Research in Dr. Bernier's laboratory is focused on identifying and understanding the pathways by which environmental, social and physical stressors are perceived, processed, and transduced into a neuroendocrine response. Several projects are aimed at elucidating the basic neural circuits that med...
Research in Dr. Bernier's laboratory is focused on identifying and understanding the pathways by which environmental, social and physical stressors are perceived, processed, and transduced into a neuroendocrine response. Several projects are aimed at elucidating the basic neural circuits that mediate stress in fish and focused specifically on the physiological functions of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system. Another major focus is to investigate the interactions between the stress response and the regulation of appetite and growth in fish. Overall, Bernier's lab use a variety of molecular, endocrine and physiological tools to study the pathways that mediate these interactions. The long-term goal of Bernier's research is to provide the basis for the original development of a model on the neuroendocrine pathways that mediate the physiological effects of stress.