Mechanisms of Brain Disorders and Drug Development

This research area focuses on uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to brain disorders, aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. By employing cutting-edge technologies, omics and high-throughput screening methods, we are seeking to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms underlying various neurological and psychiatric conditions through the examination of molecular mechanisms, cellular processes, and neural circuits, and provides essential theoretical and experimental foundations for the development of novel therapeutics and early diagnostic techniques.

The institute is currently analyzing transcriptomes of neurons from patients with schizophrenia or autism to identify differentially expressed genes as potential biomarkers. We are investigating alterations in specific neural circuits in animal models of depression or epilepsy through electrophysiological recordings and behavioral assays. Furthermore, we conduct screenings of small molecules to identify compounds that modulate pathways in neurodegenerative diseases, assessing their effects on cellular models.