Research/Areas of Interest:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) acts on neurons and astrocytes in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and is involved in energy balance. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is an important receptor expressed in these VMH neurons and deletion of this receptor can lead to impaired insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and lipid metabolism. In my rotation, I am investigating how mGluR5 mediates the effects of BDNF on metabolism and energy.
Education
BA, Molecular and Cell Biology & Psychology, University of California - Berkeley, Berkeley, CA