The Laboratory of Professor Matić gathers a group of young scientists committed to the study of neuroendocrine and dietary aspects of the development of Metabolic Syndrome, which is one of the leading health problems worldwide. Our scientific endeavors are primarily focused on the molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid hormones actions in the development of Metabolic Syndrome, since these hormones are important regulators of energy homeostasis, metabolic inflammation, as well as of insulin and leptin signalling pathways. In the next three years the role of stress and fructose diet in the development of Metabolic Syndrome will be elucidated through collaboration with Professor Luc Tappy's group from Switzerland as a part of the SCOPES Joint Research Project entitled: Interactions between stress and dietary fructose in the development of the metabolic syndrome: role of glucocorticoids.