Marcelo de Oliveira Dietrich, MD, PhD
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Research Summary
Our research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that play a role in behavior and how these processes are regulated by energy metabolism. It is our working assumption that energy and fuel availability (through hunger) are key regulators of biological functions from molecular to systemic levels. Focusing on mouse models, our lab applies a variety of genetic tools to manipulate cell function in combination with electrophysiological, morphological and behavioral analyzes. It is our goal to build a multidisciplinary approach to integrative physiology, from identification of cell specific mechanisms to the exploration of how these pathways are related to whole body physiology and behavior.
Currently, our laboratory is using genetic tools to activate or inhibit discrete populations of neurons to test the influence of these cells in previously unappreciated behaviors. We believe that the brain mechanisms involved in complex behaviors are evolutionarily conserved and, thus, phylogenetically old. We are also taking advantage of robust sequencing tools to study changes in neuronal transcriptome to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in neuronal activity and plasticity. Our laboratory motto is to work on innovative projects that can have a greater impact on our understanding of physiology.
Specialized Terms: behavior; neuroendocrinology; hypothalamus; energy balance; Agrp neurons; synaptic plasticity; organelle dynamics; neurophysiology
Coauthors
Research Interests
Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms; Mental Disorders; Hypothalamus; Mental Health; Nervous System; Neurobiology; Neurosciences; Obesity; Synapses
Public Health Interests
Aging; Behavioral Health; Bioinformatics; Evolution; Genetics, Genomics, Epigenetics; Mental Health; Metabolism; Nutrition; Obesity; Substance Use, Addiction; Child/Adolescent Health; Perinatal/Prenatal Health
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Selected Publications
- Hypothalamic Agrp Neurons Drive Stereotypic Behaviors beyond FeedingDietrich MO, Zimmer MR, Bober J, Horvath TL. Hypothalamic Agrp Neurons Drive Stereotypic Behaviors beyond Feeding. Cell 2015, 160: 1222-1232. PMID: 25748653, PMCID: PMC4484787, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.024.
- O-GlcNAc Transferase Enables AgRP Neurons to Suppress Browning of White FatRuan HB, Dietrich MO, Liu ZW, Zimmer MR, Li MD, Singh JP, Zhang K, Yin R, Wu J, Horvath TL, Yang X. O-GlcNAc Transferase Enables AgRP Neurons to Suppress Browning of White Fat. Cell 2014, 159: 306-317. PMID: 25303527, PMCID: PMC4509746, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.09.010.
- Mitofusin 2 in POMC Neurons Connects ER Stress with Leptin Resistance and Energy ImbalanceSchneeberger M, Dietrich MO, Sebastián D, Imbernón M, Castaño C, Garcia A, Esteban Y, Gonzalez-Franquesa A, Rodríguez IC, Bortolozzi A, Garcia-Roves PM, Gomis R, Nogueiras R, Horvath TL, Zorzano A, Claret M. Mitofusin 2 in POMC Neurons Connects ER Stress with Leptin Resistance and Energy Imbalance. Cell 2013, 155: 172-187. PMID: 24074867, PMCID: PMC3839088, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.09.003.
- Mitochondrial Dynamics Controlled by Mitofusins Regulate Agrp Neuronal Activity and Diet-Induced ObesityDietrich MO, Liu ZW, Horvath TL. Mitochondrial Dynamics Controlled by Mitofusins Regulate Agrp Neuronal Activity and Diet-Induced Obesity. Cell 2013, 155: 188-199. PMID: 24074868, PMCID: PMC4142434, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.09.004.
- High saturated fat and low carbohydrate diet decreases lifespan independent of body weight in mice.Muller AP, Dietrich Mde O, Martimbianco de Assis A, Souza DO, Portela LV. High saturated fat and low carbohydrate diet decreases lifespan independent of body weight in mice. Longevity & Healthspan 2013, 2: 10. PMID: 24472284, PMCID: PMC3922950, DOI: 10.1186/2046-2395-2-10.
- Hypothalamic control of energy balance: insights into the role of synaptic plasticityDietrich MO, Horvath TL. Hypothalamic control of energy balance: insights into the role of synaptic plasticity. Trends In Neurosciences 2013, 36: 65-73. PMID: 23318157, DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.12.005.
- Limitations in anti-obesity drug development: the critical role of hunger-promoting neuronsDietrich MO, Horvath TL. Limitations in anti-obesity drug development: the critical role of hunger-promoting neurons. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 2012, 11: 675-691. PMID: 22858652, DOI: 10.1038/nrd3739.
- AgRP neurons regulate development of dopamine neuronal plasticity and nonfood-associated behaviorsDietrich MO, Bober J, Ferreira JG, Tellez LA, Mineur YS, Souza DO, Gao XB, Picciotto MR, Araújo I, Liu ZW, Horvath TL. AgRP neurons regulate development of dopamine neuronal plasticity and nonfood-associated behaviors. Nature Neuroscience 2012, 15: 1108-1110. PMID: 22729177, PMCID: PMC3411867, DOI: 10.1038/nn.3147.
- Agrp Neurons Mediate Sirt1's Action on the Melanocortin System and Energy Balance: Roles for Sirt1 in Neuronal Firing and Synaptic PlasticityDietrich MO, Antunes C, Geliang G, Liu ZW, Borok E, Nie Y, Xu AW, Souza DO, Gao Q, Diano S, Gao XB, Horvath TL. Agrp Neurons Mediate Sirt1's Action on the Melanocortin System and Energy Balance: Roles for Sirt1 in Neuronal Firing and Synaptic Plasticity. Journal Of Neuroscience 2010, 30: 11815-11825. PMID: 20810901, PMCID: PMC2965459, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2234-10.2010.
- Exercise-Induced Synaptogenesis in the Hippocampus Is Dependent on UCP2-Regulated Mitochondrial AdaptationDietrich MO, Andrews ZB, Horvath TL. Exercise-Induced Synaptogenesis in the Hippocampus Is Dependent on UCP2-Regulated Mitochondrial Adaptation. Journal Of Neuroscience 2008, 28: 10766-10771. PMID: 18923051, PMCID: PMC3865437, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2744-08.2008.