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Neural Circuit Function Research Core

Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics

Thomas KNÖPFEL, M.D., Ph.D.
Thomas KNÖPFEL, M.D., Ph.D.
Laboratory Head
Laboratory websiteLaboratory website
Positions availablePosition available (Research Scientist and Technical Staff)
PublicationMain Publications at RIKEN

Research Areas

The Laboratory for Neuronal Circuit Dynamics investigates mechanisms underlying the operation of neuronal circuits. Neuronal circuits operate through the interactions between individual neurons and assemblies of neurons. In addition to standard patch clamp techniques, we emphasize the use of optical recording techniques that allow us to monitor electrical and chemical signals in neuronal tissue at many sites simultaneously. With this aim in mind, we are developing and applying innovative optical imaging techniques based on environmentally-sensitive fluorescent probes. Membrane voltage, ion concentrations or second messenger levels can modulate the optical properties of such probes.


figure
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Artistic illustration of our idea to use optical recordings in neuronal networks

Research Subjects

  1. Technologies for imaging neuronal activity
  2. Neuronal circuit dynamics

Selected Publications

  1. PERRON, A.; MUTOH, H.; LAUNEY, T.; KNÖPFEL, T.
    "Red-Shifted Voltage Sensitive Fluorescent Proteins."
    Chemistry & Biology 16: 1268-1277 (2009)
  2. MARCAGGI, P.; MUTOH, H.; DIMTROV, D.; BEATO, M.; KNÖPFEL, T.
    "Optical measurement of mGluR1 conformational changes reveals fast activation, slow deactivation and sensitization."
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 106(27): 11388-11393 (2009)
  3. AKEMANN, W.; LUNDBY, A.; MUTOH, H.; KNÖPFEL, T. (2009)
    "Effect of voltage sensitive fluorescent proteins on neuronal excitability."
    Biophysical Journal 96: 3959-3976　(2009)
  4. MIDDLETON, S.J., RACCA, C., CUNNINGHAM, M.O., TRAUB, R.D., MONNYER, H., KNÖPFEL, T., SCHOFIELD, I.S., JENKINS, A., and WHITTINGTON, M.A.:
    "High frequency network oscillations in cerebellar cortex."
    Neuron 58: 763-774 (2008)
  5. QIU, D.L., and KNÖPFEL, T.:
    "An NMDA receptor/nitric oxide cascade in presynaptic parallel fiber-Purkinje neuron Long-Term Potentiation."
    J. Neurosci. 27:3408-3415 (2007)
  6. UUSISAARI, M., OBATA, K., and KNÖPFEL, T.:
    "Morphological and electrophysiological properties of GABAergic and non-GABAergic cells in the deep cerebellar nuclei." J. Neurophysiol. 1:901-911 (2007)
  7. AKEMANN, W., and KNÖPFEL, T.:
    "Interaction of Kv3 potassium channels and resurgent sodium current influences the rate of spontaneous firing of Purkinje neurons."
    J. Neurosci. 26: 4602-4612 (2006)
  8. MUTOH, H., YUAN, Q., and KNÖPFEL, T.:
    "Long-Term Depression at Olfactory Nerve Synapses."
    J. Neurosci. 25: 4252-4259 (2005)
  9. IWASATO, T., DATWANI, A., WOLF, A., NISHIYAMA, H., TAGUCHI, Y., TONEGAWA, S., KNÖPFEL, T., ERZURUMLU, R., and ITOHARA, S.:
    "Cortex-restricted disruption of NMDAR1 impairs neuronal patterns in the barrel cortex."
    Nature 406: 726-731 (2000)
  10. CHARPAK, S., GÄHWILER, B.H., DO, K.Q., and KNÖPFEL, T.:
    "Potassium conductances in hippocampal neurons blocked by excitatory amino-acid transmitters."
    Nature 347: 765-767 (1990)

Main Publications at RIKEN


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