Kunio Kondoh

Assistant Professor, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institute of Natural Sciences *Profile is at the time of the award.

2021Inamori Research GrantsBiology & Life sciences

Research topics
Analysis of neural circuit that links the central nervous system and peripheral tissues responsible for energy metabolism
Keyword
Summary
Our body has a mechanism called "energy homeostasis" that keeps the energy state in the body stable. While the energy homeostasis maintains our health, disruption of energy homeostasis causes the development of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. The brain plays a central role in energy homeostasis. It integrates information about the external environment and the internal energy state, and then controls the energy metabolism of various peripheral tissues. Therefore, understanding the mechanism by which the brain obtains information and controls peripheral tissues in various environments leads to an understanding of energy homeostasis.
We have identified several groups of neurons that mediate energy metabolism in peripheral tissues. By studying how the activities of these neurons are regulated and how these neurons control peripheral metabolisms, we would like to unveil novel mechanisms of energy metabolism.

Comment

Since ancient times, the relationship between the brain and the body has attracted people's interest, as represented by phrases such as "Care killed a. cat." With the development of various technologies, it is finally possible to study the brain and peripheral tissues together. Through this funded research, I would like to discover a new relationship between the brain and the body.

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Biology & Life sciences