The Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO) is a research institute within the Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC) at Helmholtz Munich and is closely integrated into the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD).

The IDO investigates the molecular, cellular, and systemic mechanisms underlying diabetes and obesity, with the goal of advancing precision approaches for prevention and therapy. A particular focus lies on identifying novel pathomechanisms and molecular targets that contribute not only to metabolic disease but also to its major co-morbidities, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and associated brain pathologies.

The institute combines fundamental and translational research approaches. By integrating technologies in genomics, proteomics, computational biology, neurobiology, and pharmacology, IDO aims to unravel the complex regulatory networks that govern metabolism and energy homeostasis. By connecting mechanistic insight with clinical relevance, IDO seeks to translate discoveries into strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of metabolic diseases.

IDO is structured into seven focused research areas:

1. Molecular Pharmacology (PI: Timo Dirk Müller)
   Exploring hormone and receptor signaling pathways to develop next-generation therapeutics for metabolic disorders.
2. Astrocyte-Neuron Networks (PI: Cristina Garcia Caceres)
   Studying how coordinated interactions between neurons, glial cells, and endothelial cells regulate systemic metabolism and energy balance through the brain-body interface.
3. Cellular Proteomics and Metabolic Signaling (PI: Natalie Krahmer)
   Mapping dynamic protein networks to understand metabolic regulation at the cellular level.
4. Genetics (PI: Alberto Cebrian Serrano)
   Identifying genetic determinants that shape individual susceptibility to metabolic disease.
5. Computational Discovery Research (PI: Dominik Lutter)
   Leveraging data science and systems biology to uncover hidden metabolic pathways and therapeutic targets.
6. Functional Genomics of Mitochondria (Independent Research Group, PI: Fabiana Perocchi)
   Investigating mitochondrial function and its role in metabolic health and disease.
7. Neurobiology of Diabetes (Independent Research Unit, PI: Paul Thomas Pfluger)
   Elucidating  neuronal circuit mechanisms and hormone resistance in the brain that contribute to the development and progression of diabetes.

Together, these research areas form a collaborative scientific environment dedicated to improving the understanding and treatment of metabolic diseases.