Teppei Fujikawa

My research interest is the mechanism by which the central nervous system regulates energy homeostasis. Currently, I focus on the question how the CNS can regulate metabolism independently of insulin. Insulin is a hormone which has lipogenic, cholesterogenic and glucose-uptake action and insulin deficiency is lethal without an exogenous insulin administration. Recent our work (as well as others) indicates that enhancing leptin signaling in the CNS can reverse mortality and metabolic abnormalities seen in insulin deficiency. Now we are trying to understand what neuronal circuits and molecular (neurotransmitter) are important for the leptin's action independently of insulin. I am also interested in the mechanism by which the CNS regulates energy homeostasis during and post exercise. Exercise is well-known to be the powerful treatment and intervention of obesity-related diseases. However, how exercise improves metabolic imbalance is still unclear, particularly how the CNS involves the mechanism.