Qingchun Tong

Identification of a neural basis orchestrating anorexia nervosa-like phenotypes

This study identifies a neural mechanism in mice where aberrant glutamatergic signaling from MBH SF1/ER neurons induces AN-like behaviors, suggesting BDNF as a therapeutic target.

A Hypothalamic Inhibitory Circuit Encoding the Scalability of Stress Responses

The paper identifies a hypothalamic inhibitory circuit that modulates stress response scalability by regulating GABA release in response to prolonged stressors.

A genetic tool targeting brain GPR75

The paper develops a GPR75-GFP-Ires-Cre knockin mouse strain to study GPR75's role in diet-induced obesity by visualizing its brain expression and function.

An obligatory role for AgRP neurons in maintaining body temperature during time-restricted feeding

This study shows AgRP neurons are essential for maintaining body temperature during time-restricted feeding but not for body weight regulation when food is freely available.

5-HT Neurons Integrate GABA and Dopamine Inputs to Regulate Meal Initiation

The paper shows that 5-HTDRN neurons are inhibited by GABA and dopamine, enabling meal initiation through their synergistic effects.

An Excitatory Projection from the Basal Forebrain to the Ventral Tegmental Area Underlying Anorexia-like Phenotypes

The paper identifies a glutamatergic circuit from the basal forebrain to the ventral tegmental area that reduces appetite and causes anorexia-like behaviors by decreasing dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.