A doctoral candidate in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Université Laval, Olivier Lavoie has been awarded the FRQS Relève étoile Jacques-Genest prize for his article published in Neuroendocrinology:
“Hypothalamic GABAergic Neurons Expressing Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein 1 (CRABP1) Are Sensitive to Metabolic Status and Liraglutide in Male Mice”
Under the supervision of researchers Dr. Alexandre Caron and Dr. Nathalie Jane Michael (IUCPQ – Université Laval), his research highlights a newly identified type of hypothalamic neuron (CRABP1 neurons) that responds to metabolic signals such as leptin and GLP-1. These neurons may play a key role in the appetite-suppressing effects of medications like liraglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®). This discovery paves the way for more targeted and accessible treatments for obesity.
