Washington State University · BiologyAppleyard Lab
Suzanne M Appleyard · Pullman, Washington
Research Focus
Dr. Suzanne M. Appleyard's lab at Washington State University researches how specific neurons in the brainstem manage food intake, particularly in the context of obesity. They study how certain neurotransmitters influence eating behavior and how these mechanisms are affected by factors such as fasting and diet. Their work aims to uncover intricate neuronal circuits that could lead to better solutions for obesity and related health issues.
obesityfood intakeneurotransmittersbrainstemNTS neurons
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the effects of NPY and NE on NTS neuronal function.
AIM 02Identify what regulates activity of NTS NPY-expressing neurons.
AIM 03Examine how fasting and a high fat/sugar diet alter NTS NPY neuron activity.
Skills the Lab Values
electrophysiologyneuroanatomyimmunohistochemistryoptogeneticsdata analysisanimal behavior studiesmolecular biology techniquesdietary interventionsneuroscience
Output against the department
Publications36bottom 6% of dept.974th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.9kbottom 13% of dept.900th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.