Transcription factors which regulate signalling through the Leptin-Melanocortin pathway

特定的基因调节蛋白定义下丘脑中各种神经元亚群的功能。我们将确定这三种蛋白质之间的相互作用如何激活瘦素-黑皮质素通路，这是一种控制食欲的下丘脑信号通路。这些蛋白质的缺陷在患有过度饮食失调的肥胖患者中发现。该项目将提高对肥胖遗传决定因素的理解，并为开发新疗法提供关键点。

Specific gene regulatory proteins define functions of various subsets of neurons in the hypothalamus. We will determine how interactions between three such proteins activate the leptin-melanocortin pathway, a hypothalamic signalling circuit that controls appetite. Defects in these proteins are found in obese patients who suffer from excessive eating disorders. The project will improve understanding of the genetic determinants of obesity and provide key points for development of new therapies.