Yue (Alvin) Deng, PhD

My research focuses on the brain mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation. By integrating transgenic animal models with cutting-edge neuroscience tools and comprehensive physiological and behavioral phenotyping systems, I aim to identify the neural circuits and molecular pathways that govern complex physiological processes. Currently, I am investigating subpopulations of estrogen receptor α–expressing neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus that regulate body temperature and thermoregulatory behaviors, as well as androgen receptor–expressing neurons in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus that regulate energy and glucose balance. This work has the potential to provide novel insights into the neural control of fundamental physiological functions and to uncover therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders such as obesity. Outside of the lab, I enjoy doing casual sports and cooking new recipes on the weekends.