Publications

Developmental overproduction of cortical superficial neurons impairs adult auditory cortical processing

Merkler Mirna, Ip Nancy Y, Sakata Shuzo

Scientific Reports Vol 15 (2025)

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95968-x

Site‐specific inhibition of the thalamic reticular nucleus induces distinct modulations in sleep architecture

Visocky Vladimir, Morris Brian J, Dunlop John, Brandon Nick, Sakata Shuzo, Pratt Judith A

European Journal of Neuroscience Vol 59, pp. 554-569 (2024)

https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15908

SaLSa : a combinatory approach of semi-automatic labeling and long short-term memory to classify behavioral syllables

Sakata Shuzo

eNeuro Vol 10, pp. 1-10 (2023)

https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0201-23.2023

Fiber photometry-based investigation of brain function and dysfunction

Byron Nicole, Sakata Shuzo

Neurophotonics Vol 11 (2023)

https://doi.org/10.1117/1.NPh.11.S1.S11502

Pontine waves accompanied by short hippocampal sharp wave-ripples during non-rapid eye movement sleep : P-waves during NREM and REM sleep

Tsunematsu Tomomi, Matsumoto Sumire, Merkler Mirna, Sakata Shuzo

SLEEP Vol 46 (2023)

https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsad193

40Hz auditory stimulation and naturalistic soundscapes for the treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease

Rogers Claire, Singh Divyanshi, Main Rebecca, Mckirdy Ruth, Breslin Ronan, Parra Mario A, Argo Jessica, Sakata Shuzo, McGeown William J

Scottish Dementia Research Consortium Annual Conference 2023 (2023)

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Research Interests

Research Projects
1. State-dependent auditory processing and perception
When we are paying attention to sound, we can vividly perceive it. When sleep, however, our perception is siginificantly diminished. But what is happening in the brain? Because our brain activity ('brain state') continuously changes, it is extremely important to address the following three questions: 1) how is each brain state organized at the level of neural circuit? 2) how do brain states affect sensory processing and perceptual decision? and 3) how are brain states regulated? We are addressing these questions by taking multidisciplinary approaches, with a focus on dynamic interplays between the auditory system and neuromodulatory systems.

2. The circuit mechanism of abnormal hearing
Brain circuits often generate auditory perception even in the absence of auditory inputs, such as auditory hallucinations. But how? We are particularly focusing on phantom auditory perception, so-called tinnitus. Tinnitus is a symptom, which is often associated with hearing loss. Considering aging society and age-related hearing loss, a better understanding of the neural basis of tinnitus is extremly urgent. We are aiming to identify neural correlates of tinnitus at the level of neuronal circuits. By using a massively parallel extracellular recording technique and a behavioural approach, we are determining relationships between tinnitus and abnormal neural population activity in the auditory thalamocortical circuit. This research program will provide further insight into the development of new treatment for tinnitus sufferers.

3. Technology development to improve and restore hearing
Once we understand both normal and abnormal states, a next step is to explore strategies to restore abnormal states into the normal one. In addition, we can also think of how we can boost our normal brain functions. To achieve these goals, we are developing new approaches and technologies. We are particularly interested in the improvement and restoration of sensory abilities by controlling neural activity. Combining advanced technologies in rodents as a model, we are developing novel strategies to improve and restore hearing.

***Our research team is currently accepting applications from prospective PhD students and postdocs. In particular, persons who have strong background in physics, mathematics, or engineering are strongly encouraged to apply. ***

Professional Activities

Brain-wide neural and astrocytic ensembles across sleep-wake cycles

Speaker

25/8/2023

Pontine waves across sleep states

Speaker

12/5/2023

Fiber photometry-based investigation of brain function and dysfunction

Speaker

25/10/2022

Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience (Journal)

Peer reviewer

2022

Optical interrogation of Alzheimer's disease pathology

Speaker

13/5/2021

Frontiers in Neuroscience (Journal)

Peer reviewer

2021

More professional activities

Projects

Fraunhofer UK Research Limited: Studentship Agreement | Vladimirova, Vanesa

Mathieson, Keith (Principal Investigator) Sakata, Shuzo (Co-investigator) Vladimirova, Vanesa (Research Co-investigator)

01-Jan-2024 - 01-Jan-2028

Dysregulaton of Microglial Calcium Dynamics by Amyloid Pathology and Sleep Disruption

Sakata, Shuzo (Principal Investigator)

01-Jan-2024 - 31-Jan-2025

Sleep state-dependent functions of pontine waves

Sakata, Shuzo (Principal Investigator)

01-Jan-2023 - 30-Jan-2026

Biosemi electroencephalography (EEG) amplifier

McGeown, William (Principal Investigator) Parra Rodriguez, Mario (Co-investigator) Sakata, Shuzo (Co-investigator)

01-Jan-2023 - 30-Jan-2024

Deep brain technologies to understand the cellular origin of diseases DEEPER | Abbot, James

Mathieson, Keith (Principal Investigator) Sakata, Shuzo (Co-investigator) Abbot, James (Research Co-investigator)

01-Jan-2022 - 01-Jan-2026

Lysozyme encapsulated gold nanoclusters – a new therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease

Jiang, Hui-Rong (Principal Investigator) Chen, Yu (Co-investigator) Sakata, Shuzo (Co-investigator)

01-Jan-2022 - 30-Jan-2025

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