Elucidation of the neural mechanism of anxiety and conflict
Research
We will study neuroscience to examine the function of the emotional circuit in non-human primates (NHPs), whose brain structure is homologous to that of humans. The Amemori Group focuses on the NHP’s limbic system. In particular, the group aims to identify the neural basis of the interareal interaction of macaques’ anxiety-related network by combining electrical-stimulation and fMRI methods. The group will perform neurophysiological recordings of spikes and field potentials from microelectrodes chronically-implanted into multiple brain sites. The group also aims to clarify the function of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and dopamine-related circuit in order to elucidate the mechanism of anxiety. The group will also introduce genetic engineering such as chemogenetics to clarify the mechanism of the anxiety-related circuit.
Publications 
- Cingulate microstimulation induces negative decision-making via reduced top-down influence on primate fronto-cingulo-striatal network.Satoko Amemori, Ann M. Graybiel, Ken-ichi Amemori.Nature Communications 15(1) 4201 17th May 2024 Peer-reviewed paper, Last author, Corresponding authorView Publications
- Motivation under aversive conditions is regulated by a striatopallidal pathway in primates.Jung-min N. OH, Satoko Amemori, Ken-ichi Inoue, Kei Kimura, Masahiko Takada, Ken-ichi Amemori.Current Biology 36(3) 692-706.e6 February 2026 Peer-reviewed paper, Last author, Corresponding authorView Publications
- Functional distinctions between orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex subregions in decision-making and autonomic regulation.Georgios K. Papageorgiou, Ken-ichi Amemori, Daniel J. Gibson, Helen N. Schwerdt, Michelangelo Naim, Michelle C. Wang, Tomoko Yoshida, Jitendra Sharma, Urvashi Upadhyay, Guangyu Robert Yang, Ann M. Graybiel.Nature Communications 14th February 2026 Peer-reviewed paperView Publications
News
Recruit
We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our team!
Graduate Students (Master's / PhD)
We particularly welcome students from the Master's program. If you are excited by the neural mechanisms of emotion, anxiety, and decision-making, and eager to tackle big questions using cutting-edge primate neuroscience, we would love to hear from you.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Motivated researchers with backgrounds in neuroscience, systems biology, computational modeling, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Passionate about our research? Please reach out through the Contact Form. We look forward to meeting you!
