Takuya Osakada

The neural mechanisms supporting the rise and fall of maternal aggression

This study identifies a neural circuit involving PAEsr1 and VMHvlNpy2r cells that supports the regulation of maternal aggression through plasticity and oxytocin signaling.

A dedicated hypothalamic oxytocin circuit controls aversive social learning

The paper identifies a hypothalamic oxytocin circuit that mediates defeat-induced social avoidance learning in mice.

A toolkit of highly selective and sensitive genetically encoded neuropeptide sensors

The paper develops GRAB sensors for detecting neuropeptides with high specificity and sensitivity, enabling in vivo monitoring of their release and function.

Neural dynamics in the limbic system during male social behaviors

The paper investigates neural dynamics in the limbic system of male mice during sexual and aggressive behaviors, identifying distinct network states associated with each behavior.

Compartmental Neuropeptide Release Measured Using a New Oxytocin Sensor

The paper develops a new oxytocin sensor to study compartmental OT release in neurons and finds distinct calcium channel roles and fusion machinery differences in axons and somatodendritic regions.

Dopamine release in nucleus accumbens core during social behaviors in mice

This study uses a genetically encoded dopamine sensor to measure dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens during social behaviors in mice, revealing distinct patterns in different phases of social interaction.