Research themes
- Metabolic physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Research interests
- CNS regulation of metabolism
- Hormonal regulation of metabolism
Keywords
- Feeding
- Carbohydrate metabolism
- Lipid metabolism
- Central nervous system
- Nutrients
- Hormone
- Environmental factors
- Gene expression
Research summary
The central nervous system (CNS) plays a major role in the regulation of whole-body metabolism. Dr. Tooru Mizuno’s laboratory is interested in how the CNS, in particular the hypothalamus, controls metabolism and neuroendocrine function. Specifically, we investigate how hypothalamic neurons and glial cells regulate metabolism by responding to changes in nutrient (such as glucose and lipids) and hormonal (such as insulin, leptin and gastrointestinal hormones) signals and environmental changes. Techniques being utilized in these studies include animal models, pharmacological treatment, comprehensive analysis of metabolic parameters and behavior, in vitro and ex vivo cell/tissue culture, and molecular and biochemical analysis.