Dr. Hegde's primary research interests are to discover effective strategies to prevent or treat obesity and its related comorbidities. More specifically, his research is focused on the E4orf1 protein of human adenovirus type 36 (Ad36), which is necessary and sufficient to increase adiposity and to improve glucose disposal. Current studies are focused in developing E4orf1 of Ad36 as a novel therapeutic agent to improve diabetes. His additional research interests are to understand the higher risk associated with many forms of cancer among people with diabetes and/or obesity.