Neurobiology of Nutrition Laboratory

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Research Interests

Dr. Shin's lab is interested in how the brain controls metabolism and nutrient partitioning as well as the long-term regulation of body weight and appetite. The main research project aims to understand the role of insulin action in the brain in regulating branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism and how this central control can contribute to glucose homeostasis by using molecular, pharmacological, transgenic, surgical, and integrative physiological approaches.

Other ongoing research projects:

• Association between Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease
• Effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on appetite, hedonics, and reward control and the underlying mechanisms
• Understanding how nicotine affects blood glucose

Current Funding

• NIH R01 AG071560-01A1
  • Serotonin-modulated mitochondrial dysfunction in dementia, depression and diabetes, Feb 2022 – Jan 2027
    (Multiple PIs: Vijay Hegde, Andrew C. Shin)
• NIH R01 1R01AG073826-01A1
  • The hippocampal dentate gyrus in aging and Alzheimer's disease: boosting transcription of retinoic acid-sensitive genes through vitamin A supplementation and HDAC inhibition, Aug 2022 – Apr 2027
  • (PI: John J. Lawrence; Co-I: Andrew C. Shin)
• AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award, American Heart Association (AHA)
  
  • The role of BCAAs in the brain reward system and food appetite, Jan 2025 – Dec 2026
  • (PI: Andrew C. Shin)
• Diabetes Action Foundation
  
  • The acute effects of BCAAs on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and their underlying mechanisms, Jan 2025 – Dec 2025
  • (PI: Andrew C. Shin)
• National Research Foundation, South Korea
  
  • Identifying multi-dimensional druggable targets for obesity treatment, Apr 2024 – Mar 2029
  • (PI: Hyung Jin Choi; External Investigator: Andrew C. Shin)
• Cross-Disciplinary Research Excellence Award, TTU
  • Transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation for obesity treatment, Apr 2024 – April 2025
  • (PI: Andrew C. Shin; Co-PI: Jingfei Liu) 
• Alzheimer’s Association Research Grant (AARG)                                        
  • A BCAA-lowering compound as a novel approach to delay the onset of AD, Sep 2023 – Sep 2026
  • (PI: Andrew C. Shin)
• College of Human Sciences, TTU
  • The role of BCAAs in food reward, April 2024 – April 2025
  • (PI: Andrew C. Shin)
• College of Human Sciences, TTU
  • Semaglutide impact assessment: Exploring health and wellness outcomes, Mar 2024 – Mar 2025
  • (PIs: Melissa Chernoff; Andrew C. Shin; Allison Childress; Shannon Galyean)