Obesity and the Digestive System
Randall R. Sakai, PhD
Professor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience
Description of Research
Dr. Sakai’s research on digestive disease examines the relationship between social stress and regulation of food intake. He uses a unique animal model to determine how social hierarchies influence the regulation of food intake and body weight and to identify the neuroendocrine mechanisms that underlie social influences on body weight. His research utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to examine behavioral and physiological phenomena at multiple levels and includes behavioral observations, in vivo manipulations such as antisense oligodeoxynucleotide technology, and molecular biological assays. Dr. Sakai also has a non-digestive disease research program focused on the role of the renin-angiotensin system and adrenal steroids in mediating thirst and sodium appetite.
Collaborations and Core Use
Dr. Sakai collaborates with Drs. D’Alessio, Seeley, Tso, and Woods on examining the effects of stress on body weight and body composition. Anticipated Core use: Biostatistical service.
