Principal Investigator
Dr Joon Kim
Email joon.kim@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 7342
Fax +64 3 479 7323
Department of Physiology website
Research interests
Our laboratory studies the neural pathways that link internal states and behaviour. We seek to understand how defined cell types in the hypothalamus that encode internal states, in turn influence changes in behaviour. We are particularly interested in the neural circuits mediating stress, anxiety, and motivation.
We employ a multi-disciplinary approach including fibre photometry, optogenetics and chemogenetics, brain slice electrophysiology and imaging, and behavioural manipulations to deconstruct the neural circuits underlying state-dependent changes in behaviours.
Current research projects:
- How stress causes anxiety
- Conflicting motivations and behaviour selection
- Negative states and aversive motivation
Joon Kim Laboratory staff and students
Isaac Tripp, Assistant Research Fellow
Email isaac.tripp@otago.ac.nz 
James Cox, PhD student
Email coxel140@student.otago.ac.nz 
Sana Atithi, Honours student
Email sana.atithi@postgrad.otago.ac.nz
Tamatea Schweikert, Honours student
Email schta265@student.otago.ac.nz
Kai Woolf, Honours student
Email wooka885@student.otago.ac.nz
Visit Our people for an alphabetical list of all Centre for Neuroendocrinology staff.
Research funders
Publications
Kim, J. S., Brown, C. H., & Anderson, G. M. (2016). Anti-opioid effects of RFRP-3 on magnocellular neuron activity in morphine-naïve and morphine-treated female rats. Endocrinology, 157(10), 4003-4011. doi: 10.1210/en.2016-1374
Kim, J. S., Rizwan, M. Z., Clegg, D. J., & Anderson, G. M. (2016). Leptin signaling is not required for anorexigenic estradiol effects in female mice. Endocrinology, 157(5), 1991-2001. doi: 10.1210/en.2015-1594
Kim, J. S. (2016). What's in a name? Roles of RFamide-related peptides beyond gonadotropin inhibition [Perspective]. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 28(9), 1-10. doi: 10.1111/jne.12407
Kim, J. S., Brownjohn, P. W., Dyer, B. S., Beltramo, M., Walker, C. S., Hay, D. L., … Tyndall, J. D. A., & Anderson, G. M. (2015). Anxiogenic and stressor effects of the hypothalamic neuropeptide RFRP-3 are overcome by the NPFFR antagonist GJ14. Endocrinology, 156(11), 4152-4162. doi: 10.1210/en.2015-1532
Singireddy, A. V., Inglis, M. A., Zuure, W. A., Kim, J. S., & Anderson, G. M. (2013). Neither signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) or STAT5 signaling pathways are required for leptin's effects on fertility in mice. Endocrinology, 154(7), 2434-2445. doi: 10.1210/en.2013-1109