Our current metabolic projects:

Role of microRNAs in AgRP neurons in the development of obesity

Identity of cell subpopulation in the hypothalamus which is crucial for development of the obesity phenotype following microRNA loss in the forebrain of transgenic mutants (Vinnikov et al., 2014).

c-fos in arcuate nucleus during fasting

We demonstrated that c-Fos expression is changed in arcuate nucleus during fasting. Strong c-Fos signal is observed from 3 to 24 hours after food removal. c-Fos expression colocalize with AgRP/NPY neurons in medial part of arcuate. Moreover, we are able to induce c-Fos expression using optogenetics in fed mice. To investigate its role in control of food intake, we are working on silencing c-Fos expression with LV vectors and CRISPAR technology.

microRNAs in white and brown adipose tissue

The role of microRNAs in cells of peripheral tissues involved in metabolism e.g. adipose tissue. We are focusing on investigating microRNAs induced during calorie restriction and their impact on subsequent motivation of animals to food seeking. Additionally, we are studying a function of microRNAs in thermogenesis generated in brown adipose tissue.

Influence of different diets on mouse microbiome

We are testing four diets: standard, Western Diet, High Fat Diet and ketogenic diet in mice and their influence on the composition of the microbiome. We are also monitoring the metabolic parameters and the way brain controls amount of calories animals consume. The ultimate goal in the laboratory is to combine cognitive and metabolic projects and test mice fed different diets in advanced cognitive tests in the IntelliCage.