Our lab focuses on the neuroendocrinology of stress. Research models include mice and humans.   We initially identified the essential requirement for Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the endocrine stress response by creating Crh knockout mice (Nature 1995). More recently our lab has identified a behavioral role for hypothalamic CRH in addition to its endocrine response to stress (Mol Psychiatry 2017). We have also described the role of Mrap2 as a modulator of Mc4r action in hypothalamic energy balance (Science 2013).  Current projects include: 1) identifying the brain circuits that connect hypothalamic CRH’s endocrine and behavioral actions; 2) Identifying the mechanisms by which fetal CRH controls fetal stress responses and organ development; 3) How Mrap2 regulates energy balance at both cellular and organismal levels.