Our Lab
Our laboratory is dedicated to understanding how central circuits receive and process interoceptive signaling to generate autonomic motor output in the maintenance of homeostasis using cutting edge neurophysiological approaches. We provide unique insight into the integration of multiple physiological systems, with strong focuses in the context of cardiovascular and energy homeostatic regulation.
Decoding the Heart-Brain Connection
We specifically investigate autonomic circuits regulating vagal motor output using diverse techniques, ranging from whole-cell patch-clamp and single cell “omics” to whole animal telemetry paired with opto-/chemogenetic neuronal manipulations.
Our laboratory has a unique perspective allowing us to integrate single cell electrophysiology and function with overall physiological homeostasis. We hope that identifying early mechanistic consequences of poor cardiac vagal physiology could lead to the discovery of biomarkers, and new therapeutics targeting disease mechanisms, rather than symptoms.
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The Autonomic Nervous System
First described by Claude Bernard more than 150 years ago, the self-regulating ability of the body (or homeostasis) is still a critical component of understanding health and disease. Our autonomic nervous system is one critical component in the maintenance of homeostasis through its abilities to both sense our internal environment and control motor output to all organ systems.
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