Rexford  Sefah  Ahima , MD, PhD

Description of Research Expertise

Research Interests

- Role of novel aminosterols in body weight and glucose regulation.
-CNS actions of resistin and adiponectin
-Role of NPY in glucose homeostasis

Key words: Brain, neuroendocrine, insulin, neuropeptide, obesity, diabetes.

Description of Research

Research in my lab 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 and other products 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. Adipose-derived hormones, cytokines and other factors have profound effects on adipocytes and peripheral targets e.g liver and pancreas, and also regulate feeding behavior, thermogenesis and neuroendocrine function.

Projects

1. Role of novel aminosterols in body weight and glucose regulation.
2. CNS actions of resistin and adiponectin
3. Role of NPY in glucose homeostasis

Rotation Projects for 2006-2007

-Aminosterols and energy homeostasis
-Role of adiponectin in glucose and energy homeostasis
-NPY and pancreatic islet function

Lab personnel:
Gladys Varella- CAMB graduate student
Neel Singhal- Neuroscience graduate student
Marie Hildebrandt- Pharmacology graduate student
Yong Qi, MD- Research Specialist
Haiyan Gu, MS- Research Specialist
Hiral Patel, BS- Research Specialist
Yumi Imai, MD- Instructor of Medicine
Malaka Jackson, MD- Pediatric Endocrinology Fellow