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Scripps Research Joint Appointments

Department of Chemical Physiology

Research Focus

Our laboratory is interested in the biological role of cytokines in the central nervous system and in the role of central thermoregulation in energy homeostasis and aging.

In particular, we are investigating the biology of interleukin 18 (IL-18) and of interleukin 13 (IL-13) in the central nervous system (CNS).  These cytokines can participate in local inflammatory processes affecting neuronal survival and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, since the IL-18, as well as the IL-13 receptors, is expressed in neurons, these interleukins can directly influence central functions and behavior. For instance, we previously demonstrated that IL-18 participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis by influencing feeding and energy efficiency. Using molecular techniques and animal models we hope to characterize the biology of these cytokines in the CNS and its significance in health and disease.

In addition, the laboratory is also actively investigating the central mechanisms of thermoregulation and its involvement in influencing energy homeostasis and aging. We showed that small but prolonged reduction of core body temperature prolongs lifespan. We are now actively investigating the mechanisms mediating these effects.

Education

Ph.D., University of Milan, 1990

Awards & Professional Activities

Senior Scholar, The Ellison Medical Foundation

Selected References

Tabarean, I., Morrison, B., Marcondes, M. C., Bartfai, T., and Conti, B., Hypothalamic and dietary control of temperature-mediated longevity. Ageing Res Rev 9 (1), 41 (2010).

Alboni, S., Cervia, D., Sugama, S., and Conti, B., Interleukin 18 in the CNS. J Neuroinflammation 7, 9 (2010).

Zorrilla, E. P., Sanchez-Alavez, M., Sugama, S., Brennan, M., Fernandez, R., Bartfai, T., and Conti, B., Interleukin-18 controls energy homeostasis by suppressing appetite and feed efficiency. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 104 (26), 11097 (2007).

Conti, B., Sanchez-Alavez, M., Winsky-Sommerer, R., Morale, M. C., Lucero, J., Brownell, S., Fabre, V., Huitron-Resendiz, S., Henriksen, S., Zorrilla, E. P., de Lecea, L., and Bartfai, T., Transgenic mice with a reduced core body temperature have an increased life span. Science 314 (5800), 825 (2006).

Conti, B., Sugama, S., Lucero, J., Winsky-Sommerer, R., Wirz, S. A., Maher, P., Andrews, Z., Barr, A. M., Morale, M. C., Paneda, C., Pemberton, J., Gaidarova, S., Behrens, M. M., Beal, F., Sanna, P. P., Horvath, T., and Bartfai, T., Uncoupling protein 2 protects dopaminergic neurons from acute 1,2,3,6-methyl-phenyl-tetrahydropyridine toxicity. J Neurochem 93 (2), 493 (2005).