Roger Adan
Position: Professor of Molecular Pharmacology
Email: r.a.h.adan@umcutrecht.nl
Phone: +31 (0)88 75 68517
Phone secretariat: +31 (0)88 75 68810
Genes are keys towards unraveling mechanisms underlying brain diseases. Genes express their roles by modulating properties of cells. Subsequently, for instance neurons act in neural circuits that control behavior. Feeding is a natural behavior that is easily studied. In comparison to other behaviors, the neural circuits and molecules that are involved in feeding behavior are better known. Therefore we study feeding behavior in order to delineate further how genes and neural circuits affect behavior. We aim to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat obesity and eating disorders.
RESEARCH
Aims:
Feeding behavior is a complex behavior that serves to control energy balance of an organism. Homeostatic control over energy balance is challenged by higher brain centers that drive feeding of palatable foods or inhibit feeding in order to loose weight. Disruptions in this control mechanism may contribute to development of eating disorders and obesity. We aim at unraveling the molecular and neural pathways underlying eating disorders and obesity.
Experimental strategy:
Several animal models are used in which for instance anorectic behavior (including hyperactivity) is mimicked or in which animals become obese following exposure to palatable choice diets. Optogenetics, DREADD technology and in vivo electrophysiology are applied to address the role of specific neural circuits on behavior. Using viral vector technology, genes are either overexpressed or knocked down (RNAi) in these animals, in order to unravel the role of genes in feeding behavior and energy balance. Results from animal experiments are translated into clinical relevance by using a human genetics approach as well as by neuroimaging. DNA from eating disorders patients and epidemiological cohorts is available with extensive phenotypic information. This allows to determine genotype-phenotype relationships in humans.
RECENT KEY PUBLICATIONS
1: la Fleur SE, van Rozen AJ, Luijendijk MC, Groeneweg F, Adan RA. A free-choice high-fat high-sugar diet induces changes in arcuate neuropeptide expression that support hyperphagia. Int J Obes (Lond). 2010;34(3):537-46
2: Adan RA, Hillebrand JJ, Danner UN, Cano SC, Kas MJ, Verhagen LA. Neurobiology driving hyperactivity in activity-based anorexia.Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2011;6:229-50
3: Adan RA, Vanderschuren LJ, la Fleur SE. Anti-obesity drugs and neural circuits of feeding. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 29, 2008, 208-217.
