Neuroscience research at Penn Vet focuses on clinical and basic studies to improve our understanding of the central nervous system and its involvement in diseases ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to obesity.
Core areas of emphasis and expertise include:
- Feeding behavior/metabolism
- Sleep
- Stress
- Neuroimmunology
In these studies, the generation of important animal models of disease provides valuable information that aids in the development of new drug targets and therapies in disease prevention and treatment.
As one of the key focuses within Penn Vet research, the neuroscience of obesity focuses on understanding the underlying causes of the recent escalation in overweight and obese humans and domestic pets.
Neuroscientists at Penn Vet are involved in dynamic interactions with key centers on the Penn campus, including at Penn's School of Medicine, the Sleep Center, the Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism and the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior.
The goal of the clinical neuroscience research is to improve the characterization and treatment of nervous system disease in animal patients.
Studies focus on naturally occurring neurodegenerative diseases in dogs and cats including lysosomal storage diseases (Niemann-Pick type C, alpha-mannosidosis, globoid cell leukodystrophy, and mucopolysaccharidososes.