Investigating the role of dorsomedial hypothalamus in mammalian aging
Our brain, especially the hypothalamus, has a central role in the regulation of aging and longevity in mammals. Dr. Tokizane’s research focuses on what/how specific hypothalamic neurons are involved in the systemic aging/longevity control. He has identified a novel neuronal subpopulation in the hypothalamus that regulates physical activity and the activity of the sympathetic nerves system (SNS) into adipose tissue, both of which decline over age. Adipose tissue also regulates the hypothalamic function. Therefore, he hypothesizes that maintaining proper activity levels of a hypothalamic-adipose feedback loop driven by this novel population of hypothalamic neurons is critical to counteract age-associated physiological decline and possibly promote lifespan in mammals.
