Alison Holley Affinati

 Alison Affnati
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Medical School
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology
2800 Plymouth Rd, Building 25-3700
Ann Arbor,
[email protected]
Available to mentor
Alison Holley Affinati
Alison Affnati
Assistant Professor
  • Qualifications
  • Center Memberships
  • Research Overview
  • Recent Publications

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    • Qualifications
    • Post-doctoral research fellow, Laboratory of Dr. Martin Myers
      University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
      2018 - 2021
      Postdoctoral Fellowship
    • Endocrinology Fellowship Program
      University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
      2017 - 2020
      Postdoctoral Fellowship
    • Internal Medicine Residency Program
      University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States
      2015 - 2017
      Residency
    • MD, PhD, NIH Medical Scientist Training Program
      Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, IL, United States
      2007 - 2015
    • B.S., Biological Chemistry
      University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
      2005 - 2007
    • B.S., Chemical Biology
      Boston University, Boston, United States
      2003 - 2005

    Center Memberships
    • Center Member
      Taubman Institute
    • Center Member
      Frankel Institute for Heart and Brain Health
    • Center Member
      Caswell Diabetes Institute

    Research Overview

    I study how the central nervous system regulates glucose homeostasis, with a specific focus on the role of the ventromedial hypothalamus in glucose and energy metabolism.

    Recent Publications

     See All Publications
    • Presentation
      Neural Mechanisms of Glucose Mobilization
      Affinati A. 2026 Feb 10;
    • Journal Article
      Chewing the fat: a novel mechanism for lipolysis
      Affinati AH, Schwartz MW. Nature Metabolism, 2026 Jan 8; DOI:10.1038/s42255-025-01426-3
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      Disentangling the Neural Circuits that Drive Glucose Mobilization
      Affinati A. 2025 Oct 29;
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      Potential mechanisms of blood glucose regulation in VMN-Vglut3 neurons
      Singer A, Su J, Affinati A. 2025 Oct 30;
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      Role of VMHVglut3 Neurons in White Adipose Depot Partitioning in ob/ob Mice
      Burton C, Su J, Singer A, Affinati A. 2025 Oct 30;
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      Single cell calcium imaging to disentangle neuronal populations that control the restraint and counter-regulatory responses
      Robichaud P, Gavade S, Spencer-Segal J, Affinati A. 2025 Oct 30;
    • Proceeding / Abstract / Poster
      VMNVglut3 Neurons as Critical Mediators of Glucose Homeostasis and Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity
      Su J, Burton C, Singer A, Robichaud P, Affinati A. 2025 Oct 30;
    • Presentation
      Brain-Body Communication: Uncovering the brain's role in glucose metabolism and diabetes
      Affinati A. 2025 Oct 7;

    Featured News & Stories

         Alison Affinati
    Points of Blue

    The Importance of Asking "What If?" in Medical Education

    Alison Affinati, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, is this month's Featured Educator. Learn more about her favorite education practices and some of the lessons she has learned over the years.
         mouse drawing fading yellow and pink blue background on yellow hay stack
    Health Lab

    Brain neurons are responsible for day-to-day control of blood sugar

    University of Michigan researchers have shown that a specific population of neurons in the hypothalamus help the brain maintain blood glucose levels under normal circumstances.
         Dr. Affinati working with a team member in the lab
    Great Minds, Greater Discoveries Stories

    Alison Affinati, MD, PhD: Uncovering the link between stress, the brain, and diabetes

    Learn more about the innovative work of research investigators at the University of Michigan Medical School.