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The Morton Laboratory
Targeting the Brian to Treat Obesity and Diabetes

The Morton laboratory investigates how the brain regulates energy balance and glucose metabolism, and how disruptions in these processes contribute to obesity and diabetes.

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Research

The Morton Laboratory investigates how the brain regulates energy balance and glucose metabolism, and how disruptions in these processes contribute to obesity and diabetes. Our research focuses on understanding how the brain integrates signals from circulating hormones, nutrients, and autonomic inputs, which together convey information about both long-term energy stores and short-term nutrient availability. In response, the brain coordinates processes that regulate food intake, energy expenditure, glucose uptake, and glucose production to maintain both energy- and glucose-homeostasis. When energy stores are low or nutrient availability is limited, the brain triggers adaptive responses that increase food intake, conserve energy expenditure, and stabilize blood glucose levels. Impaired sensing or response of these signals—particularly within the mediobasal hypothalamus—may promote the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In collaboration with the laboratories of Michael Schwartz and Jarrad Scarlett, our work has demonstrated that the brain can be a therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Our studies show that leptin and fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF1) can normalize diabetic hyperglycemia in rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Our overarching goal is to map the neurocircuits responsible for these effects, ultimately guiding the development of more effective treatments for metabolic disorders.

Current projects in the Morton Laboratory focus on identifying the neural circuits that regulate feeding, metabolism, and blood glucose levels, including the mechanisms by which glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists—such as Ozempic—exert their beneficial metabolic actions. To address these questions, we employ cutting-edge neuroscience tools, including optogenetics, DREADD technologies, and fiber photometry to selectively manipulate or monitor specific neuronal populations. These approaches are integrated with genetic, molecular, and immunohistochemical techniques, as well as comprehensive metabolic phenotyping in rodent models.

Our research is driven by a talented, enthusiastic and dedicated team and strengthened by collaborative partnerships across the University of Washington and throughout the United States. Together, our work highlights the brain as a promising target for next-generation therapies to treat obesity and diabetes.

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Current Laboratory Members

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Gregory Morton, PhD
Research Professor of Medicine Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Director, Diabetes and Metabolism Program, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute
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Christina Watts, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Pique Choi, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Kendra Francis, MD
Acting Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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Biren Desai, DO
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Ellie James, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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Vincent Damian, BS
Research Scientist
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Caeley Bryan, MS
Research Scientist, UW Nutrition Obesity Research Center Energy Balance Core Laboratory Manager
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Bao Anh Phan, BS
Research Scientist, Lab Manager
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Mica Glat, PhD
Research Scientist

Lab Alumni

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Kimberly Alonge, PhD
Associate Professor of Neuroscience, University of Florida
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Yang (Sophie) Gou, PhD
Research Scientist, John Hopkins University
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Jennifer Deem, PhD
Pfizer, Senior Manager, HTA Value & Evidence, Hematology
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Chelsea Faber, PhD
Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Barrows Neurological Institute
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Jenny Brown, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen
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Nicole Richardson, PhD
Bayer, Director – Filed Medical Engagement
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Kenjiro Muta, PhD
Assistant Professor, Mahidol University, Thailand
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Jarrad Scarlett, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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Jennifer Rojas, PhD
Merck, Senior Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology
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Thomas Meek, PhD
Amgen, Senior Director of Cardiometabolic Disorders
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Stephan Guyenet, PhD
GiveWell, Senior Researcher

Contact Us

UW Medicine Diabetes Institute
750 Republican Street, Box 358062
Seattle, WA 98109

Gregory Morton: (206) 897-5292
Laboratory: (206) 897-5280
Email: gjmorton@uw.edu

To inquire about Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Openings click on: gjmorton@uw.edu