Cooney
The balance between food consumption (energy intake) and energy expenditure (metabolic rate, exercise) is ultimately what determines fat accumulation, obesity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Different tissues in the body (e.g. muscle, liver, fat tissue) contribute differently to the processing, storage and utilisation of the food and we are investigating the changes that occur in metabolism of these tissues when the amount of fat in the diet is high. We also use animal models to examine the role of specific genes in the metabolism of sugars and fats. We are particularly interested in genes that regulate fat metabolism in muscle (for example ACC2) or genes that regulate the size and insulin sensitivity of muscle (e.g. Grb10). We are also investigating whether alterations in the natural rhythms of light/dark and fasting/feeding can impact of the way the body regulates sugar and fat metabolism.
Staff
 Senior Research Officer
Dr Michael Swarbrick |
 Senior Research Officer
Dr Lowenna Holt |
 Research OfficerDr Nancy Mokbel |
 Research AssistantElaine Preston |
| Research Officer Magdalene Montgomery |
