Research projects

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The insular cortex is a key interoceptive brain area to sense body states and generate proper behaviors. I hypothesize that different populations of neurons in the insula represent distinct body states. I am studying insula neural dynamics during different body states and state transitions referred by animal behavioral sequences.

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the brain plays a role in complex behaviors including decision-making and impulse control. I hypothesize that the mFPC integrates interoceptive information to make proper choices. I am investigating the neural dynamics during choice behaviors. 

Leptin is a hormone released by adipose tissue to suppress body weight by inhibiting food intake and increasing energy expenditure1. Many former studies revealed that leptin receptors (LepR) in the hypothalamus regulate energy homeostasis. Surprisingly, there is a relatively high number of LepR in the insular cortex compared to surrounding cortical areas. Yet, to date, the role of LepR in the insular cortex has not been systematically studied. I am investigating leptin signals in the insula.

We developed an INGEsT (INstrument for Gauging Eating and Thirst) custom-made feeding/drinking behavioral box to study the neural correlates of self-motivated and learned ingestive behavior by the combination of FED3 food dispenser, lickometer, camera, LED light for optogenetics, and inscopix miniscope.