Diego V. Bohorquez

Diego V. Bohorquez is an Associate Professor at Duke University School of Medicine with cross-appointments in Medicine, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Cell Biology, Pathology, and Neurobiology. He is a Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, focusing on gut-brain neural communication mechanisms.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University (2010), a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurogastroenterology at Duke University (2010-2014), and a Grass Fellowship in Neurosciences at the Marine Biological Laboratory (2014).

Dr. Bohorquez pioneered the discovery of neuropod cells – specialized enteroendocrine cells that convert gut nutrient signals into neural activity via glutamatergic synapses, forming a direct gut-brain circuit. His research reveals how this pathway discriminates real sugar from artificial sweeteners, regulates feeding behavior, and transmits microbial signals. This work fundamentally challenges the hormone-mediated model of gut-brain communication, establishing a hardwired neural mechanism for visceral sensation.

His 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) consistently advance gut-brain axis understanding, with landmark studies in Nature, Cell, and Science demonstrating neuropod cell function, sugar preference mechanisms, and microbial pattern recognition. The research spans neuroscience, gastroenterology, and microbiology, increasingly incorporating bioengineering approaches for neural circuit modulation.

His scientific recognition includes the 2024 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from the National Science Foundation, honoring exceptional promise in research and education.

Dr. Bohorquez mentors students through NEUROSCI independent study courses (493-495) and leads 15+ active grants including "Gut epithelial control of nutrient reward" (2024-2028), "Bacteria sensory transduction from gut to brain" (2023-2028), and "Harnessing the gut-brain circuit in binge eating disorder" (2024-2026), totaling over $10M in funding.

He directs a multidisciplinary lab within the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, collaborating with neuroscientists, gastroenterologists, and bioengineers to develop neuromodulation therapies for obesity, diabetes, and eating disorders through gut-brain circuit manipulation.