The hypothalamus is the brain hub that regulates energy homeostasis. The genetic and molecular basis of thisregulation in humans is not well understood as access to this tissue is a major barrier and available onlypostmortem. To overcome the barrier of limited tissue access, we are generating induced pluripotent stem cell(iPSC)-derived neuronal cultures that recapitulate many of the features of hypothalamic neurons from thearcuate nucleus, including by benchmarking this in vitro model to in vivo events that are pivotal in hypothalamicdevelopment.

This application in response to PA-11-184 is the first competing continuation of a new program entitled 'Training in drug abuse research: behavior and neurobiology' that provides research training and career development activities for postdoctoral fellows who aspire to careers in the area of drug addiction. In its first 4 years the Program has grown from 2 to 5 training positions, plus 1 additional position supported by UTHSCSA for a total of 6.

This application in response to PA-11-184 is the first competing continuation of a new program entitled 'Training in drug abuse research: behavior and neurobiology' that provides research training and career development activities for postdoctoral fellows who aspire to careers in the area of drug addiction. In its first 4 years the Program has grown from 2 to 5 training positions, plus 1 additional position supported by UTHSCSA for a total of 6.