Midwestern University-Downers Grove · PhysiologyThe GutNeuron Nexus
Sinju Sundaresan · Downers Grove, Illinois
Research Focus
Sinju Sundaresan's lab at Midwestern University focuses on understanding how certain nerve cells in the gut, called Intrinsic Primary Afferent Neurons (IPANs), influence nutrient sensing and obesity. They explore how these neurons interact with food intake and metabolism, particularly in the context of obesity and diabetes. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these neurons affect glucose and lipid absorption, and how they might contribute to behaviors related to food reward and cravings.
intestinal nutrient sensingobesityIntrinsic Primary Afferent Neuronsglucose absorptionlipid transportvagal activitymetabolismneuroplasticitydiabetesreward reinforcement
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of IPANs in modulating glucose and lipid absorption in the intestine.
AIM 02Examine how IPAN activity influences vagal-mediated reward reinforcement.
AIM 03Explore the molecular mechanisms that cause IPANs to fire and how this contributes to obesity.
AIM 04Evaluate if reducing IPAN activity can prevent weight gain in diet-induced obese mice.
AIM 05Study the interaction between enteric sensory neurons and the brain regarding nutrient sensing.
Skills the Lab Values
molecular techniqueselectrophysiologyanimal modelingchemo genetic targetingtissue culturebehavioral assaysmicroscopydata analysis in neuroscienceimmunohistochemistry
Output against the department
Publications94bottom 25% of dept.212th of 286
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.3kbottom 5% of dept.273rd of 286
this lab
most citedleast cited
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