Brenton Laing
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Research Assistant Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
The research of Dr. Laing focuses on neuronal circuitry of the hypothalamus and connected brain regions to control the regulation of fight-or-flight and feeding behaviors. How is it that short-term threats trigger mobilization of many organ systems for defensive responding? What are the consequences of repeated threat exposure on physiology, behavior, and health? The Laing Lab monitors neuronal activity patterns in vivo using microendoscopy with fluorescent biosensors and relates these patterns to behavior, physiology, or exposure to environmental stimuli. The lab manipulates neuronal patterns in vivo using optogenetics, chemogenetics, and pharmacological methods to define causal roles of discrete neuronal populations. The lab uses fluorescent tracers to map synaptic connections in the brain. In addition, the Laing Lab conducts patch clamp electrophysiology experiments in brain slices to characterize the biophysical properties of cells, explore the effects of substances on neuronal activity through receptors, and test functional neurotransmitter release in brain circuitry.
Research Interests
Anterior hypothalamic area control of threat detection. Hypothalamic regulation of energy balance. The effects of circulating factors and drugs on neuronal activity. Optogenetics, chemogenetics, calcium imaging and behavior.
Education
B.S. Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State (2012)
M.Sc Recreational Therapy Administration, East Carolina University (2018)
Ph.D. Bioenergetics and Exercise Science, East Carolina University (2018)