Bradford Lowell, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Medicine
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Center for Life Sciences
Room 703
3 Blackfan Circle
Boston, MA 02115
Telephone: 617-735-3366
Fax: 617-735-3323
Email: blowell@bidmc.harvard.edu
The Lowell Lab is an Integrative Molecular Physiology group which utilizes genetic engineering techniques in mice to study central and peripheral pathways controlling energy balance.
- Functional Neurocircuitry of Body Weight Control. Neuroanatomical mapping studies have identified neurocircuits which may be important in regulating food intake and energy expenditure. We are using conditional, neuron-specific gene targeting methods to determine the functional importance of these neurocircuits in controlling body weight. Techniques being utilized include BAC transgenesis, neuron-specific gene knockouts, and neuron-specific gene reactivations.
- Uncoupling Protein (UCP)-Mediated Mitochondrial Proton Leak. UCP2 negatively regulates insulin secretion and upregulation of UCP2 in obesity causes pancreatic b-cell dysfunction. Superoxide stimulates UCP2-mediated proton leak and this superoxide – UCP2 pathway contributes importantly to the development of beta cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. We are now investigating the role of UCP2 in negatively regulating glucose-sensing in the brain.
- Mechanisms of Diet-Induced Thermogenesis. bARs and the sympathetic nervous system are necessary for diet-induced thermogenesis and this pathway is critical in the defense against diet-induced obesity. Using mice genetically engineered to lack bARs as the genetic background, we are transgenically re-expressing bARs in candidate thermogenic target tissues and then assessing effects on diet-induced thermogenesis and diet-induced obesity.
For a complete listing of Bradford Lowell's publications in PubMed, click here.
Neuroscience webpage updated 12/02/2009

