The Division of Hypothalamic Research was established in 2006 to bring together scientists interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying hypothalamic function.   The hypothalamus is one of the most evolutionarily conserved regions of the mammalian brain. The hypothalamus allows mammals to maintain homeostasis, while destruction of the hypothalamus is not compatible with life.  For example, it is clear that the hypothalamus plays a critical role in regulating energy homeostasis.  Dysfunction of this central regulation results in obesity and type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of which both continue to rise at alarming rates. 

To understand the causes and to develop treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes, it is first necessary to unravel the central pathways regulating energy homeostasis. Despite tremendous advances in the understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating these parameters, the physiological significance of each of the respective candidate pathways and the key neurons mediating the effects remains to be determined.   To accomplish this, it is necessary to establish which molecules (neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, receptors, and intracellular signaling pathways) and which central pathways are required to regulate food intake, glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and energy expenditure. Thus, one of major goals of the research programs in the Center for Hypothalamic Research is to understand the molecular and neuroanatomic basis for coordinated control of body weight and glucose homeostasis.   Together with the  Taskforce on Obesity Research at UTSW, the Division of Hypothalamic Research hopes to make discoveries that will help combat the growing problems of obesity and diabetes.  The Division is in the Department of Internal Medicine at UTSW, but also includes investigators from several other clinical and basic science departments throughout the university.