WEBINAR SERIES—Neuroendocrine Basis of Vasomotor Symptoms: The Melted KaNDy Model

Oct. 22, 2025
11 a.m. EDT

Vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes, are among the most common and disruptive symptoms experienced during the menopausal transition, yet their underlying neurobiology is not completely understood. Recent research has identified hypothalamic KaNDy neurons (co-expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B and dynorphin) as key regulators of thermoregulation and mediators of the neuroendocrine response to estrogen withdrawal. Victor Novarro, PhD, will review evidence from preclinical models demonstrating how alterations in KaNDy neuron activity contribute to the emergence of vasomotor symptoms and discuss the potential of targeting this neural circuitry for the development of nonhormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms. 

Key Learning Objectives:   

• Identify the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the onset of vasomotor symptoms. 
• Learn about KaNDy neurons, its ligand-receptor systems and relationship with other neuronal systems in the onset of vasomotor symptoms. 
• Discuss the benefits of targeting KaNDy neurons in the treatment of hot flashes.

Speaker

Victor Navarro, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Mass General Brigham

Victor Navarro, PhD, is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a faculty member of the Harvard Program in Neuroscience. He currently serves as president of the Pan American Neuroendocrine Society. Navarro earned his PhD from the University of Córdoba, Spain, and completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Washington. His research focuses on the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction, metabolism and thermoregulation, with a particular emphasis on the role of Kiss1 neurons.

Sponsor