The major research emphasis of this laboratory is directed towards understanding the mechanisms of leptin and insulin signaling in the hypothalamus with reference to feeding, obesity, diabetes and reproduction. Recently, Dr. Sahu identified several hypothalamic peptidergic systems as potential targets of leptin signaling. This laboratory has also identified PI3K-phosphodiesterase 3B-cAMP pathway, as a novel mechanism of leptin signaling in the hypothalamus Since leptin resistance may be the major cause of obesity and related disorders in human, this laboratory is currently using a rat model to address whether this is due to an alteration in leptin receptor activity and/ or defects in leptin signal transduction mechanisms (e.g. JAK/STAT pathway and PI3K-PDE3B-cAMP pathway) in specific neuronal systems. Another area of research is to elucidate the neuroendocrine mechanisms that are involved in female reproductive aging. Since neuropeptide Y (NPY), is one of the key excitatory signals that control secretion of GnRH and LH, major emphasis has been given on this neuropeptide to test the hypothesis that alterations in secretion and action of this peptide underlie the cause of reproductive senescence.