Laurent Gautron

Laurent Gautron, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Originally from France, he earned his Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Bordeaux and completed postdoctoral training in endocrinology and internal medicine. His research focuses on neuro-hormonal mechanisms underlying eating behaviors, blood glucose control, and metabolic disorders, with a particular emphasis on the role of ghrelin. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and leads the Gautron Lab, part of the Center for Hypothalamic Research. His work explores eating, obesity, diabetes, ghrelin's effects on mood, and the autonomic nervous system's role in metabolic diseases. He is affiliated with professional societies including the Society for Neuroscience and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society.

Education

• Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Bordeaux, France
• Fellowships: University Bordeaux, Beth Israel Medical Center, and UT Southwestern Medical Center

Research Interests

Dr. Gautron's lab investigates the neuroendocrine basis of metabolic regulation, including ghrelin's role in appetite, stress, and depression. Key projects include studying the gut-brain axis, diabetic complications, and the effects of exercise on metabolism. Ongoing studies explore ghrelin's antidepressant properties and its role in food reward mechanisms. The lab employs transgenic mouse models, molecular neuroanatomy, and metabolic physiology techniques.

Labs/Teams

The Gautron Lab collaborates with institutions globally, utilizing advanced tools like Cre-loxP technology and CRISPR-Cas9. Current members include postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and students focusing on metabolic pathways and neuroendocrine signaling.