John Campbell

John Campbell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Virginia, with a courtesy appointment in Neuroscience. His research laboratory focuses on using advanced molecular and genetic techniques to investigate the neural circuits that control appetite, digestion, and metabolism, with the goal of identifying new targets and treatments for obesity and digestive diseases.

Dr. Campbell's research interests center on understanding how neural circuits regulate fundamental physiological processes. His lab employs single-cell genomics, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, viral circuit mapping, and opto-/chemogenetics to investigate how the vagus nerve and related neural pathways control appetite, energy balance, parasympathetic functions, digestion, metabolism, and heart rate. His work systematically identifies cell types and their marker genes in functionally relevant brain regions to generate hypotheses about each cell type's physiological role.

Analysis of Dr. Campbell's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on neural circuit mapping using cutting-edge molecular techniques. His work spans multiple physiological systems including appetite regulation, autonomic control of the heart and digestive system, and visual processing. A key theme across his recent work is the application of single-cell transcriptomics to identify and characterize specific neural cell types and their functional roles in various physiological systems, with particular emphasis on GLP-1 sensitive circuits for satiety and vagal control of autonomic functions.

Dr. Campbell's lab actively mentors students and postdoctoral researchers in neuroscience and molecular biology techniques. His research is supported by grants focused on understanding the molecular basis of neural control of metabolism and autonomic functions. The Campbell Lab maintains extensive collaborations with other neuroscience and metabolism researchers both within UVA and at other institutions.

The Campbell Laboratory at the University of Virginia maintains a state-of-the-art neuroscience research facility equipped for single-cell genomics, neural circuit mapping, and physiological measurements. The lab has established collaborative networks with researchers in endocrinology, cardiology, and gastroenterology to advance understanding of neural control of physiological processes across multiple organ systems.