Research Overview

Given that obesity is a global concern, finding effective solutions to combat this alarming condition is crucial. The hypothalamic nuclei in the brain play a key role in controlling food intake. On a cellular level, these nuclei release various hormones that manage satiety and hunger. Dysregulation of these hypothalamic neurons, responsible for regulating food intake and energy expenditure, can contribute to the development of obesity and other metabolic disorders. Therefore, we are interested in unraveling the impact of metabolic signaling on the pathways of energy balance within the hypothalamus. We employ a combination of cellular, molecular, and electrophysiological techniques to achieve our research objectives. Enhancing our understanding of the connection between the hypothalamus and peripheral organs is essential for developing effective treatments for metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. In addition, we are also collaborating with clinicians nationwide to understand the pathophysiology of several rare neurodevelopmental disorders.