Neuron Network

A section of the hypothalamus called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) lies at the center of the body’s master clock and gets input directly from light sensors in the eyes, keeping the rest of the body on schedule. My lab studies the molecules, cells, and circuits underlying these circadian rhythms in the SCN using techniques that include real-time cellular imaging and multiple genetic manipulations, i.e. mutants, knockouts, transgenics, optogenetics, etc. This approach is giving new insight into the roles of specific neuropeptides and G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling circuits in the rich repertoire of daily behaviors and physiologies.
See: Doi et al Nature Commun, 2011; Yamaguchi et al Science, 2013