The animal body has an integrated-regulatory system for "homeostasis"
to maintain a nomal, constant-internal state, by responding to changes
in both the external and internal environments. Within the central nervous
system, the hypothalamus is a critical center that regulates these homeostasis
activities.
We are extensively investigating the role of hypothalamus in body energy
balance in mammals. These studies are now important for better understanding
of the molecular mechanisms behind pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes
mellitus.
The main subjects of our current research are as follow;