Bernier Lab

Our research is focused on identifying and understanding the pathways by which environmental and social stressors are perceived, processed, and transduced into a neuroendocrine response. Several projects are aimed at elucidating how the neuroendocrine system orchestrates the stress response and focused specifically on the physiological functions of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system. Another major focus of the lab is to investigate the interactions between the neuroendocrine pathways that regulate the stress response and those involved in the regulation of appetite and growth.

To study the mechanisms of the neuroendocrine stress response we use a variety of techniques ranging from the molecular to the whole animal level in order to relate our findings to broader questions of physiological adaptation and evolution. Our research models include a variety of fish species including catfish, goldfish, trout, salmon, and zebrafish.

Linked to this page is information related to current research projects, members of the lab, publications, techniques, funding, and opportunities for joining our group.