The sensory nervous system processes stimuli in different modalities (e.g. visual, olfactory, auditory, and somatosensory) and is the basis of our brain to perceive the external environment. Meanwhile, our brain executes top-down control to regulate physiological functions of our body. However, the cross-modal interactions between distinct sensory processing and their roles in regulating physiological function remain largely unknown. Our laboratory is devoted to exploring neural mechanisms underpinning bi-directional interactions between different sensory perceptions, and immune, endocrine and emotional systems. By combining multiple cutting-edge tools, we aimed to identify novel approaches to treat neurological diseases with striking effect and less side effect.

1. Neural circuits mediating cross-modal interactions

The sensory nervous system is the basis for perceiving the environment and enables us to learn, feel and enjoy life. We aim to dissect the neural circuits underpinning the cross-modal interactions between different sensory processing under physiological and pathological conditions.

2. Neural circuits underlying sensory and emotional interaction

Somatosensory (pain), auditory (music), olfactory (odor) and visual (light) stimuli can affect our emotions. Therefore, we aim to unveil the neural circuits of how distinct

sensory stimuli affect emotions (pleasure or aversion), with the hope to develop new adjuvant therapy for treating emotional disorders.

3. Mechanisms for interactions between the central neural system and the peripheral endocrine system under pathological states

The central neural system dictates the peripheral immune and endocrine systems. We are committed to investigate mutual interactions between the peripheral immune and endocrine systems and the central nervous system under pathological states such as depression and chronic pain.