Leptin's Influence on Fat, Inflammation and the Immune System

Student Researcher: [Sarah Minucci] Faculty Mentor: [Dr. Stephen Merrill]

Focus

The goal of this project is to create a mathematical model of the effects of leptin on a specific part or function of the body (TBD).

Summary

Leptin, a hormone produced by fat and fatty tissue in the body, is pleiotropic in nature and has overall pro-inflammatory effects. This provides a link between nutritional intake and the immune system. We wish to quantify some aspect of leptin's effects in the body through mathematical modeling.