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