Details of the Call for Proposals
I. General collaborative projects
1) Outline:
A general collaborative project is a project on a research theme proposed by a representative researcher and conducted by multiple researchers. The representative researcher must be a researcher (or the equivalent) who does not belong to NIPS, and at least one or more NIPS professors or associate professors must participate in each project.
2) Other:
No project can be conducted for over 5 years on the same research theme.
II. Planned collaborative projects (NIPS)
1) Outline:
Planned collaborative projects are conducted on research themes designated by NIPS and are listed below. Accepted projects will be conducted at NIPS facilities.
Themes
(i) Ultrastructure analysis of biological specimens by cutting-edge electron microscopy
Using the most advanced electron microscopy techniques such as those involving the phase-contrast method, we perform single-particle analysis of proteins and functional and morphological analysis of cells. We also use microtome-integrated scanning electron microscopy to reconstruct the three-dimensional ultrastructure model of specimens at a resolution of dozens of nanometers.
(ii) Functional and morphological analyses of cells and tissues by multi-photon excitation microscopy
We perform intracellular signal transduction and functional analysis of cell morphology in vivo and in vitro using fluorescence microscopy with two-photon excitation or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).
(iii) Development and supply of viral vectors and gene transfer to primates
In recent years, the performance of viral vectors has improved as a gene transfer technique in the central nervous systems of mice, rats, primates and the like. The Section of Viral Vector Development of the Supportive Center for Brain Research has developed novel high-frequency conventional lentiviral vectors and various serotypes of adeno-associated viral vectors that can be manipulated in a pathway-selective manner. The various viral vectors we have developed are and will continue to be used in projects. Furthermore, in order to clarify higher brain function, we will use viral vectors to introduce genes into primates such as macaques and marmosets to perform morphological, physiological, and behavioral analysis.
(iv) Purification of supra-molecular complexes and analyses of their constituents by mass spectrometry
To understand the functions of proteins in living organisms, it is essential to precisely identify the constituents of supra-molecular complexes. We thus purify protein complexes from tissues and cells with an emphasis on their specificity, and then identify constituents of the complexes with mass spectrometry.
Target antigens for autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases are also identified.
(vi) Analyses of dynamic aspects of the function and structure of membrane proteins
Functional membrane proteins such as ion channels and receptors are precisely designed molecules that show dynamic changes in structure and function depending on the situation. We analyze these dynamic aspects using electrophysiological and optophysiological experiments involving in vitro expression systems.
(vi) Multi-dimensional fluorescence imaging analysis with a multi-point scanning microscope
We conduct joint research with our original multi-point scanning confocal/two-photon microscope. In particular, we quantitatively visualize and analyze various cell physiological functions, including circadian rhythms, with high-speed 3D, ultra-long-term, multicolor, and super-resolution observations.
(vii) Elucidation of the pathology of mental/neurological diseases by analysis of neural activity dynamics
We study the relationship between human and animal neural activity dynamics and the pathology of various mental and neurological diseases by combining unit recording, local field potentials (LFPs), electrocorticography (ECoG), scalp electroencephalography (scalp EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) in a multi-layered manner. In particular, we analyze neural activity dynamics such as vibration, synchronization, and fluctuation from the perspective of nonlinear dynamics and computational theory.
2) Contact person: Before submitting any proposal, please consult with one of the NIPS members listed below according to your interest.
(i) Prof. MURATA (Division of Structural Biology), Prof. FURUSE (Division of Cell Structure), and Adjunct Prof. OHNO (Division of Ultrastructural Research)
(ii) Assoc. Prof. NARUSHIMA (Division of Homeostatic Development) or Assoc. Prof. MURAKOSHI (Section of Multiphoton Neuroimaging)
(iii) Assoc. Prof. Kobayashi (Section of Viral Vector Development) for preparation and provision of viral vectors
Prof. NAMBU (Division of System Neurophysiology) for gene transfer into primates
(iv) Prof. FUKATA (Division of Membrane Physiology)
(v) Prof. KUBO (Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology)
(vi) Prof. NEMOTO (Division of Biophotonics)
(vii) Prof. KITAJO (Division of Neural Dynamics)
3) Others: No project can be conducted for over 5 years on the same research theme.
III Planned collaborative projects (Animal Resource Center)
1) Overview
Planned collaborative projects are conducted on research themes designated by the Animal Resource Center and are listed below. Accepted projects will be conducted at the Animal Resource Center facilities.
(Themes)
(i) Production of advanced animal models
We produce genetically modified rats and mice and develop model animals that are useful for physiological and neuroscience experiments.
Please note that as a general rule, the animals produced by these collaborative projects must be preserved as public bioresources, and details regarding the animals must be available to the public.
Please therefore deposit produced animals in the National BioResource Project (rats: Institute of Laboratory Animals Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University; mice: Riken BioResource Research Center) within 3 years after completion of the project.
(Person in charge) Assoc. Prof. HIRABAYASHI, Masumi, Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, Animal Resource Center
(Note) Until FY 2021, this theme was conducted at NIPS as a joint research theme titled “Physiological and neuroscientific analysis of genetically modified model animals.”
(ii) Analysis of behavior, metabolism, and physiological functions of mice and rats
We measure behaviors and physiological and metabolic parameters of mice and rats, including disease models.
This year we focus on mouse analyses. The items analyzed and the persons in charge are listed below:
(Analyzed items, persons in charge)
(A) Evaluation of behaviors related to emotions, leaning, and memories
Open field, elevated plus-maze, forced swimming, rotarod test, passive avoidance, fear conditioning, and Morris water maze tests
(Person in charge) Assis. Prof. YAMAGATA, Section of Multilayer Physiology, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, Department of Model Animal Phenotype Analysis, Animal Resource Center Multi-level Physiological Function Analysis Room
(B) Measurement of motor-related neural activities involving electromyography, single-unit recording from electroencephalographs in the awake state, and local field potentials including brain waves
(Person in charge) Prof. NAMBU, Division of System Neurophysiology
(C) Energy intake and expenditure in free-moving animals
(Person in charge) Prof. MINOKOSHI, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism
(D) Body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure in free-moving animals
(Division of Cell Signaling, Prof. TOMINAGA)
(E) Non-invasive 4-dimensional cardiac function and capillary blood flow imaging using anesthetized mice and cardiac function measurement using isolated perfused hearts
(Person in charge) Prof. NISHIDA, Division of Cardiocirculatory Signaling
(F) Mouse temperature preference assays with a thermal gradient ring
(Person in charge) Prof. TOMINAGA, Division of Cell Signaling
(Note) Until FY 2021, the above (B) to (E) were conducted at NIPS under a joint research theme titled “Analysis of metabolic physiology for mice and rats.”
ii) Person in charge
Before submitting any proposal, please meet in advance with one of the members listed above, as appropriate based on your interest.
iii) Overview of equipment used for analyzing metabolic physiology in mice and rats
Please refer to Annex 1.
iv) Other:
No project can be conducted for over 5 years on the same research theme.
Specific-pathogen free animals will be used for planned collaborative projects conducted at the Animal Resource Center facilities. If you would like to know further information concerning SPF animals, please contact NIPS person in charge.
IV. NIPS Research Meeting
1) Purpose and Overview
The NIPS research meeting is a relatively small group meeting (about 100 people or fewer) for debating the creation of new academic fields and developing new technologies. At least one NIPS professors or associate professors must participate in each meeting. Travel expenses of participants will be partly borne by NIPS.
2) Duration
The duration of each research meeting cannot be longer than 3 days.
3) Venue
In principle, the meeting must be carried out in the Okazaki area of NINS.
Please note that you can hold a meeting in the Okazaki Conference Center of NINS. For details on reservation procedures, please contact the Joint Research Section of the International Research Cooperation Division (r7133@orion.ac.jp).
In addition, to contribute to the research communities surrounding NIPS and to Japanese universities, we plan to annually adopt one proposal (or more if possible) for both a NIPS research meeting and a NIPS international workshop outside the NINS Okazaki area. Preferably the venue will be a university or other related institute. As a general rule, the research meeting cannot be held in conjunction with any other event, such as an academic conference or the like. Travel expenses for these research meetings will be handled in accordance with the rules for those held in the Okazaki area.
4) Others
If any research meeting is to be held on the same theme for more than 3 years, its significance must be reviewed. If you desire to continue the meetings for over 3 years, we expect a new development to be included in the proposal.
Please pay special consideration to gender equality when selecting participants in the proposed project.
We welcome meetings that allow participants to join online.
V. NIPS International Workshop
1) Purpose and Overview
To promote the internationalization and development of NIPS, we hold a NIPS International Workshop that invites several scientists from around the world. The Workshop is held in English. You can submit the same content as both a NIPS Research Meeting proposal and a NIPS International Workshop proposal. If both of the proposals are approved, the project will be held as an International Workshop. We plan to adopt one to three proposals for the International Workshop every year.
At least one or more NIPS professors or associate professors must participate in each workshop. The expected number of participants in a Workshop is 50 to 100. The International Workshops are relatively small events compared to the NIPS International Symposium, which is held once or twice every year.
2) Budget
Depending on the size of the workshop, NIPS will support expenses of up to 750,000 yen.
3) Duration
The duration of an International Workshop cannot be longer than 3 days.
4) Venue
In principle, the meeting must be carried out in the Okazaki area of NINS.
Please note that you can hold a meeting in the Okazaki Conference Center of NINS. For details on applying for its use, please contact the Joint Research Section of the International Research Cooperation Division (tel: +81-564-55-7138).
In addition, to contribute to the research communities surrounding NIPS and to Japanese universities, we plan to annually adopt one proposal (or more if possible) for both a NIPS research meeting and a NIPS international workshop outside the NINS Okazaki area.
VI. Cooperative studies by functional imaging
1.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner
1) Research themes
For collaborative studies using our MRI scanner, we have defined the following two research themes. Under these themes, researchers inside and outside NIPS aim to comprehensively elucidate biological functions from the molecular level to the individual level.
i) Non-destructive, 3-dimensional observation of the inside of living organisms
ii) Continuous observation of morphological and energy states associated with biological activities (including brain activation tests)
Please note that our 7-T magnetic resonance device will be used for technical examination and development related to imaging and image processing for a while.
2) Overview of the MRI scanner installed at NIPS
Please refer to Annex 2.
3) Before submitting any proposal, please consult with one of the NIPS members listed below based on your interest.
Prof. ISODA (Division of Behavioral Development)
Prof. NAMBU (Division of System Neurophysiology)
Prof. KITAJO (Division of Neural Dynamics)
Prof. SADATO (Division of Cerebral Integration)
Assoc. Prof. FUKUNAGA (Division of Cerebral Integration)
Assoc. Prof. CHIKAZOE (Supportive Center for Brain Research)
4) Other
When making a proposal, please select a theme that will enable the project to be completed within three years.