Nafisa Djumaeva
MRes
Master's Student
I am a MScRes in Physiology Anatomy and Genetics student at the University of Oxford. Our research group is investigating a completely novel approach in treatment of obesity via neuronal regulation of energy homeostasis independent of food intake. For my thesis which is currently underway, I am characterising a proposed therapeutic target, known as paravertebral brown adipose tissue, pBAT. I conduct transcriptional studies, compare pBAT to different adipose depots, and define its role in thermogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms of sympathetic adipose activation without collateral cardiovascular effects is a compelling subject. I find this challenge intriguing because I'm interested in both energy metabolism and neurobiology. In particular, I would like to explore previously unidentified neural pathways regulating energy balance.