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)
- Serotonin-modulated mitochondrial dysfunction in dementia, depression and diabetes,
Feb 2022 – Jan 2027
- 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)
- Alzheimers 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)
Nutritional Sciences
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Address
Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 41270, Lubbock, TX 79409-1270 -
Phone
806.742.5270 -
Email
hs.webmaster@ttu.edu