It is known that the brain plays an important role in orchestrating homeostatic processes. Our group is specifically interested in how it controls peripheral glucose levels and how this is changed in diabetes. Specialised neurocircuitry in the brain exists that has the ability to sense blood glucose and communicate with the periphery in order to maintain glucose homeostasis. My current research focuses on elucidating the distribution, function and molecular signatures of these neurons by using cutting edge genetically encoded tools, metabolic phenotyping techniques and high-throughput sequencing. Fully understanding the complexity of these neural pathways will be important for identifying whether they can be potential targets for novel pharmacological interventions for diabetes.
