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Julio Ayala

Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (MPB)
Vanderbilt Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (VMMPC)
Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research (VCAR)
Vanderbilt Brain Institute (VBI)
Vanderbilt Digestive Diseases Research Center (VDDRC)
Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center (DRTC)


My lab is interested in gut-brain interactions that play a role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. We focus on local effects of the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (Glp1) in the gut and both the peripheral and central nervous systems that regulate nutrient intake and energy expenditure. Our approaches include using transgenic mice, metabolic phenotyping, behavioral assays and opto/chemogenetics.

My lab is interested in gut-brain interactions that play a role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. We focus on local effects of the gut hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (Glp1) in the gut and both the peripheral and central nervous systems that regulate nutrient intake and energy expenditure. Our approaches include using transgenic mice, metabolic phenotyping, behavioral assays and opto/chemogenetics.

Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-1 , Brain , Food Intake , Energy Expenditure , Reward

Research Area: Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolism , Synaptic Function and Neuroendocrinology