About the Lab
The Yong Xu lab is interested in novel neural circuits, neurotransmitters and intra-neuronal signals that are critical for coordinated control of metabolism and behavior. We generate unique mouse models, using Cre-loxP/Flp-frt strategy, with genes of interest manipulated in specific populations of neurons at the time of choice. We use these models, in combination of the modern chemogenetics/optogenetics, fiber photometry, electrophysiology and neurotracing approaches, to establish the physiological relevance of specific neural networks in the regulation of energy/glucose homeostasis and behaviors.
Current Projects:
- Neural circuits and obesity mechanisms - USDA/CRIS 3092-51000-064-01S
- Neurobiology for the sex differences in energy balance - R01 DK117281
- Brain steroid receptor coactivators and energy homeostasis - P01 DK113954
- Hypothalamic Grb10 and body weight - R01 DK115761
- 5-HT neurons integrate neural inputs to regulate food intake - R01 DK120858
- Brain estrogen regulates energy and glucose balance - R01 DK125480
Primary Investigator
Dr. Xu's research interests are in the areas of neural control of metabolism and behavior.
Lab Members
View a listing of the Xu Lab members along with links to their bios.
Publications
Our research projects and studies result in publications in PubMed and other scientific journals
Featured Publication
Dr. Yong Xu was a part of a collaborative study "Serotonin 2C receptor associated with obesity and maladaptive behavior" involving Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Cambridge and the University of Exeter Medical School. The study was highlighted in a BCM press release along with being published in Nature Medicine journal on Dec 19, 2022. After the release the research was additionally acknowledged by the following news websites: Mirage News and Nature Reviews Endocrinology. View the BCM Press Release.
Credit
Image of the Month: January 2022
Microscopy image of a brain region that coordinates survival adaptations to food shortages. In the hippocampal dentate gyrus of the brain, SRC-2 (green) is abundantly expressed, co-localizing with several POMC-lineage neurons (red).
Each month the Baylor College of Medicine blog, From the Labs, features an image from our labs and cores. For the month of January 2022, the Xu's Lab image was published in the blog.
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
The Xu Lab is part of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center which conducts basic and clinical research that represents the vibrant and diverse scope of childhood nutrition. Studies carried out at the CNRC investigate molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases, human nutrition and metabolism, plant physiology, epidemiology, and community-based health. The CNRC houses laboratories supported by state-of-the-art equipment, room calorimeters, a greenhouse, a metabolic kitchen, multiple observation labs, as well as accommodations for research volunteers.
Yong Xu Lab
Children's Nutrition Research Center
1100 Bates St, #8066, Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 713-798-7199 / Fax: 713-798-7199 / Email: Yongx@bcm.edu
