Updated: 09/03/2009

AKIRA SAKURAI


Department of Biology

Georgia State University

P.O. Box 4010

Atlanta, GA 30302-4010

Tel: 404-651-0920

Fax: 404-651-2509

E-mail: akira(at)gsu.edu

 

 


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Education:

Ph.D., 1998 Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

Thesis title: “Electrophysiological studies in acceleratory nervous regulation in the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica.” Advisor: Dr. H. Yamagishi

B.Sc., 1993 College of Biological Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan

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Professional Experiences:

June 2004-present

Research Scientist I, Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. Advisor: Dr. P. S. Katz

July 2001-May 2004

Research Associate, Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. Advisor: Dr. P. S. Katz

July 2000-May 2001

Research Assistant Professor, Section of Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan

April 2000-July 2000

Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Department of Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan. Advisor: Dr. K. Kuwasawa

May 1998-March 2000

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Advisor: Dr. J. L. Wilkens

 

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Grants and Awards:

2000          Research Fellowship of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science for Young Scientists

2000          Yoshida Prize for Young Researchers, the Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry

2004          Best Poster Award, South East Nerve Net Meeting

2005          Society for Neuroscience Chapters Postdoctoral Travel Award

 

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Membership of Academic Societies:

Society for Neuroscience

Zoological Society of Japan

Physiological Society of Japan

Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry

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Invited Talks:

2000    Invited Speaker, Yoshida Prize for Young Researchers Symposium, the Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry

2006    Invited Lecture, Hybrid Neural Microsystem, Georgia Institute of Technology

 

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Publications:

1.      A. Sakurai and P.S. Katz (2009b) Functional recovery following lesion of a central pattern generator. J Neurosci 29: 13115-13125.

2.      A. Sakurai and P.S. Katz (2009a) State-, timing-, and pattern-dependent neuromodulation of synaptic strength by a serotonergic interneuron. J Neurosci 29: 268-279.

3.      E.S. Hill, A. Sakurai and P.S. Katz (2008) Transient enhancement of spike-evoked calcium signaling by a serotonergic interneuron. J Neurophysiol 100: 2919-2928.

4.      S. Clemens, R.J. Calin-Jageman, A. Sakurai and P.S. Katz (2007) Altering cAMP levels within a central pattern generator modifies or disrupts rhythmic motor output. J Comp Physiol A 193:1265-1271.

5.      A. Sakurai, R.J. Calin-Jageman and P.S. Katz (2007) The potentiation phase of spike timing dependent neuromodulation by a serotonergic interneuron involves an increase in the fraction of transmitter release. J Neurophysol 98: 1975-1987.

6.      A. Sakurai (2007) Spike timing-dependent neuromodulation in the Tritonia swim central pattern generator. Jpn Soc Comp Physiol Biochem 24: 18-26.

7.      A. Sakurai, N.R. Darghouth., R.J. Butera, and P.S. Katz (2006) Serotonergic enhancement of a 4-AP-sensitive current mediates the synaptic depression phase of spike timing-dependent neuromodulation. J Neurosci 26: 2010-2021.

8.      H. Yamagishi, H. Miyamoto, and A. Sakurai (2004) Developmental changes in dopamine modulation of the heart in the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica: Reversal of chronotropic effect. Zool Sci 21: 917-922.

9.      P.S. Katz, A. Sakurai, S. Clemens, and D. Davis (2004) The cycle period of a network oscillator is independent of membrane potential and spiking activity in individual central pattern generator neurons. J Neurophysiol 92: 1904-1917.

10.  A. Sakurai and P.S. Katz (2003) Spike timing-dependent serotonergic neuromodulation of synaptic strength intrinsic to a central pattern generator circuit. J. Neurosci 23: 10745-10755.

11.  A. Sakurai and J.L. Wilkens (2003) Tension sensitivity of the heart pacemaker neurons in the isopod crustacean Ligia pallasii. J Exp Biol 206: 105115.

12.  A. Sakurai (2001) Neuromuscular transmission in the heart of crustacean Ligia exotica. Jpn Soc Comp Physiol Biochem 18: 3642.

13.  A. Sakurai and H. Yamagishi (2000) Graded neuromuscular transmission in the heart of the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. J Exp Biol 203: 1447-1457.

14.  A. Sakurai, A. Mori, and H. Yamagishi (1999) Acceleratory nervous regulation of juvenile myogenic hearts in the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. Comp Biochem Physiol A124: 575-580.

15.  A. Sakurai, A. Mori, and H. Yamagishi (1999) Cardioinhibitory neurons in the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. Zool Sci 16: 401-406.

16.  A. Sakurai (1998) Electrophysiological studies in acceleratory nervous regulation of the heart in the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica. Doctoral Thesis, University of Tsukuba.

17.  H. Yamagishi, A. Sakurai, and A. Mori (1998) Isolation of neurogenic and myogenic activities by Joro spider toxin in the adult heart of the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. Zool Sci 15: 673-676.

18.  A. Sakurai, A. Mori, and H. Yamagishi (1998) Glutamatergic neuromuscular transmission in the heart of the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. J Exp Biol 201: 2833-2842.

19.  A. Sakurai and H. Yamagishi (1998) Cardioacceleratory neurons in the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica: Visualization of peripheral projection onto the heart muscle. Zool Sci 15: 19-25.

20.  A. Sakurai and H. Yamagishi (1998) Identification of cardioacceleratory neurons in the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica and their effects on cardiac ganglion cells. J Comp Physiol A 182: 145-152.

 

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Ad Hoc Referee:

2006    Journal of Neurophysiology

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Services:

2004    South East Nerve Net Steering Committee

2006    South East Nerve Net Steering Committee

2008    South East Nerve Net Steering Committee

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Presentations:

1)      Sakurai A, Katz PS (2009). Synaptic properties predict individual susceptibility to and recovery from lesion of a central pattern generator. Soc Neurosci Abstr 35. 366.14.

2)      Jhara S, Sakurai A, Lillvis JL, Katz PS (2008). Serotonergic innervation of the Aplysia tail nerve. Soc Neurosci Abstr 34. 880.3.

3)      Katz PS, Sakurai A, Hill ES, Gunaratne CA (2008). Interactions of state-dependent and state-independent neuromodulation account for spike-timing dependent neuromodulation. Soc Neurosci Abstr 34. 574.4.

4)      Sakurai A, Katz PS (2008). A serotonergic interneuron evokes both state-dependent and state-independent neuromodulatory actions. Soc Neurosci Abstr 34. 574.3.

5)      Sakurai A, Katz PS (2007). Adaptive plasticity underlies functional recovery following lesion of a central pattern generator. Soc Neurosci Abstr 33. 118.12.

6)      Sakurai A, Katz PS (2006). Activity-dependent heterosynaptic augmentation of synaptic transmission caused by a serotonergic interneuron in the Tritonia swim CPG. Soc Neurosci Abstr 32. 350.4.

7)      Sakurai A, Katz PS (2006). Activity-dependent heterosynaptic potentiation of synaptic transmission caused by a serotonergic interneuron in the Tritonia swim CPG. Proc of the 77th meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan.

8)      Sakurai A, Calin-Jageman RJ, Katz PS (2005). Serotonergic enhancement of transmitter release mediates the synaptic potentiation phase of spike timing-dependent neuromodulation. Soc Neurosci Abstr 31. 177.13.

9)      Sakurai A and Katz PS (2004). Serotonergic enhancement of a 4-AP sensitive current causes spike propagation failure in a Tritonia swim CPG neuron with multiple spike initiation zones. Soc Neurosci Abstr 30. 537.1.

10)   Darghouth NR, Sakurai A, Katz PS, and Butera RJ (2004). Computer simulations and dynamic clamp experiments support a role for a 4-AP-sensitive current in serotonin-induced spike narrowing leading to synaptic depression. Soc Neurosci Abstr 30. 420.2.

11)   Sakurai A and Katz PS (2003) 4-AP and IBMX selectively block the depression phase of a biphasic neuromodulation of synaptic strength by serotonergic neurons in the Tritonia swim CPG. Soc Neurosci Abstr 29. 168.18.

12)   Sakurai A and Katz PS (2002) Serotonergic interneurons in Tritonia evoke a biphasic neuromodulatory action. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr 28, 270.13.

13)   Katz PS, Sakurai A, Clemens S, Davis D (2002) Cycle period regulation in the Tritonia escape swim. Soc Neurosci Abstr 28, 67.5.

14)   Lynn-Bullock CP, Clemens S, Sakurai A, and Katz PS (2002) Functional anatomy of the escape swim CPG in Tritonia. Soc Neurosci Abstr 28, 67.25.

15)   Clemens S, Lynn-Bullock CP, Sakurai A, and Katz PS (2002) Localization of function in Central Pattern Generator. European J Neurosci 16S.

16)   Yamagishi H, Takano S, and Sakurai A (2001) Developmental changes in inhibitory nervous regulation of the heart in the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. Comp Biochem Physiol A130, 876.

17)   Nozaki S and Sakurai A (2001) Input-output properties of mesencephalic reticular formation involved in the feeding control in guinea pigs. Jpn J Physiol 51, S240.

18)   Sakurai A, A. and Wilkens JL (2000) Proprioception by pacemaker neurons in crustacean heart. Comp Biochem Physiol 127A, 381.

19)   Sakurai A (2000) Neuromuscular transmission in crustacean heart. Comp Biochem Physiol 127A, 381.

20)   Sakurai A and Wilkens JL (1999) Diversity of muscle fibers in crayfish heart. Comp Biochem Physiol 124A, 131.

21)   Sakurai A, Mori A, and Yamagishi H (1998) Developmental changes in nervous regulation of the heartbeat in the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. International Symposium on Cardiac Rhythms in Animals: Regulation, Development and Environmental Influences.

22)   Sakurai A, Mori A, and H Yamagishi (1997) Glutamatergic transmission at neuromuscular junctions in the heart of the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica. Proc of the 68th meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan.

23)   Sakurai A and Yamagishi H (1997). Nonspiking neuromuscular transmission in the heart of the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica. Proc of the 8th meeting of Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry.

24)   Sakurai A and Yamagishi H (1996). Blockage of excitatory neuromuscular transmission by Joro spider toxin in the heart of the isopod, Ligia exotica. Proc of the 67th meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan.

25)   Sakurai A and Yamagishi H (1996). Central and peripheral projections of two cardio-acceleratory neurons in the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica. Proc of the 7th meeting of Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry.

26)   Yamagishi H, Sakurai A and Mori A (1995). Developmental changes in the effects of dopamine on the juvenile heart of the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica. Proc. of the 66th meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan.

27)   Sakurai A and Yamagishi H (1995). Developmental changes in acceleratory nervous regulation in the heart of the isopod crustacean, Ligia exotica. Physiol Zool 68: 69.

28)   Sakurai A and Yamaigishi H (1995). Acceleratory regulation of adult heart of the isopod Ligia exotica: Effects of two cardioacceleratory neurons on the cardiac ganglion. Proc of the 6th meeting of Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry.

29)   Sakurai A and Yamagishi H (1994). Development of acceleratory nervous regulation of the heart of the isopod Ligia exotica. Proc of the 65th meeting of the Zoological Society of Japan.

30)   Yamagishi H, Mori A, and Sakurai A (1994) Developmental changes in the effects of serotonin on juvenile heart of the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica. Proc of the 5th meeting of Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry.

 

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Research Experiences:

2001-presnet   Research Associate, Senior Research Associate Georgia State University.

Working in the laboratory of Dr. Paul Katz, I study the cellular mechanisms underlying the spike timing-dependent neuromodulation of synaptic strength in the central pattern generator (CPG) circuit. I found that the serotonergic interneuron in the Tritonia swim CPG can increase or decrease the efficacy of other neuron's synapses, depending on the relative timing of their spiking activities.

 

2000-2001       Research Assistant Professor, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.

By in vivo recording of single unit activities in the midbrain of anesthetized guinea pigs, I found that changes in blood sugar level affect the threshold of the central rhythm generator activity involved in cortically-induced rhythmic jaw movements.

 

2000                JSPS Research Fellow, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.

Working in the laboratory of Dr. K. Kuwasawa, I studied the development of axonal projection of the cardioregulatory neurons from the central nervous system to the heart during the embryonic development of crustaceans using basic histological techniques combined with immunohistochemical labeling of neuronal processes.

 

1998-2000       Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Calgary, Canada.

Working in the laboratory of Dr. J. L. Wilkens, I investigated the diversity in electrophysiological and mechanical properties of muscle fibers in crustacean heart. I also investigated the effects of muscle tension on heart pacemaker neurons and discovered that these neurons form “single-neuron reflex arc” inside the heart.

 

1992‑1998       Undergraduate Research and Thesis Research, University of Tsukuba, Japan.

My doctoral thesis, entitled, “Electrophysiological studies in acceleratory nervous regulation in the isopod crustacean Ligia exotica”, was completed in the laboratory of Dr. H. Yamagishi.  I identified two pairs of the cardioacceleratory neurons in the central nervous system of the isopod crustacean and determined their actions onto the heart pacemaker neurons and the heart muscle. I also determined that the heart pacemaker neurons use glutamate as the neurotransmitter and that they exhibit both spike-mediated and graded synaptic transmission to the heart muscle.



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