Riera Lab

The Riera Laboratory studies the role of central and peripheral sensory neural circuits in metabolic health and aging. Proposed research in the Riera Lab involves the molecular dissection of the sensory inputs adjusting energy homeostasis to nutrient sensing signals through three major goals:

• Define the nature of neuroendocrine signaling in metabolic tissues and their respective molecular function in metabolic health decline.
• Identify the neural circuitry that allows olfactory inputs to promote a central response regulating energy homeostasis.
• Explore interventions in sensory signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat metabolic diseases.

These research goals examine questions central to the maintenance of a healthy metabolism, including the coordination of nutrient signaling pathways between tissues and the means by which improved metabolism leads to increased health span and lifespan. Insights into these issues will aid in the development of treatments for age-onset and metabolic diseases.

Celine Riera, PhD, who leads the Riera Laboratory, is adjunct faculty at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA.

The Riera Laboratory is affiliated with the Cedars-Sinai Center for Neural Sciences and Medicine, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute.