Tomlinson Group: Metabolism and Steroid Hormone Biology
Founded in 2004
6 team members
Over 100 publications
We work to understand how hormones regulate metabolic health in liver, fat and skeletal muscle. Our research has helped to define the role of ‘pre-receptor’ hormone metabolism in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease and has contributed to the development of novel interventions with the ultimate aim of improving patient care.
We deliver a truly translational program of research; our aim is to understand the molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones modulate metabolic phenotype including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as insulin signalling and action in liver, adipose tissue and muscle. The group uses in vitro cell culture models, generates and characterizes rodent models and translates these findings through to state-of-the-art metabolic clinical studies in healthy and obese individuals and those with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
More specifically and adopting a translational approach incorporating both basic science and clinical research, we continue to explore the role of pre-receptor regulation of steroid hormone action through manipulation (genetic and pharmacological) of expression and activity of the enzymes including the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and the A-ring reductases (5α-reductase and 5β-reductase) that have the ability to increase or decrease local steroid hormone availability.
Through the support of a recently awarded 5-year MRC programme grant, we can ensure that we continue to deliver the highest quality research. In collaboration with both world-leading national and international scientists and clinicians with complementary expertise, we aim to answer our research questions and translate basic science into the clinical setting.
Our team
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Jeremy Tomlinson
Professor of Metabolic Endocrinology
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Niall Dempster
Novo Nordisk Clinical Research Training Fellow (2016-2020)
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Ismael da Conceicao
DPhil Student
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Riccardo Pofi
Clinical Research Fellow
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Hamish Miller
Clinical Research Fellow
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Sam West
Postdoctoral Researcher
Clinical studies and trials
LiLi: Lifestyle induced weight loss and Liraglutide in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
As part of the LiLi study we are aiming to see if treatment of patients with the GLP-1 analogue, Liraglutide improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in comparison with lifestyle-induced weight loss
TISCI: Targeting Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome with 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 Inhibition
The TISCI study will aim to show that preventing the regeneration of active steroids using an 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 inhibitior, AZD4017, can significantly reduce the adverse metabolic effects of prescribed steroids.
EDISON: Effects of Dietary Intervention and Surgery on NAFLD
The EDISON study will examine the processes that drive fat accumulation in the liver and determine the impact of both a very low calorie diet and 2 different weight loss operations (sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-Y gastric bypass) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Collaborations
Prof Leanne Hodson – OCDEM – University of Oxford – United Kingdom
Prof Fredrik Karpe – OCDEM – University of Oxford – United Kingdom
Prof Wiebke Arlt – IMSR – University of Birmingham – United Kingdom
Prof Oliver Rider – Cardiovascular Medicine – University of Oxford – United Kingdom
Prof Stefan Neubauer – Cardiovascular Medicine – University of Oxford – United Kingdom
Dr Jeremy Cobbold – John Radcliffe Hospital – Oxford – United kingdom
Prof Udo Oppermann – NDORMS – University of Oxford – United Kingdom
Prof Trevor Penning – University of Pennsylvania - USA
Lab alumni
Dr. Ahmad Moolla
Dr. Jonathan Hazlehurst
Dr Laura Gathercole
Dr Conor Woods