| Research theme |
Cerebral physiology and plasticity
The cerebral cortex of humans and animals processes sensory information from the five senses and integrates it with non-sensory neural information to learn, perceive, and recognize. The neural circuits of the cerebral cortex responsible for such higher-order functions are initially formed based on genetic information, but their function and structure change depending on experiences such as events (such as illness) and environmental changes that occur during the developmental process.
In our laboratory, we mainly study the neocortex. Mechanisms of auditory cortex formation and experience-induced plastic changes in neural circuits, i.e., construction and reconstruction of neural circuits Along with, Structure and function of neural signal transduction in the auditory cortex We are elucidating these issues at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. Development of methods for protecting neurons and regenerating damaged neural circuits Through these basic research projects, we hope to contribute to the treatment of neurological disorders such as developmental disorders, dementia, and psychiatric disorders.
In our laboratory, we conduct research using a variety of basic and cutting-edge techniques, utilizing living mice (in vivo) and brain slices (in vitro). In addition to cutting-edge techniques such as electrophysiological recording to measure synaptic currents and membrane properties between neurons, analysis of neural circuit activity using multiple electrodes and high-speed live fluorescence imaging, control of intracellular molecules by gene transfer using electroporation or viral infection, and 3D structural analysis using confocal laser microscopes, we also use basic techniques such as various histochemical and anatomical techniques, quantitative real-time PCR, and Western blotting. We conduct research using a variety of experimental methods.
Main research themes
- Mechanisms of auditory cortex formation, neuronal morphology, and neural circuit formation
- Regulatory mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and neural networks in the auditory cortex by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
- Mechanisms behind reorganization of auditory cortical neural circuits following visual loss
- The role of neural stem cells in neural circuit reorganization in the visual cortex
- Developmental abnormalities in the auditory cortex in autism spectrum disorder models and methods for their repair
- Methods for protecting neurons and repairing neural circuit damage in cerebral infarction models
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| Main career, work history, and academic background |
Education.
1992 B.S. Chemistry, University of Minnesota Faculty of Science and Engineering
D., Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, 1998
Work Experience
1998 (USA) Research Scientist, Neurobiology Group, Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego
2001 Researcher, Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, USA
2003 Researcher, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, USA
2006 (USA) Research Associate, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, USA
（Principal Investigator)
2009 Associate Professor, Department of Life and Information Engineering, Soka University
2010 Associate Professor, Department of Life Information Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Soka University
2015 Soka University Faculty of Science and Engineering Department of Science and Engineering for Sustainable Innovation Associate Professor
2020 Soka University Faculty of Science and Engineering Department of Science and Engineering for Sustainable Innovation, Graduate School Graduate School of Science and Engineering Biosciences Major Professor
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| Main Papers and Publications |
- Nakanishi, M., Nemoto, M., Kawai, H. D. (2022) Cortical nicotinic enhancement of tone-evoked heightened activities and subcortical nicotinic enlargement of activated areas in mouse auditory cortex. Neurosci. Res., S0168-0102(22)00108-0. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.04.001.
- Shin, H., Kawai, H. D. (2021) Sensitive timing of undifferentiation in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and their enhanced maturation in primary visual cortex of binocularly enucleated mice. PLoS One, 16 (9), e0257395.
- Shin, H., Kawai, H. D. (2021) Visual deprivation induces transient upregulation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the subcortical white matter of mouse visual cortex. IBRO Neurosci. Rep., 11, 29-41.
- Chang, M., Kawai, H. D. (2018) A characterization of laminar architecture in mouse primary auditory cortex. Brain Struct. Funct. 223(9):4187-4209, doi: 10.1007/s00429-018-1744-8.
- Chang, M., Suzuki, N., Kawai, H. D. (2018) Laminar specific gene expression reveals differences in postnatal laminar maturation in mouse auditory, visual, and somatosensory cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 526(14), 2257-2284, doi: 10.1002/cne.24481.
- Fukuzaki Y, Shin H., Kawai H. D., Yamanoha B., Kogure S. (2015) 532 nm low-power laser irradiation facilitates the migration of GABAergic neural stem/progenitor cells in mouse neocortex. PLoS One, 10(4):e0123833
- Kumazaki K, Mieda T, Kogure S, Kawai H. (2013) Layer-specific modulation of neuronal excitability by 660-nm laser irradiation in mouse neocortex. Lasers in Med Sci PMID: 24232863
- Kawai, H. D., La, M., Kang H.-A., Hashimoto, Y., Liang, K., Lazar, R., Metherate, R. (2013) Convergence of nicotine-induced and auditory-evoked neural activity activated ERK in auditory cortex. Synapse, 67(8):455-68
- Metherate, R., Intskirveli, I., Kawai, H. D. (2012) Nicotinic filtering of sensory processing in auditory cortex. Front Behav Neurosci. 2012;6:44.
- Bieszczad, K. M., Kant, R., Constantinescu, C. C., Pandey, S. K., Kawai, H. D., Metherate, R., Weinberger, N. M., Mukherjee, J. (2012) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat forebrain that bind (18) F-nifene: Relating PET imaging, autoradiography and behavior. Synapse 66(5):418-34
- Kawai, H. D., Kang, H.-A., Metherate, R. (2011) Heightened nicotinic regulation of auditory cortex during adolescence. J. Neurosci. 31(40), 14367-14377
- Kawai, H., Raftery, M. A. (2010) Kinetics of agonist-induced intrinsic fluorescence changes in the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor. J. Biochem. 147(5), 743-9
- Deshpande, A., Kawai, H., Metherate, R., Glabe, C. G., Busciglio，J, (2009）A role for synaptic zinc in activity-dependent Aβ oligomer formation and accumulation at excitatory synapses. J. Neurosci.29(13), 4004-4015.
- Kawai, H., Dunn, S. M. J., Raftery, M. A. (2008) Epibatidine binds to four sites on the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 366, 834-839.
- Kawai, H., Lazar, R., Metherate, R. (2007) Nicotinic control of axon excitability regulates thalamocortical transmission. Nature Neurosci. 10, 1168-1175.
- Carter, C.R.J., Cao, L., Kawai, H., Smith, P.A., Dryden, W.F., Raftery, M.A., Dunn, S.M.J. (2007) Chain length dependence of the interactions of bisquaternary ligands with the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Biochem. Pharmacol. 73(3), 417-426.
- Metherate, R., Kaur, S., Kawai, H., Lazar, R., Liang, K., Rose, H.J. (2005) Spectral integration in auditory cortex: mechanisms and modulation. Hear Res. 206(1-2), 146-58.
- Gabel, L.A., Won, S., Kawai, H., McKinney, M., Tartakoff, A.M., Fallon, J.R. (2004) Visual experience regulates transient expression and dendritic localization of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein. J. Neurosci. 24(47), 10579-83.
- Kawai, H., Zago, W., Berg, D. K. (2002) Nicotinic α7 receptor clusters on hippocampal GABAergic neurons: Regulation by synaptic activity and neurotrophins. J. Neurosci. 22(18), 7903-7912.
- Kawai, H., Berg, D. K. (2001) Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α7 subunits on rat cortical neurons do not undergo long-lasting inactivation even when up-regulated by chronic nicotine exposure. J. Neurochem. 78(6), 1367-1378.
- Liu, Q.-S., Kawai, H., Berg, D. K. (2001) β-Amyloid peptide blocks the response of α7-containing nicotinic receptors on hippocampal neurons. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 98(8), 4734-4739.
- Kawai, H., Cao, L., Dryden, W. F., Dunn, S. M. J., Raftery, M. A. (2000) The interaction ofa novel semi-rigid agonist with Torpedo acetylcholine receptor. Biochemistry 39, 3867-3876.
- Kawai, H., Carlson, B. J., Okita, D. K., Raftery, M. A. (1999) Eserine and other tertiary amine interactions with Torpedo acetylcholine receptor post-synaptic membrane vesicles. Biochemistry 38, 134-141.
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