Research in my laboratory focuses on the interrelationship between energy stores and regulation of energy balance by the brain. Contrary to the prevailing view of the adipocyte as merely a specialized cell for the storage of excess energy in the form of triglycerides, there is increasing evidence that adipose tissue plays a more active role in energy homeostasis. The levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin and other hormones secreted by adipose tissue are dependent on the status of energy balance, and serve as important signals linking energy stores to peripheral and central homeostatic mechanisms. Adipokines also have profound effects on the neuroendocrine axis, and glucose and lipid metabolism.


1. Central and peripheral actions of adipokines
2. Lipid droplet proteins as energy sensors
3. Biology of myostatin
4. Role of estrogen in glucose and lipid metabolism


* Energy homeostasis
* Neuroendocrinology of obesity
* CNS regulation of glucose and lipids


White Adipose Tissue
Brown Adipose Tissue
Endocrine & Exocrine Pancreas
Coronal section of forebrain
Cortical neurons
Cellular microarchitecture

Key Words: Brain, neuroendocrinology, insulin, neuropeptide, obesity, adipose, diabetes, lipid droplet