CAGLAR LAB

The major goal of our research is to understand the neuronal and molecular mechanisms that govern binge eating

Research

Several mechanisms exist in the brain to detect and respond to disruptions in the balance between satiety and hunger. However, it is possible for these mechanisms to be impaired, which in turn may lead to various disorders and abnormal behaviors, such as binge eating. Binge eating is defined as eating much more than one can consume in a short period of time due to a satiety deficit. To elucidate the underlying neuronal and molecular mechanisms that trigger binge eating, our lab utilizes wide range of cutting-edge technologies. By using recombinase driver mice and recombinase-dependent AAVs that express a variety of genetically encoded tools, the major goals of Caglarlab are to:

1-) Map neuronal connectivity and establish wiring diagrams

2-) Control the firing rate of neurons in vivo to determine their functions in the regulation of binge eating

3-) Obtain insights into the response of neurons in vivo to binge eating

Thus, the accumulation of knowledge in our lab will provide new principals for appetite regulation to develop novel therapeutic agents to combat binge eating and its related disorders.

Caner Caglar`s Latest Publications

Restriction of food intake by PPP1R17-expressing neurons in the DMH

In this article published in PNAS in 2021, we report that PPP1r17 neurons are activated by increased food intake and that activating them results in decreased food intake and body weight, while inhibiting them leads to increased body weight and food intake. These data suggest that PPP1r17 neurons restrict binges of eating. In addition to its basic science importance, these findings could have therapeutic applications, as they suggest that pharmacologic activation of PPP1R17 neurons could potentially reduce weight in settings of obesity and binge-like eating.

Collaborative Work

In collaboration with researchers at Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and The Rockefeller University, Dr. Caglar has published work in high impact journals such as Cell, Neuron, American Journal of Human Genetics, PNAS, among others.

Publication List