Principal Investigator
Dr Joe Yip
Email joe.yip@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 3071
Fax +64 3 479 7254
My research group focuses on the neuronal plasticity induced by reproductive hormones, and how this contributes to reproductive function. Using a wide range of anatomical and functional neuroscience tools in transgenic rodent models, we investigate the neurochemical, morphological and behavioural characteristics of the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons relevant to maternal adaptation. We are particularly interested in understanding the mechanism underlying the plasticity of TIDA neurons to alter prolactin secretion especially to allow elevated levels critical for lactation. Recently, we are opening new avenues into studying the role of TIDA neurons in body weight homeostasis, how the TIDA neurons interact with HPA-axis and what is the physiological role of prolactin in new born infant.
We employ various techniques including viral tract tracing, chemogenetics, ex vivo calcium imaging, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope in situ hybridization, ELISA, confocal microscopy
Current and proposed research projects
- Pregnancy hormones modify the TIDA neuronal network
- Hyperprolactinemia induced enkephalin expression and release in the maternal brain
- A new transgenic mouse model of hyperprolactinemia
- Regulation of body weight by hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons
- Role of prolactin in response to stress
- The role of prolactin in infant development
Anatomy researcher profile
Dr Siew Hoong (Joe) Yip Profile – LinkedIn
X @joeyipcne44
Yip Laboratory staff and students
Panagiotis Papaiouannou, PhD student
Email panagiotis.papaioannou@postgrad.otago.ac.nz
Paul Cromb, PhD student
Email cropa766@student.otago.ac.nz
Christopher Egnot, honours student
Email egnch111@student.otago.ac.nz
Research funders
- Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund
- Neurological Foundation
- University of Otago Research Grant