Symptom Research
Neuroimmunology Laboratories
Robert Dantzer, Ph.D. | Peter Grace, Ph.D. | Yuan Pan, Ph.D. | Andrew J. Shepherd, Ph.D.
Principal Investigators
Areas of Research
- Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
- Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairments
- Chronic Pain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Neuron-glia Interactions
The Neuroimmunology Laboratories are led by four well-funded, collaborative principal investigators who share space, equipment, and ideas in a highly interactive, international, research-focused environment. The overall aim of these laboratories is to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer therapy-induced neurobehavioral toxicities, including neuropathic pain, depressed mood, cognitive dysfunction, and fatigue. This newly acquired knowledge can then be applied to the rational design of novel interventions for alleviating symptom burden in patients with cancer.
Please join us for the next Neurobiology Seminar Series lecture
Identification of a Neural Basis for Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a debilitating, often lethal, restrictive-type eating disorder without an effective cure. Its underlying neural basis has remained elusive, as an animal model that recaptures all of this disorder's typical symptoms has been lacking. This presentation will describe a new animal model that displays lethal self-starvation, hyperactivity, anhedonia, social phobia, increased anxiety, and sexual dimorphism, all of which represent typical anorexia nervosa symptoms.
Speaker: Qingchun Tong, Ph.D.
Professor of Molecular Medicine and Immunology, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston
Dr. Tong completed his postdoctoral training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, where he used extensive mouse genetics to study hypothalamic neurocircuits and feeding behaviors related to obesity and diabetes. In 2009, he was recruited to the Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases (IMM) at UTHealth and has been a faculty member there ever since. He currently serves as an editorial board member for Molecular Metabolism and Metabolism and an associate editor of Obesity and Obesity Medicine.
Join in person: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 ● 11 a.m.–12 p.m. CST
Zayed Building, Z2.4040 Rooms 2 & 3
Or join on Zoom: Meeting ID: 915 6624 0777 ● Passcode: 597209
Learn more about the Neurobiology Seminar Series