Transcriptional control of metabolic homeostasis

We are interested in the study of the molecular mechanisms that maintain metabolic homeostasis, focussing mainly on the regulation of gene expression in pancreatic islets and in the central nervous system. At the level of pancreatic islets, we investigate the transcriptional mechanisms by which glucose regulates different programs of gene expression to maintain normoglycemia. In relation to this, we are also interested in the study of the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus at the molecular level, and in the identification of the mechanisms by which the vulnerability of cells to glucose-induced damage is increased, paying particular attention to oxidative stress-related processes both in the adult orgnism and during gestation. At the level of the central nervous system, we focus on some of the molecular mechanisms by which the hypothalamus regulates energy metabolism and food intake.