Dr. Simerly is an internationally recognized expert on hormonal control of brain development, and his current research is focused on understanding how forebrain circuits that control body weight and energy metabolism develop in response to endocrine and nutritional cues. Obesity and type 2 diabetes represent major threats pediatric health; Dr. Simerly’s laboratory is currently studying how leptin signaling and neonatal nutrition impact development of hypothalamic neuronal circuits that control feeding and glucose metabolism. Currently, his laboratory is studying the organization and development of forebrain pathways that regulate feeding and energy homeostasis. Using axonal labeling methods, and both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, they are determining if manipulations of genes known to participate in leptin signaling in mature animals also influence the development of the pathways that mediate hypothalamic responses to changes in energy balance.