Research interests  

The Zhang Lab focuses on defining the connectivity and function of neural circuits that regulate food intake and motivated behaviors. We are particularly interested in how the brain integrates the peripheral signals especially metabolic hormones to control feeding motivation and food intake. In combination with traditional tools such as immunocytochemistry and electrophysiology, we utilize a variety of cutting-edge techniques including optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry, and virus-based neural circuit tracing to dissect neural circuits in the regulation of food intake and feeding-related behaviors. Our researches are currently funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).