Xin-Yun Lu
Professor of Pharmacology
Ph.D., Washington State University
Office: 210-567-0803
Email: lux3@uthscsa.edu
View a video introduction to Dr. Lu's lab
Research Interests
leptin | adiponectin |
depression | PTSD | anxiety | metabolic disorders |
neural plasticity |
Research Activities
My laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms and neural circuits underlying mood and metabolic disorders. Our current research focuses on the roles of adipose-derived hormones, leptin and adiponectin, in regulating neuronal plasticity (synaptogenesis and neurogenesis), cognition and emotion. We utilize neuron-specific transgenic mouse models, various types of stress and behavioral paradigms, in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, in vivo real-time neurochemical monitoring and neuronal tracing techniques to understand how adipose-derived hormones communicate with the brain to contribute to the pathogenesis of major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and cognitive dysfunction and further explore their therapeutic potential for these psychiatric disorders.
Research Group