Carie Boychuk

Associate Professor

Biomedical Sciences, INP,

boychukc@missouri.edu

Our laboratory focuses on the role of brainstem autonomic circuits in the control of cardiometabolic function, with a specific emphasis on the generation of parasympathetic motor output to organ systems critical in the regulation of cardiometabolic physiology. Parasympathetic premotor neurons of the brainstem send direct axonal projections to parasympathetic ganglia located in close apposition to their organ projections. These ganglia are to varying degrees subservient to their premotor neuron, and therefore parasympathetic premotor neurons are critical in the overall generation of parasympathetic motor output. Despite a robust understanding of the anatomy of these systems, understanding of how these parasympathetic premotor neurons integrate upstream central neurotransmission and intracellular signaling cascades remains limited, especially in the context of cardiometabolic diseases. Therefore, the aims of my laboratory are to expand our understanding of the generation of parasympathetic premotor neuron activity. Towards this goal we utilize a multidisciplinary approach that includes the use of integrated whole animal approaches and brain slice electrophysiology. We pair both techniques with innovative neuroscience techniques such as the generation of novel transgenic mouse lines and opto-/chemogenetics. Our efforts are important steps towards the development of centrally acting drugs that can effectively and safely alter parasympathetic motor output, since virtually no drugs exist on the market targeting this system.

We are always looking for talented trainees at all levels. Please inquire with Dr. Boychuk (boychukc@missouri.edu) if you are interested in joining our team.     

Find out more at the Boychuk Lab website.