Leptin signaling.
The discovery of leptin was a major breakthrough in our understanding of the role of adipose tissue as a storage and secretory organ. Leptin was initially thought to act mainly to prevent obesity; however, studies have demonstrated profound effects of leptin in the response to fasting, regulation of neuroendocrine and immune systems, hematopoiesis, bone and brain development. This review will focus on the signaling pathways which mediate these diverse effects of leptin in the brain and other physiologic systems.
Ahima
Rexford S
RS
Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 415 Curie Boulevard, 764 Clinical Research Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. ahima@mail.med.upenn.edu
Osei
Suzette Y
SY
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020738:Leptin / Q000502:physiology*; D009154:Mutation; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D054411:Receptors, Leptin; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D006728:Hormones; C515448:LEPR protein, human; D020738:Leptin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D054411:Receptors, Leptin