Research groups
Websites
Colleges
David Hodson
BVSc (Hons), PhD, FRCVS
Robert Turner Professor of Diabetic Medicine and Director (interim) of The Bukhman Centre for Research Excellence in Type 1 Diabetes
David trained as a Veterinary Surgeon, before undertaking doctoral studies in endocrinology at the University of Bristol with Domingo Tortonese. Subsequently, in 2008, he moved to the laboratory of Patrice Mollard at the Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle in Montpellier France (CNRS), where, supported by a Fellowship from the Fondation de la Recherche Medicale (FRM), he pursued postdoctoral studies. Following award of a Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Fellowship in 2012, David moved to the Department of Medicine at Imperial College London, before joining the University of Birmingham in 2016 as Professor of Cellular Metabolism and eventually Institute Deputy Director.
The lab is focused on developing and using novel technologies to address challenging problems in cellular metabolism, with translational relevance for patients. We have particular interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptors, two related class B G protein-coupled receptors. Both receptors are involved in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, food intake and inflammation and as such have become major drug targets for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. We are currently seeking to understand where and how GLP1 and GIP receptors operate within complex tissues such as the brain.
The lab is also interested in cellular heterogeneity, specifically how cell states in the pancreatic islet contribute to hormone secretion, and how this information can be leveraged to inform treatment of diabetes or regenerative medicine approaches.
Alongside research, David is Associate Editor of Diabetes, and has served on a number of national and international grant panels devoted to funding and supporting early- and mid-career scientists.
Key publications
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Localized GLP1 receptor pre-internalization directs pancreatic alpha cell to beta cell communication.
Journal article
Tong JCL. et al, (2025), Cell Metab
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LDHB contributes to the regulation of lactate levels and basal insulin secretion in human pancreatic β cells.
Journal article
Cuozzo F. et al, (2024), Cell Rep, 43
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Revealing the tissue-level complexity of endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor expression and signaling.
Journal article
Ast J. et al, (2023), Nat Commun, 14
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PDX1LOW MAFALOW β-cells contribute to islet function and insulin release.
Journal article
Nasteska D. et al, (2021), Nat Commun, 12
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Vitamin-D-Binding Protein Contributes to the Maintenance of α Cell Function and Glucagon Secretion.
Journal article
Viloria K. et al, (2020), Cell Rep, 31
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Super-resolution microscopy compatible fluorescent probes reveal endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor distribution and dynamics.
Journal article
Ast J. et al, (2020), Nat Commun, 11
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Beta Cell Hubs Dictate Pancreatic Islet Responses to Glucose.
Journal article
Johnston NR. et al, (2016), Cell Metab, 24, 389 - 401
Recent publications
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Melanocortin system activates carotid body arterial 1 chemoreceptors in hypertension
Journal article
Hodson D., (2025), Circulation Research
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Localized GLP1 receptor pre-internalization directs pancreatic alpha cell to beta cell communication.
Journal article
Tong JCL. et al, (2025), Cell Metab
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Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor signalling in oligodendrocytes increases the weight loss action of GLP1R agonism
Journal article
Hodson D., (2025), Cell Metabolism
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β-cell Gɑs signaling is critical for physiological and pharmacological enhancement of insulin secretion.
Journal article
Capozzi ME. et al, (2025), J Clin Invest
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Long-term surveillance suggests multiple hybridization events by nuclear reassortment and accelerated intercontinental spread of wheat yellow rust
Preprint
Hovmøller MS. et al, (2025)
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Fluorescent GLP1R/GIPR dual agonist probes reveal cell targets in the pancreas and brain
Journal article
Hodson D., (2025), Nature Metabolism
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Impact of chronic hyperglycaemia on the coronary microcirculation – benefits of targeting IL-36 and diet reversal
Journal article
HODSON D., (2025), Basic Research in Cardiology
