Asst. Prof. Muhammed İkbal Alp
Asst. Prof. Muhammed İkbal Alp
Assistant Professor of Physiology, Istanbul Medipol University
Deputy Director, SABITA Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies
Lead, Q-LAB
He leads a multidisciplinary research program at Q-LAB focusing on the neural regulation of metabolism, behavior and internal bodily states. His research centers on interoceptive memory—a framework proposing that the brain encodes a dynamic “health memory” through neural circuits, particularly within the hypothalamus and associated networks.
Using in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, fiber photometry, optogenetics and chemogenetics, he investigates how neural circuit dynamics shape metabolic outcomes. His laboratory also develops human-relevant platforms aimed at reducing animal use, including microelectrode array systems and in vitro screening models.
At the interface of neuroscience and integrative medicine (GETAT), he studies how fasting, nutritional interventions and natural therapies modulate neural circuits governing metabolism and homeostasis, with translational applications in preventive medicine, longevity and metabolic disorders.