In Vivo Studies
The Haskell-Luevano lab contains mice with a special genetic mutation in which the melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) and/or melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) are knocked-out. The purpose of these animals is to mimic human metabolic diseases such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. These animals help us examine how melanocortin-specific affect metabolism and exercise.
Feeding Studies
Feeding studies are a simple method to measure the effects of melanocortin agonists and antagonists in vivo. Mice receive intracerebroventricular injections of a given compound and their hourly food intake is measured. A melanocortin 4 receptor agonist will decrease food intake while an antagonist with increase food intake. This mouse model is necessary to test drugs that are synthesized in the lab.
Metabolic Studies
The Haskell-Luevano lab has TSE metabolic chambers that can be used to examine individual mouse metabolic phenotypes such as respiratory exchange ratio, food intake, water intake, ambulatory activity, running wheel activity and energy expenditure.
Exercise Studies
The Haskell-Luevano lab uses mouse running wheels to help examine how exercise influences metabolic phenotypes and gene expression in the Melanocortin pathway.
