Metabolism, Obesity, & Diabetes (MOD)
An overview of the research goals, current research projects, and principal investigators of the MOD research theme.
The Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Theme (MOD) at the Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, QMRI brings together clinical and basic scientists with an interest in the physiology and pathophysiology of metabolic processes relevant to obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Our research covers:
- Developmental processes (e.g. in utero effects; Rebecca Reynolds; Mandy Drake; Karen Chapman; adipose cell lineage and heterogeneity; You-Ying Chau),
- Genetics – including utilisation of model organisms (Nik Morton, Rob Semple, Margarete Heck, James Minchin)
- Epigenetics and gene regulation (Mandy Drake, Matt Brook)
- Mature cell function and pathogenesis (e.g. insulin resistance; Rob Semple; insulin secretion, Shareen Forbes, inflammation; Cecile Benezech; hypoxia; Zoi Michailidou and steroid metabolism; Ruth Andrew, Ruth Morgan; Mark Nixon; Brian Walker)
- Regeneration and transplant of organs (Shareen Forbes) that are central to metabolic homeostasis
We have a particular interest in adipose tissue distribution and function (visceral/subcutaneous; Rob Semple, James Minchin, You-Ying Chau, Ruth Morgan, Mark Nixon; marrow; Will Cawthorn, brown/beige; Roland Stimson; Zoi Michailidou). We also study integrated metabolism of the liver, heart (Karen Chapman), kidney, muscle (Roland Stimson), pancreatic islets (Shareen Forbes, Nik Morton) and lymphoid tissue (Cecile Benezech).
The aim of the Metabolism Obesity and Diabetes Theme is to act as a forum for cross-disciplinary collaborations aimed at understanding and ultimately treating cardiometabolic diseases.