Min Liu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
University of Cincinnati
Department of Pathology
Genome Research Institute

2120 E. Galbraith Road
Building A/Room 261
Cincinnati, OH 45237-0507

Tel: (513) 558-4957
Fax: (513) 558-1312

Email Min

Funding
Publications

Dr. Liu's laboratory is currently studying the role of hypothalamic apolipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV) in the development of obesity and how it can be modulated for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Apo A-IV is a circulating signal released from intestinal cells in response to lipid feeding, and it contributes to the anorectic effect of a lipid meal. We have demonstrated that apo A-IV is also synthesized in the hypothalamus, and that hypothalamic apo A-IV gene and protein expression is regulated physiologically. Current work focuses on: 1) To determine hypothalamic apo A-IV gene expression and protein levels and the responsivity of hypothalamic apo A-IV to dietary lipids in several strains of obese and lean animals. We will also determine the response to chronic high-fat feeding in apo A-IV knockout mice. 2) To characterize the transport of apo A-IV from blood into the central nervous system and to assess the areas in the brain that are activated by apo A-IV administered either centrally or intravenously. 3) To determine the interaction of apo A-IV with other regulatory peptides within the hypothalamus. These work is innovative because it addresses important unanswered questions. The new knowledge may lead to novel targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions that will be particularly important to the growing numbers of obese persons in this country.



Funding Support
1. Brain Apolipoprotein A-IV, Food Intake and Obesity
Principal Investigator Agency: NIH/NIDDK Type: R01 (DK/NS63907-01)

2. Regulation of Food Intake and Body Weight by Brain Apo E
Principal Investigator Agency: NIH/NIDDK Type: R01 (DK070992-01A2)



Publications

1:	Pearson K, Liu M, Shen L, Tso P, Davidson WS Bacterial expression and characterization of rat apolipoprotein E. Protein Expr Purif. 2005 Jun;41(2):447-53. PMID: 15866734 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]