Nicolas Berbari, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Biology, Neuroscience
Research
Research Areas
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Research Affiliations
- IU Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute
Current work in the lab focuses on the roles of small hair-like cellular appendages called cilia. We are particularly interested in their roles in the brain. Interestingly, when cilia are disrupted in the feeding centers of the brain this results in obesity in both mice and patients with genetic disorders that affect cilia function. We are currently trying to determine how cilia can affect appetite and satiety. We are utilizing conditional and congenital knockout mouse models, tissue culture, pharmacology and electrophysiology to address this question.
Education
- 2002 B.S. Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana
- 2008 Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio