Fundamental mechanisms controlling human energy homeostasis (360G-Wellcome-207462_Z_17_A)

Obesity and associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers represent a significant health burden. My overall aim is to identify new therapeutic strategies for severe obesity. Using extensive genetic and clinical data on unique cohorts of individuals at both extremes of the weight distribution (severe obesity and thinness), we will comprehensively map the molecular networks that maintain energy homeostasis and their disruption in disorders of weight regulation. Building on our previous work, we will focus on dissecting cellular mechanisms that converge on leptin-melanocortin signalling using human stem-cell derived hypothalamic neurons. In human studies, we will characterise the effects of specific pathways on eating behaviour, energy expenditure and substrate utilisation. By uncovering the fundamental mechanisms that control human energy homeostasis, our goal is to identify and validate control points that can be targeted to improve outcomes in obesity associated diseases.