Main Resarch Goals

The Yongsoo Kim Lab seeks to deepen our understanding of the brain’s cellular architecture and functional organization across diverse contexts, including development, aging, and disease. Using mice as our primary mammalian model, we integrate high-resolution 3D brain mapping techniques, digital atlasing, neuroinformatics tools, and advanced experimental models to study brain cell types (e.g., neuronal and glial subtypes) and neurovascular contributions to brain health. Our goal is to address critical questions in neurodevelopment, aging, and pathology, building a comprehensive framework to map the brain and its roles in health and disease. Our research focuses on three interconnected areas:

1 . Mapping Brain Cellular Architecture and Its Changes in Disorders

The brain’s cognitive functions depend on the intricate interplay between neurons, glia, and the neurovasculature. We study how distinct brain cell types emerge during development and change during aging, both in healthy and pathological states. Employing 3D mapping techniques and computational tools, we analyze target cell types across the entire mouse brain. Our primary focus includes autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Alzheimer’s disease, exploring their cellular underpinnings.

2. Investigating the Oxytocin System and Dorsal Endopiriform Nucleus (EPd)

Oxytocin is a critical neuropeptide that regulates social behavior and various physiological functions. We explore the wiring and functional dynamics of the oxytocin system in the brain and its alterations in disease. Our previous work identified strong oxytocin receptor expression in the EPd, a novel region of interest. We study the anatomical organization and functional roles of EPd circuits using viral tools, cell-specific transgenic mice, in vivo neural activity recording, and behavioral tracking systems.

3. Developing Digital 3D Atlases and Neuroinformatics Tools

Anatomical atlases are essential for understanding the spatial organization of brain structures and signals. We are building a series of digital atlases, such as the developmental common coordinate framework (DevCCF), and advancing neuroinformatics tools like flatmaps and image registration systems. These innovations enable precise mapping and visualization of brain cell types from high-resolution 3D datasets.

Through these efforts, the Kim Lab is pioneering the integration of advanced methodologies to unravel the complexities of the brain and its changes across lifespan and disease.