About the Cellular and Molecular Metabolism laboratory
For over 25 years, the Cellular and Molecular Metabolism laboratory has been at the forefront of research identifying molecules that link physical activity to protection from obesity-related diseases. We're translating this understanding into the development of 'exercise mimetics' — therapies that replicate the beneficial effects of exercise — with some already in clinical development.
Addressing the fastest-growing diseases
Type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and breast cancer — all linked to obesity — are amongst the fastest-growing diseases worldwide. Our research program focuses on developing novel therapies and bioengineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) uncovered from exercise studies to treat these diseases and mitigate side effects associated with current drugs.
What are extracellular vesicles?
Extracellular vesicles are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles that carry bioactive molecules and deliver them to recipient cells. Approximately six years ago, we identified that organ-to-organ communication during exercise is largely mediated by EVs. Since then, we've performed extensive preclinical experiments showing that exercise-derived EVs are a mechanism by which exercise confers benefit in breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and MASH.
Research focus
Exercise-derived extracellular vesicles in lifestyle diseases
Investigating how EVs released during exercise can be harnessed as therapeutic tools for treating breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and MASH — potentially creating 'exercise in a bottle' for patients unable to exercise.
Chimeric cytokine proteins as adjunct therapies
Engineering novel chimeric gp130 ligands (IC7Fc) to treat metabolic disease whilst preserving muscle mass. Our landmark research demonstrated remarkable efficacy in preclinical studies with no inflammation or immunogenicity. Next-generation molecules will soon enter clinical trials, with particular interest in using IC7Fc as an adjunct to GLP-1RA weight-loss drugs to prevent muscle loss.
AI-driven multi-omics research for metabolic disease
Harnessing artificial intelligence and machine learning to integrate multi-omics data, uncovering novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MASH, obesity and diabetes. This work aims to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools and inform precision medicine strategies whilst providing web-based applications for the broader scientific community.
Novel therapies for MASH and hepatocellular carcinoma
Exploring how metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progresses to liver cancer (HCC) using transgenic mouse models that mimic human disease. We're identifying mechanisms that catalyse cancer development and assessing circulatory markers as biomarkers for early detection, whilst testing multiple therapeutic approaches including lifestyle interventions, drug candidates and chimeric proteins.