Development of new research collaboration with sleep researchers in Japan

I am a neuroscientist interested in brain mechanisms of sleep. I would like to develop a new Canadian-Japanese collaborative research on sleep. The intended collaborators, led by Dr. Osamu Hayaishi, made important discoveries on the role of prostaglandin D2 in promoting sleep. I visited this group at the Osaka Bioscience Institute in March 2003 and was greatly impressed with their top-notch research, stimulating environment and excellent facilities. Prostaglandin D2 and E2 often have opposing actions. I would therefore be very much interested in collaborating with them on the possible role of prostaglandin E in promoting wakefulness, and on interactions of the prostaglandins with estrogen. I would also like to learn molecular technologies this group uses and implement them in my own laboratory. In return, I should be able to contribute to their research particularly with my background in neuroanatomy. I also would like to exchange trainees. Sleep disorders and disturbances are becoming increasing more common in modern societies, and have an enormous economic and health impact. A better understanding of sleep mechanisms can help in the design of more effective pharmacological treatments. The proposed research therefore can promote the well-being and health of Canadians.