Multimodal Optical Interrogation of Neural Circuits Regulating Social Interaction

Abstract: Mental disorders often lack clear anatomical abnormalities, and are instead thought to arise from disruptions in neural dynamics. However, the understanding of these disorders has been hindered by the lack of sufficient tools to accurately measure and manipulate these dynamics. To overcome these technical challenges, we have developed advanced multiplexed optical imaging technologies and genetic tools that allow for simultaneous, high-resolution access to multiple neurons and circuits. These innovations provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior. 

In this presentation, I will first introduce XCaMPs, a next-generation, spectrally separable multicolor calcium sensor, followed by rsChRmine, a red-shifted excitatory channelrhodopsin. Using these tools, I will demonstrate how imaging techniques have addressed key challenges in neuroscience, particularly focusing on our specific interest in studying the communication between excitatory and inhibitory neural circuits related to social behavior in autism spectrum disorder. Finally, I will discuss future directions aimed at furthering our understanding of social behavior by exploring the dynamics of specific cells and circuits at multiple scales.

Bio: Dr. Masatoshi Inoue is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis, starting in 2024. His research lies at the intersection of neuroscience, protein engineering, and optics, where his multidisciplinary expertise enables him to develop tools and apply them to examine circuit functions and previously inaccessible important biological questions. He received his Ph.D. in 2013 from the University of Tokyo in Dr. Haruhiko Bito's lab. In his Ph.D. and initial postdoc work there, he developed the widely used spectrally-shifted red and multicolor calcium sensors, R-CaMP2 and X-CaMP. Since joining the Deisseroth lab in 2016, he has developed other new tools and studied fundamental neural dynamics in both the healthy and diseased brains, with a special focus on autism spectrum disorder and social behavior. Dr. Inoue has an outstanding publication record, including multiple first-author contributions to Cell, and has received numerous awards in recognition of his work, such as the Young Investigator Award from the Japan Neuroscience Society.

Multimodal Optical Interrogation of Neural Circuits Regulating Social Interaction

Abstract: Mental disorders often lack clear anatomical abnormalities, and are instead thought to arise from disruptions in neural dynamics. However, the understanding of these disorders has been hindered by the lack of sufficient tools to accurately measure and manipulate these dynamics. To overcome these technical challenges, we have developed advanced multiplexed optical imaging technologies and genetic tools that allow for simultaneous, high-resolution access to multiple neurons and circuits. These innovations provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior. 

In this presentation, I will first introduce XCaMPs, a next-generation, spectrally separable multicolor calcium sensor, followed by rsChRmine, a red-shifted excitatory channelrhodopsin. Using these tools, I will demonstrate how imaging techniques have addressed key challenges in neuroscience, particularly focusing on our specific interest in studying the communication between excitatory and inhibitory neural circuits related to social behavior in autism spectrum disorder. Finally, I will discuss future directions aimed at furthering our understanding of social behavior by exploring the dynamics of specific cells and circuits at multiple scales.

Bio: Dr. Masatoshi Inoue is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis, starting in 2024. His research lies at the intersection of neuroscience, protein engineering, and optics, where his multidisciplinary expertise enables him to develop tools and apply them to examine circuit functions and previously inaccessible important biological questions. He received his Ph.D. in 2013 from the University of Tokyo in Dr. Haruhiko Bito's lab. In his Ph.D. and initial postdoc work there, he developed the widely used spectrally-shifted red and multicolor calcium sensors, R-CaMP2 and X-CaMP. Since joining the Deisseroth lab in 2016, he has developed other new tools and studied fundamental neural dynamics in both the healthy and diseased brains, with a special focus on autism spectrum disorder and social behavior. Dr. Inoue has an outstanding publication record, including multiple first-author contributions to Cell, and has received numerous awards in recognition of his work, such as the Young Investigator Award from the Japan Neuroscience Society.