We research how environmental factors affect the homeostasis of the endocrine system with an emphasis on the interrelationship
of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes and adipose tissue endocrine function.
Our laboratory aims to characterize the cross-talk between the HPG, HPA, and adipose tissue in the context of perturbations
such as over-nutrition or stress.

Comparative Endocrinology Laboratorycomp-endo-lab

We have particular interests in: 1) the application of novel fat sources to improve glucose homeostasis and induce a “healthy obese phenotype” with subsequent improvements in reproductive function; and 2) the sexually dimorphic influence that hyperandrogenemia in lean and high-fat diet-induced obese states has on systemic insulin sensitivity and signaling in adipose tissue. The long-term goal of our research is to discover dietary fat manipulations that can improve reproductive function and fertility in obese individuals.

 

Newell-Fugate Lab