Abstract: Leptin encoded by obese gene（ob gene), is a protein secreted mainly by fat cells, which is mainly responsable for regulating energy metabolism and reproductive activity. Like other hormones, Leptin must combine to its receptor before it performs its specific physiological functions. In order to provide reference for further investigating the role of Leptin, structure, tissue distribution, biological functions and signal transduction of OB-R were reviewed in this paper.

Key words: OB-R; biological functions; signal transduction