Our Research

Long-Distance Endosome & EV Signaling

Neurons can extend axons over remarkably long distances — sometimes exceeding a meter in length. How do survival signals generated at the axon terminal travel back to the cell body to influence gene expression?

Our lab studies signaling endosomes, membrane-bound compartments that carry activated receptors retrogradely along axons, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) that serve as intercellular messengers between neurons and glia.

Adaptive Metabolism & Weight-Loss Drug Mechanisms

Our most exciting and newest research direction explores how the brain regulates feeding behavior and energy expenditure — and how next-generation therapeutics reshape these circuits.

In collaboration with Ali Güler's lab, we investigate how the brain regulates feeding and energy balance. We study neurotrophic factor signaling in hypothalamic circuits, p75NTR's role in feeding behavior, and how caloric restriction reshapes sympathetic outflow to adipose tissue.

We also investigate how neurons undergo metabolic reprogramming after development is complete, adapting their energy usage for the demands of adult function.

Technology Development

Answering fundamental questions often requires building new tools. Our lab develops cutting-edge technologies that enable experiments previously thought impossible.

We pioneered magnetogenetics, a technique that uses magnetic fields to activate TRPV4 channels and remotely control neuronal activity without implants or tethered hardware.

We also developed mass cytometry (CyTOF) approaches for single-cell protein profiling in the brain, enabling high-dimensional characterization of neural and glial cell types at unprecedented depth.