Roles of reciprocal interaction in social behavior
Using virtual realities (VRs), we construct virtual animals to interact with the real animal. Since the behavior of virtual animals can be precisely controlled, we aim to analyze how parameters such as response delay or response predictability affect the intensity and the duration of social interaction.
Neural encoding of high-dimensional space
We are developing new techniques that enable head-restrained zebrafish to perform navigation in 2D or 3D virtual space.
Functional mapping of forebrain areas
Zebrafish brain is small enough for large-scale analyses of neuronal activity using optical methods such as two-photon microscopy. Our investigations focus on the information flow between brain regions that are proposed to play roles in controlling emotion, memory and decision making.
Neural mechanism underlying social learning
We are investigating how forebrain circuits mediates social learning using various tools including 2P calcium imaging, optogenetics, interactive VR and behavioral analysis. We aim to identify neural correlates of predictions and prediction errors during social interaction. We will also analyze prediction error signals in zebrafish with mutations in autism related genes. The research project may provide a novel and mechanistic understanding on how psychiatric diseases arise at a neural circuit level.
