These techniques are now pervasively used for clinical diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic effects. In Molecular Imaging Biology, students will learn basic knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and how to collect, analyze, and interpret neuroimaging data. Then, they will also learn the utility of various neuroimaging techniques for studying children’s mental development.

  • Social Services for Developmental Disabilities

    Visiting Professor
    TSUJII Masatsugu
    Professor
    TSUCHIYA Kenji
    Professor
    TAKAGAI Shu
    Assistant Professor
    OKUMURA Akemi

    People involved in providing social services to individuals who need a range of support for developmental problems should know in advance the structure of how the social services are organized. In particular, knowledge regarding human development, developmental problems, and developmental disabilities is critical. Furthermore, the basis of proper support, management of individual services, and social services in social contexts should also be thoroughly understood. Faculty members and students will be involved in the knowledge-base of a range of issues related to social services, and are asked to deliver relevant services to individuals in need.

  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics

    Professor
    TAKEI Noriyoshi
    Associate Professor
    KUWABARA Hitoshi
    Associate Professor (Lecturer)
    NISHIMURA Tomoko
    Assistant Professor
    Md. Shafiur Rahman

    In research on human development and behavior, it is important to have a variety of measures for accurately understanding phenomena. Without suitable measures, objective measurement, appropriate sampling, and logical interpretation of the data would not be possible. This understanding can be achieved by learning about epidemiology and biostatistics. Specific topics covered in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics course include research design, data interpretation, and statistical analysis methods. Additional topics include the analysis of gene-environment interactions involving state-of-art knowledge regarding genomic analyses.

Division of Cognitive Behavioral Science(Chiba University)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Professor
    NAKAGAWA Akiko
    Associate Professor
    ITO Emi
    Assistant Professor
    NUMATA Noriko
    Assistant Professor
    SEKI Yoichi

    It is widely known that problems of anxiety and depression in children can become chronic, lasting into adolescence and adulthood. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an internationally proven therapy for mental disorders such as anxiety (panic disorder, social anxiety etc.), obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and autism spectrum disorder. Specialists in CBT, however, are lacking in Japan. In this course, we will conduct research to further enhance the effectiveness of CBT and develop human resources for professional CBT practice.

  • Mental Health Support & Early Intervention

    Professor
    SHIMIZU Eiji
    Professor
    SUGITA Katsuo
    Professor
    HANAZAWA Hisashi
    Associate Professor
    OHTANI Toshiyuki
    Associate Professor (Lecturer)
    OSHIMA Fumiyo
    Associate Professor (Lecturer)
    URAO Yuko

    Advanced Course for Mental Health Support
    To develop effective psychosocial support for children and adolescents, we have conducted clinical trials based on cognitive behavior therapy from the viewpoint of early interventions for mental health problems including anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, eating disorder and developmental disorders.
    Students will collect and review previous research with critical appraisal, as well as designing, organizing and conducting research projects.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Brain Science

    Professor
    HIRANO Yoshiyuki
    Visiting Professor
    OBATA Takayuki
    Associate Professor (Lecturer)
    MATSUZAWA Daisuke
    Associate Professor (Lecturer)
    TAKAHASHI Junpei
    Assistant Professor
    KUNOU Masaru

    We will conduct basic research on brain dysfunction with regard to cognition, behavior, attention, and emotion in psychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders (panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder) using non-invasive brain measurements and neuropsychological testing.

Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions (University of Fukui)

  • Developmental Emotional Intelligence

    Professor
    KOSAKA Hirotaka
    Associate Professor
    FUJIOKA Toru

    Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face severe difficulties in social life. Many people with ASD experience “bullying” in childhood, and “depression” or “social withdrawal” in adolescence. Early diagnosis and early intervention can help to improve their quality of life, but the causes of ASD are not currently fully understood, and there is no established medical remedy.

    We are evaluating emotional/social-cognitive development and conducting neuroimaging in individuals with ASD. We use eye-tracking, some neuropsychological batteries and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine brain structure and function. Additionally, we are evaluating changes in clinical symptoms during long-term administration of oxytocin for individuals with ASD. We investigate the pathophysiology of ASD from multiple perspectives, aiming to verify the usefulness of these findings for practical treatment approaches and support for individuals with ASD.

  • Psychosocial Support for Nurturing

    Professor
    TOMODA Akemi
    Associate Professor
    FUJISAWA Takashi
    Assistant Professor
    SHIMADA Koji
    Assistant Professor
    NISHITANI Shota

    In recent years, the topic of neurodevelopmental disorders and child maltreatment as an issue in Japanese society has gained considerable attention in the fields of medicine and education, and in scenarios related to childcare. Recent studies have revealed that maltreatment during childhood can cause abnormal brain development and have a negative impact later in life. We will introduce the mechanisms of maltreatment-related brain damage or adaptation with consideration of how and when child maltreatment can impact on brain development.

    Student achievement will be evaluated according to the following criteria. 1) Proposal of appropriate research projects on the basis of understanding the background of the latest molecular biogenetic research; 2) Understanding how to investigate human brain development and psychomotor development; 3) Logical/appropriate experimental design for identifying degradation in cortical development induced by emotional stress and trauma; and 4) Novel findings obtained by analytical approaches that can contribute to a better understanding of the selected research theme.

  • Development of Functional Brain Activity

    Professor
    MATSUZAKI Hideo
    Professor
    ABE Hiroshi
    Assistant Professor
    Xie Min-Jue
    Assistant Professor
    IWATA Keiko

    We have been actively involved in research focused on understanding the development of social brain functions at the molecular, cellular and behavioral levels. This course will present fundamental principles of social neuroscience focusing on developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via understanding of molecular and behavioral mechanisms in brain development.

    In this course, students can learn about the following topics: (1) Exploratory research on therapeutic targets applicable to ASD-related medicine (based on blood samples and brain imaging findings obtained from ASD patients, students will search for molecules expressed specifically in subjects with ASD and study medical applications); and (2) ASD animal model research (using animal models representing the clinical symptoms of ASD, students will engage in pathophysiology research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying specific energy metabolism or synaptic transmission in ASD).

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