Our Research
Through the Eyes, Into the Brain
Decoding brain function by tracing the circuits behind eye movements
To successfully navigate an ever-changing world, the brain must transform perception into action. A substantial portion of sensory input is visual—yet we rarely reflect on how we move our eyes.
Our lab investigates how the brain selects visual targets and converts that information into precise eye movements. These rapid shifts, occurring thousands of times each day, offer a unique window into the brain’s decision-making processes. Despite their speed and apparent simplicity, they depend on finely tuned neural circuits distributed across multiple brain regions.
By combining behavioral, cognitive, and neurophysiological approaches in both human and animal models, we aim to uncover how the brain links what we see to how we act. Our work deepens the understanding of brain dynamics and informs research in medicine, artificial intelligence, and neurological disorders.
Our Team
Professor
Takahiro Ando, M.D., Ph.D.
Researcher
Yuuki Kajita, Ph.D.
Researcher
Asahi Shimizu
(M6, Science Tokyo)
Student
Kento Okafuji (M4)
Student
Taiga Kuwahara (M4)
Student
Hiroko Tsuchiya
Secretary
Selected Publications
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Shinoda Y. Brainstem neural circuits for triggering vertical saccades and fixation. J. Neuroscience 44(1): e1657232023, 2024.
- Veale R, Takahashi M. Pathways for naturalistic looking behavior in primate. II. Superior Colliculus Integrates Parallel Top-down and Bottom-up Inputs. (Forefront Review) Neuroscience 545: 86-110, 2024.
- Takahashi M, Veale R. Pathways for naturalistic looking behavior in primate I: Behavioral characteristics and brainstem circuits. (Forefront Review) Neuroscience 532: 133-163, 2023.
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Na J, Shinoda Y. Brainstem neural circuits triggering saccades and fixation. J. Neuroscience, 42: 789-803, 2022.
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Shinoda Y. Neural substrates for generation of oblique saccades. Equilibrium Research 81: 67-78, 2022.
- Takahashi M, Shinoda Y. Neural circuits of inputs and outputs of the cerebellar cortex and nuclei. Neuroscience 462: 70-88, 2021.
- Takahashi M, Shinoda Y. Fastigial Nucleus Input/Output related to Motor Control. Cerebellum as a CNS Hub (eds. H. Mizusawa and S. Kakei) pp. 199-237, Springer Nature Switzerland, 2021.
- Takahashi M, Morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of the commissural system in the superior colliculi for control of eye movements. Prog. Brain Res. 249: 105-115, 2019.
- Shinoda Y, Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y. Brainstem neural circuits for fixation and generation of saccadic eye movements. Prog. Brain Res. 249: 95-104, 2019.
- Takahashi M, Shinoda Y. Brain stem neural circuits for horizontal and vertical saccade systems and their frame of reference. (Forefront Review) Neuroscience 392: 281-328, 2018.
- Luo Y, Fujita F, Nedelescu H, Biswas MS, Sato C, Ying S, Takahashi M, Akita K, Higashi T, Aoki I, Sugihara I. Lobular homology in cerebellar hemispheres of humans, non-human primates and rodents: a structural, axon tracing and molecular expression analysis. Brain Structure and Function 222: 2449-2472, 2017.
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Shinoda Y. Convergent synaptic inputs from the caudal fastigial nucleus and the superior colliculus onto pontine and pontomedullary reticulospinal neurons. J. Neurophysiology 111: 849-867, 2014.
- Sugiuchi Y, Takahashi M, Shinoda Y. Input-output organization of inhibitory neurons in the interstitial nucleus of Cajal projecting to the contralateral trochlear and oculomotor nucleus. J. Neurophysiology 110: 640-657, 2013.
- Shinoda Y, Sugiuchi Y, Takahashi M, Izawa Y. Neural substrate for suppression of omnipause neurons at the onset of saccades. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1233: 100-106, 2011.
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Shinoda Y. Topographic organization of excitatory and inhibitory commissural connections in the superior colliculi and their functional roles in saccade generation. J. Neurophysiology 104: 3146-3167, 2010.
- Shinoda Y, Sugiuchi Y, Izawa Y, Takahashi M. Neural circuits for triggering saccades in the brainstem. Prog. Brain Res. 171: 79-85, 2008.
- Sugiuchi Y, Izawa Y, Takahashi M, Na J, Shinoda Y. Controversy on “Fixation Zone” of the Superior Colliculus. Neuro-Ophthalmology 31: 147-155, 2007.
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Shinoda Y. Commissural mirror- symmetric excitation and reciprocal inhibition between the two superior colliculi and their roles in vertical and horizontal eye movements. J. Neurophysiology 98:2664-2682, 2007.
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Izawa Y, Shinoda Y. Commissural excitation and inhibition by the superior colliculus in tectoreticular neurons projecting to omnipause neuron and inhibitory burst neuron regions. J. Neurophysiology 94:1707-1726, 2005.
- Takahashi M, Sugiuchi Y, Izawa Y, Shinoda Y. Synaptic inputs and their pathways from fixation and saccade zones of the SC to inhibitory burst neurons. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1039: 209-219, 2005.
- Sugiuchi Y, Izawa Y, Takahashi M, Na J, Shinoda Y. Physiological characterization of synaptic inputs to inhibitory burst neurons from the rostral and caudal SC. J. Neurophysiology 93: 697-712, 2005.
Contact
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