Projects

Neural circuitry mechanisms of blood pressure regulation and hypertension

Nearly half of the US adults have hypertension, a significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney diseases. While studies over many years have identified specific brain areas crucial for blood pressure control, we have entered a new era in which contributions made by specific neuronal subpopulations have become identifiable and critically important. Our research group seeks to investigate novel roles of several populations of neurons in the hypothalamic brain regions. 

Neural mechanisms regulating blood glucose homeostasis

It is estimated that 9.3% of the US population has diabetes, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for ~90–95% of diagnosed diabetes cases, and if present trends continue, 1 in 3 American adults may have diabetes by 2050. Diabetes is a major risk factor for kidney, retinal, peripheral nerve, and cardiovascular disease. However, the pathogenesis of T2D is poorly understood, and growing evidence points to contributions made by neural pathways. Our research stems in part from the identification of novel neural mechanisms.