Kei Ito

Prof. Dr. Kei Ito is a leading neuroscientist at the University of Cologne, specializing in Drosophila melanogaster brain architecture. His research focuses on mapping "terra incognita" regions of the brain, analyzing glial cell functions across development, and establishing standardized insect brain nomenclature through international collaboration. As AXA Chairholder and former HHMI Senior Fellow, he combines molecular genetics with 3D virtual reality visualization to unravel neuronal network organization.

• Academic Affiliation: University of Cologne (2016–present)
• Prior Positions: The University of Tokyo (2002–2017), National Institute for Basic Biology (1998–2002)

Research Interests span multiple domains:

• "Terra Incognita" Analysis: Systematic mapping of previously uncharacterized brain regions (70% of brain volume)
• Glial Cell Biology: Classification and functional analysis from embryo to adult
• Connectome Research: Integration of electron microscopy data with genetic tools
• Neuronal Lineage Studies: 3D reconstruction of neuroblast progeny patterns

Scientific Contributions include:

• Creation of 4,500 NP Gal4 driver lines (Japan consortium, 1998)
• Pioneering Split-Gal4 systems for precise neuron labeling
• Establishment of 6 distinct neuron naming schemes for EM data
• Leadership in Insect Brain Name Working Group (2007–2014)

Advising Legacy features direct mentorship of 6 doctoral students and collaborative analysis of 3,777 neuron types in EM datasets. His lab maintains 1,000+ specific Split-Gal4 lines for terra incognita research.