Yuki Oka

Yuki Oka is a Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and an Investigator at the Heritage Medical Research Institute (HMRI). They hold a B.A. from the University of Tokyo (2002) and a Ph.D. (2007). Oka joined Caltech as an Assistant Professor in 2014, becoming a full Professor in 2020. They were a Chen Scholar (2019–2022) and have been an HMRI Investigator since 2021.

Research focuses on the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying homeostatic regulation, particularly how the brain integrates internal body states and external sensory inputs to maintain fluid balance. Key areas include thirst regulation, sodium appetite, and gut-brain communication. Techniques employed include genetics, optogenetics, and single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect neural circuits and molecular pathways.

Recent work highlights discoveries in organ-specific sympathetic innervation, neural pathways for sodium consumption, and improved single-cell RNA sequencing methods. The lab investigates brain regions like the lamina terminalis and hindbrain structures, exploring interactions between water and sodium appetite circuits.

Media recognition includes coverage in The New York Times and NPR for studies on thirst mechanisms. Oka’s research bridges fundamental neuroscience with implications for understanding disorders related to fluid and electrolyte imbalance.