Lab Overview

The laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind chemosensory functions in mammals and their impact on ingestive behaviors. The primary interest lies in the gustatory system, particularly how different taste receptor cells detect chemical cues and translate them into neural activity. This research involves sophisticated animal testing to study these processes, which could lead to the development of food additives beneficial for conditions like alcoholism and type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, the lab explores how taste receptors influence nutritional intake and post-meal responses. They are investigating the relationship between taste function variations and diet, lifestyle, and metabolic diseases. The discovery that taste receptors are also present in the lower gastrointestinal tract suggests a role in metabolism regulation. This research aims to understand how genetic variations in taste receptors affect obesity and diabetes, ultimately linking taste function to disease.

Faculty Host: Ming-fai Fong