Functional Brain Mapping Lab
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very powerful non-invasive tool to visualize brain morphology, physiology, function and connectivity. However, MRI originates from water protons, thus its biological source is not straightforward. Especially, widely-used blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) fMRI relies on the presumably close relationship between neural activity and hemodynamic responses. Therefore, it is crucial to understand underlying basis of fMRI for proper quantification and determining ultimate limits. Also MRI can image entire brain repeatedly from anesthetized to awake animals, and its readout can be combined with diverse manipulations such as sensory, electrical, chemical and optogenetic stimulation, and pharmacological interventions for answering system-level neural circuits. To obtain multimodal functional neuroimaging data, animal MRI facility (9.4 T and 15.2 T Bruker) is accompanied with a neurophysiology laboratory with electrophysiology, intrinsic optical imager, laser Doppler flowmeter, etc. Our research lab consisting of MR scientists and system neuroscientists focuses on three inter-related research themes; a) the development of physiological and functional MRI techniques, b) the investigation of biophysical and physiological sources of MRI signals (functional MRI, perfusion, diffusion, chemical exchange MRI), and c) the application of neuroimaging techniques to systems neuroscience research.
Selected Recent Publications
1. Jin T, Wang P, Zong XP & Kim SG, “MR imaging of the Amide-Proton Transfer effect and the pH-insensitive Nuclear Overhauser Effect at 9.4 T”, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 69: 760-770, 2013.
2. Vazquez AV, Fukuda M, Crowley JC & Kim SG, “Neural and hemodynamic responses elicited by forelimb and photo-stimulation in Channelrhodopsin-2 mice: Insights into the hemodynamic point-spread function”, Cerebral Cortex 24(11): 2908-2919, 2014.
3. Jin T, Mehrens H, Hendrich KS & Kim SG, “Mapping brain glucose uptake with chemical exchange-sensitive spin-lock magnetic resonance imaging”, Journal of Cerebral Blood and Metabolism 34(8): 1402-1410, 2014.
4. Iordanova B, Vazquez AL, Poplawsky AJ, Fukuda M, and Kim SG, “Neural and hemodynamic responses to optogenetic and sensory stimulation in the rat somatosensory cortex”, Journal of Cerebral Blood and Metabolism 35(6): 922-932, 2015.
5. Poplawsky AJ, Fukuda M, Murphy M & Kim SG, “Layer-specific fMRI responses to excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activities in the olfactory bulb”, J of Neurosci 35(46): 15263-15275, 2015.
Lab Name: Neurovascular Coupling Laboratory
Introduction
Our laboratory aims to understand the basic mechanism of physiological interaction among neurons, glias and vascular system and provide better insights for perfusion related neuroimaging techniques. Our particular research interests include: 1) Study the effect of chronic stress on neurovascular coupling at functional and structural level, 2) Study the effect of pathologically heightened neuronal excitation and synchronization on neurovascular coupling at functional and structural level and develop cell-therapy for epilepsy, 3) Study neurovascular coupling mechanism through neurovascular coupling modulators, such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, & glucose, and 4) Develop novel techniques to restore neurovascular coupling dysfunction
Selected Recent Publication
1. Lee S, Kang B, Shin M, Min J, Heo C, Lee Y, Baeg E, Suh M*, "Chronic stress decreases cerebrovascular responses during rat hindlimb electrical stimulation", Frontiers in Neuroscience 23;9:462, 2015.
2. Im S, Kim WJ, Kim YH, Lee S, Koo JH, Lee JA, Kim HM, Park HJ, Kim DH, Lee HG, Yoon H, Kim JY, Shin JH, Kim LK, Doh J, Kim H, Bothwell ALM, Lee SK, Suh M, Choi JM*, "A novel CNS-permeable peptide, dNP2 enables cytoplasmic domain of CTLA-4 protein to regulate autoimmune encephalomyelitis", Nature Communication 15;6:8244, 2015.
3. Jo A, Heo C, Schwartz TH, Suh M*, "Nanoscale intracortical iron injection induces chronic epilepsy in rodent", Journal of Neuroscience Research 92(3):389-397, 2014.
4. Heo C, Lee SY, Jo A, Jung S, Suh M*, Lee YH*, "Flexible, transparent, and non-cytotoxic graphene electric field stimulator for effective cerebral blood volume enhancement", ACS Nano 25;7(6):4869-4878, 2013.
5. Jo A, Do H, Jhon GJ, Suh M*, Lee Y*, "Electrochemical nanosensor for real-time direct imaging of nitric oxide in living brain", Anal Chem 1;83(21):8314-8319, 2011.
Cocoan lab (Computational Cognitive Affective Neuroscience Laboratory)
Introduction
The mission of our lab is to understand pain and emotions in the perspective of Computational, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience. We also aim to develop clinically useful neuroimaging models and tools that can be used and shared across different research groups and clinical settings.
Our main research tools include functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), psychophysiology measures (skin conductance, pupilometry, electrocardiogram, respiration), electroencephalogram (EEG), and other behavioral measures such as face recording camera, eye-tracker, etc. Most importantly, we use computational tools to model and understand our affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses.
Selected Recent Publication
365–377
Roy, M., Buhle, J. T. & Wager, T. D. (2015). Distinct brain systems mediate the effects of nociceptive input and self-regulation on pain. PLoS Biology. 13(1): e1002036.
Neurophotonics Lab
Introduction
We use light as a tool to understand and manipulate living biological system, aiming to address pressing problems in neuroscience. Our research theme includes but is not limited to intravital imaging techniques, optical neuromodulation, and bio-integrated photonics. We take multidisciplinary approaches integrating optics, engineering, and biomedicine.
Selected Recent Publications
1. Choi M, Choi JW, Kim S, Nizamoglu S, Hahn SK, Yun SH, "Light-guiding hydrogels for cell-based sensing and optogenetic synthesis in vivo", Nature Photonics 7(12): 987-994, 2013 (featured in Nature Photonics, Nature Methods, Nature Review of Endocrinology, Thomson Reuter, etc.).
2. Choi M, Ku T, Chung K, Yoon J, Choi C, "Minimally invasive molecular delivery into the brain using optical modulation of vascular permeability", PNAS 108(22): 9256-9261, 2011.
3. Kim JK*, Lee WM*, Kim P*, Choi M*, Jung K, Kim S, Yun SH, "Fabrication and operation of GRIN probes for in vivo fluorescence cellular imaging of internal organs in small animals", Nature Protocols 7: 1456-1469, 2012 (*co-first author; cover article).
4. Choi M, Humar M, Kim S, Yun SH, "Step-index optical fiber made of biocompatible hydrogels", Advanced Materials 27: 4081-4086, 2015.
5. Choi M, Lee WM, Yun SH, "Intravital microscopic interrogation of peripheral taste sensation", Scientific Reports 5: 8661, 2015.