About the Lab
Our research program seeks to understand the effect of various factors on the regulation of gluconeogenesis. Glucose turnover measurements using stable isotopes and mass spectrometry technique provide definite evidence for a metabolic dysfunction when measured in a disease condition in contrast to a healthy state. My laboratory carry out total glucose production and gluconeogenesis rates measurements in human volunteers and in genetic mice models using stable isotope labeled glucose and water (natural and non-radioactive), in order to investigate glucose metabolism among various conditions.
Current Project
We are currently studying hormone leptin’s role in the regulation of glucose metabolism. The goal of this project is to understand the role of leptin and leptin receptor on hepatic glucose production via gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. We are also investigating the effect of certain small molecules on glucose production via gluconeogenic pathway.
Primary Investigator
Dr. Chacko’s research interests: multidisciplinary approaches to determine how genetic and environmental manipulation can be used to enhance the nutritional quality of plant based foods and determine how the chemical components of foods influence our health.
Research Areas
View a listing of the current research areas for the Chacko Lab
Publications
Our research projects and studies result in publications in PubMed and other scientific journals.
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
The Chacko Lab is part of the Children's Nutrition Research Center which houses state-of-the-art laboratories, a vast array of equipment, a greenhouse, observation labs, research volunteer accommodations, a metabolic kitchen, and an elite group of scientists conducting groundbreaking research.
Shaji Chacko Lab
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
1100 Bates Ave., Room: CNRC-7010
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 798-6725 / Email: schacko@bcm.edu
