Diet-Induced Metabolic Alterations (Jais-Lab)
Neurobiology and Metabolic ResearchThe consumption of palatable, energy-dense food is a major contributor to overeating and weight gain. This phenomenon is driven by mechanisms within the central nervous system (CNS) that respond to the sensory and nutritional properties of such foods. Circulating nutrients, metabolites, and hormones, released by peripheral organs such as adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, and the gastrointestinal tract, serve as critical feedback signals to the CNS. These signals are integrated by specific neuronal populations, which coordinate behavioral and metabolic responses aimed at maintaining energy and metabolic homeostasis. However, under conditions of sustained overconsumption, these finely tuned regulatory systems can become dysregulated, leading to the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing the understanding of CNS-driven mechanisms underlying the consumption of palatable, energy-dense foods. Specifically, we focus on identifying and characterizing the neurocircuitries activated by these foods. Using cutting-edge neuroscience techniques, we aim to map the anatomical distribution, molecular identity, and connectivity of neuronal populations involved in the processing of these sensory and nutritional stimuli. This includes employing approaches such as chemogenetics, optogenetics, and advanced imaging modalities to dissect the functional roles of these neurons in real-time.
Beyond characterizing the immediate effects of palatable food consumption on neural activity, our research seeks to uncover the long-term consequences of these neuronal activations. We investigate how chronic stimulation of specific neural pathways contributes to maladaptive changes in energy balance regulation, ultimately leading to obesity and metabolic dysfunction. By understanding these processes, we aim to identify critical points of intervention that could restore proper energy homeostasis.
Our ultimate goal is translational: to utilize the knowledge gained from these studies to develop novel, noninvasive therapeutic strategies for combating obesity and other widespread metabolic disorders.
The consumption of palatable, energy-dense food is a major contributor to overeating and weight gain. This phenomenon is driven by mechanisms within the central nervous system (CNS) that respond to the sensory and nutritional properties of such foods. Circulating nutrients, metabolites, and hormones, released by peripheral organs such as adipose tissue, liver, pancreas, and the gastrointestinal tract, serve as critical feedback signals to the CNS. These signals are integrated by specific neuronal populations, which coordinate behavioral and metabolic responses aimed at maintaining energy and metabolic homeostasis. However, under conditions of sustained overconsumption, these finely tuned regulatory systems can become dysregulated, leading to the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing the understanding of CNS-driven mechanisms underlying the consumption of palatable, energy-dense foods. Specifically, we focus on identifying and characterizing the neurocircuitries activated by these foods. Using cutting-edge neuroscience techniques, we aim to map the anatomical distribution, molecular identity, and connectivity of neuronal populations involved in the processing of these sensory and nutritional stimuli. This includes employing approaches such as chemogenetics, optogenetics, and advanced imaging modalities to dissect the functional roles of these neurons in real-time.
Beyond characterizing the immediate effects of palatable food consumption on neural activity, our research seeks to uncover the long-term consequences of these neuronal activations. We investigate how chronic stimulation of specific neural pathways contributes to maladaptive changes in energy balance regulation, ultimately leading to obesity and metabolic dysfunction. By understanding these processes, we aim to identify critical points of intervention that could restore proper energy homeostasis.
Our ultimate goal is translational: to utilize the knowledge gained from these studies to develop novel, noninvasive therapeutic strategies for combating obesity and other widespread metabolic disorders.
Lab Members
Publications
Universität Leipzig
Novo Nordisk ©
Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung