Eating is the only way for mammals to replenish energy and nutrients, and is crucial for survival. It can have significant effects on our health, including weight, energy metabolism, immune function, and even lifespan.

By using chemogenetics, optogenetics, circuit mapping, electrophysiological recordings, fiber photometry, and optical imaging tools, Zhan lab studies the neural circuitry mechanisms underlying energy metabolism, including eating behavior, body temperature regulation, and glucose metabolism. Dr. zhan’s early work revealed the functional and anatomical differences between the different populations of POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the nucleus of solitary tract (NTS) (Journal of neuroscience 2013, Frontier in neuroanatomy 2015). Our laboratory has recently focused on catecholaminergic neurons in the brainstem, including the NTS and ventrolateral medulla (VLM). We found that catecholaminergic neurons in the VLM play an essential role in the regulation of stress-induced hyperglycemia (Neuron 2017). Interestingly, another population of NTS catecholaminergic neurons coexpressing neuropeptide Y has potent appetite promotion effects, and eventually, our study identified the first vagal-NTS orexigenic neural pathway (Current Biology 2020).

 

We are currently working on the underlying neural mechanisms by which fasting or caloric restriction affects physiological functions, such as appetite, energy metabolism, and the immune system. We are also interested in the neuro-immune interactions, particularly those between the nervous, behaviors, and immune functions.