Scientist Profile Directory

The main focus of the research carried out in the lab is to understand the physiology of hunger and appetite by investigating the neurons that regulate homeostasis. In particular, the lab is interested in understanding regulation of electrical activity in neurons from circuits that control hunger, appetite, thirst and other aspects of energy homeostasis. Neurons from regions called the sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs) are thought to be especially important for regulation of homeostasis because these specialized areas are are not protected by the blood-brain barrier. The neurons within CVOs are in direct contact with hormones in the circulation and are able to sense hunger-stimulating and satiety (hunger-ending) hormones in the bloodstream: some of these hormones include ghrelin and leptin. We use a combination of molecular biological and electrophysiological tools to investigate expression and function of ion channels and receptors in subfornical organ.