Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis · BiologyBerbari Lab
Nicolas F Berbari · Indianapolis, Indiana
Research Focus
Dr. Nicolas Berbari's lab at Indiana University Indianapolis explores how a specific signaling pathway, known as Hedgehog signaling, affects energy balance in the brain. By studying neurons in the hypothalamus, the lab aims to understand how these signals can influence feeding behavior and contribute to obesity. Their research could provide insights into potential treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders.
Hedgehog signalingenergy homeostasisobesityneurobiologyhypothalamus
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how Hedgehog signaling in the adult hypothalamus regulates energy homeostasis.
AIM 02Identify the sources of Hedgehog ligands that influence feeding behavior.
AIM 03Test the effects of Hedgehog activation on neuronal activity related to appetite control.
AIM 04Examine the role of ciliary GPCRs in energy regulation through Hedgehog signaling.
AIM 05Integrate findings on Hedgehog signaling and ciliary function to understand obesity mechanisms.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemouse modelsimmunofluorescencein situ hybridizationelectrophysiologyWestern blotbehavioral assaysPCRpharmacological testing
Output against the department
Publications84bottom 26% of dept.756th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.7kbottom 28% of dept.746th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.