研究方向
個人的研究主要是探討生物時鐘 (biological clock)的日變節律 (circadian rhythm)現象,過去十年內主要是以神經化學,結合神經內分泌學與生殖內分泌學的研究範疇,探討下視丘多巴胺神經元系統的日變週期,並探討其發育源由 (ontogeny)、神經間的交互作用、甚至到性別差異 (sexual difference)等獨特現象。近年來,由於分子生物技術的盛行,加上基因體計畫成果的大幅躍進,因此個人進一步地再加上由基因層面,並佐以動物行為觀測來探討日變節律此一現象。同時個人也同樣發現哺乳類中從小鼠到人類相似性極高的生物時鐘相關基因 (circadian-clock genes)並非僅存與中樞神經系統,而是遍佈全身器官,而這些基因與生物時鐘的成因,可能有極大的關連性,此成果已刊登在Neuroscience與International Journal of Obesity此國際權威期刊。個人加入生理暨解剖醫學研究所的研究與教學團隊,便是欲以過往對生物時鐘的研究專長,結合本單位對醫學研究的熱忱,與既有的獨特研究成果,希望能早日撥起日變節律現象的神秘面紗,更希望未來能進一步地提供有睡眠障礙、或因輪班工作及因商務旅行頻繁造成時差困擾者,有更多治療或適應的契機。此外,個人的研究方向亦有興趣於探討在中樞神經系統的飲食相關因子對飲食行為的調控,希望進而了解肥胖的成因並提供未來治療肥胖之方向;並探討現代文明病之一的精神壓力,其形成原因的背後可能機轉,以及中樞系統中有那些因子參與其中,並探討抗精神藥物減壓的療效與評估。所有研究皆是希望能未來對人類有多一分助益。
Research Interests:
Our research team is focusing on the investigation of circadian-clock systems. The metabolic, endocrine, and behavioral functions of living organisms are intimately tied to environmental periodicity caused by self-rotation of the earth. All eukaryotes have internal timing mechanisms, i.e. the circadian-clock systems, which generate physiological and behavioral rhythms that can be synchronized to the 24 h environmental cycle. These circadian-clock systems maintain timing harmony between the organism and its environment and circadian timing is a highly conserved feature during the evolution and serves the vital role by matching numerous physiological functions to anticipated environmental demands.
An all-comprehensive principle to have emerged from studies of circadian-clock systems and energy balance is that both of these dynamic processes exhibit a hierarchical organization in which the brain drives the function of peripheral tissues. Studies suggest that such interconnections also extend to co-regulation of metabolic and circadian-clock transcription networks within individual peripheral tissues and cells. Recent results suggest that a reciprocal relationship exists between the circadian-clock systems and metabolic pathways. Therefore, we have focused on the following issues related to the circadian-clock systems.
1. Effects of chronic high-fat diet on circadian-clock systems
2. Circadian-clock systems affected by the insulin resistance
3. Effects of jet lag or circadian disruption on the circadian systems and energy metabolism
Moreover, we have some cooperation with clinical issues to do the translational researches on patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, schizophrenia or epilepsy.
An all-comprehensive principle to have emerged from studies of circadian-clock systems and energy balance is that both of these dynamic processes exhibit a hierarchical organization in which the brain drives the function of peripheral tissues. Studies suggest that such interconnections also extend to co-regulation of metabolic and circadian-clock transcription networks within individual peripheral tissues and cells. Recent results suggest that a reciprocal relationship exists between the circadian-clock systems and metabolic pathways. Therefore, we have focused on the following issues related to the circadian-clock systems.
1. Effects of chronic high-fat diet on circadian-clock systems
2. Circadian-clock systems affected by the insulin resistance
3. Effects of jet lag or circadian disruption on the circadian systems and energy metabolism
Moreover, we have some cooperation with clinical issues to do the translational researches on patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, schizophrenia or epilepsy.