The Ogawa Lab investigates the fundamental mechanisms underlying the formation of neuronal structure and neural connectivity. Typical neurons form a single axon and multiple dendrites. The axon initial segment (AIS) plays a critical role in defining the axon, and the AIS serves as the site of the synaptic formation known as the axo-axonic synapse. The loss of axo-axonic synapses has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying its formation and maintenance remain elusive. To address these questions, our lab employs proteomics, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, and CRISPR genome editing.Â
Beyond these investigations, we recognize that certain fundamental questions in the neuroscience field remain unanswered due to limitations in experimental tools. To overcome these challenges, we are dedicated to developing innovative biochemical tools that enable the exploration of previously inaccessible questions.