Obici Lab Page

It is important to study how nutrients sensing pathways regulate metabolism and body composition, including insulin action. Nutrients regulate energy homeostasis by increasing the secretion and synthesis of counter-regulatory hormones such as insulin and leptin. They also can affect cellular metabolism either directly or via activation of CNS systems involved in the regulation of metabolism, feeding behavior and body composition. The study of these regulatory pathways is critical to our further understanding of the interaction between the brain and the peripheral organs involved in regulation of energy homeostasis. The acquisition of knowledge in this field is necessary for the discovery of effective treatment of pathological conditions in which deregulation of nutrient sensing mechanisms occurs. Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are examples of diseases that contribute significantly to the current morbidity and mortality in our society.