Research Director

Masamitsu Nakazato, M.D., Ph.D.

University of Miyazaki
Professor
website

Outline

Signals to regulate food intake and energy metabolism, which are derived from the peripheral organs, are transmitted to the hypothalamus via the afferent autonomic nerves. The brain regulates whole body organs, immune system, blood vessel tone and metabolism in the skeletal muscle via the efferent autonomic nerves. In this study, we aim to identify novel peptides involved in the signal transduction related to energy metabolism by the autonomic nerve. We also aim to understand the concerted control system among the autonomic nerve, endocrine and immune systems and substances functioning in these systems, and further pathophysiology of impairment of energy homeostasis, such as obesity and cachexia.