Neuroendocrine Control of Energy Balance

Our laboratory’s overarching goal seeks to understand the neuroendocrine systems regulating energy balance and motivated behaviors. Using multiple approaches from the cell to the whole organism and extensively examine the role of various neuroendocrine signaling systems (e.g., GLP-1, leptin, amylin, CCK, serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine) in peripheral and central control of food intake and body weight regulation.

Overall, our research program takes a novel systems-neuroscience approach aimed at enhancing the development of realistic pharmacological-based therapeutics to treat obesity and associated comorbidities (e.g. obesity, eating disorders, diabetes, drug addiction and nausea / malaise).

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Corrination of a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Glycemic Control without Emesis

In collaboration with Syracuse University professor Dr. Robert Doyle, our labs created a conjugated GLP-1R agonist (Cbi-Ex4) with reduced brain penetrance that enhances glycemic control without inducing emesis or anorexia. Our preclinical findings highlight its potential therapeutic use for patients seeking improved glycemic control without the loss of appetite and emesis characteristic of current GLP-1 therapeutics.

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GIP Receptor Agonism Attenuates GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Induced Nausea and Emesis in Preclinical Models

Our research uncovered that glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) signaling blocks emesis and attenuates illness behaviors elicited by GLP-1R activation, while maintaining reduced food intake, body weight loss, and improved glucose tolerance.

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GDF15 Induces Anorexia through Nausea and Emesis

Assessing whether or not GDF15 produces emesis and/or emetic- like behaviors in the vomiting shrew (Suncus murinus) and non-vomiting rat.