Pleiotropic cellular effects of leptin

The discovery of the ob gene and leptin heralded a new beginning in our understanding of neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating food intake and body composition. However, in addition to rapid progress in these areas of research, functions for leptin outside of the regulation of body energy stores have been observed. The continuing discovery of novel leptin actions suggests that leptin should be considered as more than just an “antiobesity” hormone.