he main focus in our laboratory is the identification and physiological characterization of adipocyte-specific gene products and the elucidation of pathways that are an integral part of the complex set of reactions that drive adipogenesis. The hope is to unravel novel mechanisms and identify novel proteins that could serve as potential links between the adipocyte and the process of whole body energy homeostasis, thereby defining novel targets for pharmacological intervention and further define the role of adipose tissue as an endocrine tissue. Until recently, adipose tissue has been considered to be a mere storage compartment of triglycerides. It is now becoming clear that adipocytes are highly responsive to extracellular stimuli, play a central role in overall energy homeostasis and are also essential for certain aspects of the immune system.