Affiliation
MPI for Biological Intelligence - Department "Molecules - Signaling - Development"
Contact
Department "Molecules - Signaling - Development"
Am Klopferspitz 18
D-82152 Martinsried
Phone:
+49 (89) 8578 - 3151
Fax:
+49 (89) 8578 - 3152
Email:
brauer@neuro.mpg.de
Website:
https://www.bi.mpg.de/klein
Research Focus
Title: The role of the central amygdala in hypophagia induced by weight loss drugs
The central amygdala (CeA) is a critical hub for integrating sensory, contextual, emotional, and internal state information, orchestrating appropriate behavioural responses. In recent decades, this region has been implicated in different aspects of feeding behaviour, with some neuronal populations promoting food consumption and others contributing to meal termination. Recently, weight loss drugs have become increasingly popular; however, it remains unclear how these drugs induce hypophagia and contribute to weight reduction in patients. In our work, we aim to understand the effects of these weight loss drugs on the CeA and to determine whether the CeA is required for their action. To address this, we combine behavioural assays, viral tracing, targeted viral manipulations of specific neuronal populations, and calcium imaging in mice.
Project supervisor: Alicia Moraes Tamais and Alisson Pinto de Almeida
Skills:
- Motivation and enthusiasm for learning about behavioural neuroscience
- Comfort/openness to working with mice
- Previous experience with mice in any area (e.g., histology, behaviour) – nice to have