RTG 1957: Adipocyte-Brain Crosstalk

While it has long been regarded as a pure energy storage organ, its endocrine activity has put the adipose tissue into the focus of intensive research in the field of energy homeostasis. An important function of adipocyte-derived hormones, the so-called adipokines, is the modulation of appetite and energy expenditure via the regulation of central nervous system (CNS) circuits. At the same time, adipose tissue morphology and function - from energy storage to thermogenesis - are influenced centrally by neuroendocrine and autonomous signaling pathways. Disorders of this adipocyte-brain crosstalk are essential to the development of metabolic pathologies such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Research on the communication pathways between CNS and adipose tissues is at the center of the research training group (RTG) "Adipocyte-Brain Crosstalk". Built around an interdisciplinary team of scientists and physicians the RTG focusses on: (a) the mechanisms of adipokine action in the CNS, (b) central control of functions of white and brown adipose tissues as well as (c) the modulation of adipocyte-brain crosstalk as a therapeutic approach in obesity. In the team of the RTG, a unique blend of basic scientific as well as clinical expertise on campus is now also spatially concentrated in the new CBBM research building. Under the umbrella of a joint university research focus ("Brain, Hormones & Behavior"), the individual projects are also well connected on campus beyond the RTG. This creates a scientifically excellent as well as highly-collaborative research environment for the doctoral students. The PIs of the RTG team interact to a large extent not only through the training group, but also through seminars, workshops, retreats, and conferences, which are organized together with the doctoral students, thus offering a highly interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, strucutred environment beyond the usual level for the training, qualification, and career development of young scientists in a field of equally high scientific, clinical, and social relevance.