Research groups
Anna Veprik
Postdoctoral Research Scientist
- Novo Nordisk postdoctoral fellow
Research Interests
In 2016, I was awarded a Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to work with Dr James Cantley and Associate Professor Heidi de Wet in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. This fellowship allows me to further pursue my interest in metabolism and nutrition. My research is focusing on the role played by ACC1-coupled lipid synthesis, and ACC2-regulated lipid oxidation, in glucagon and GLP1 secretion in vivo and ex vivo. Dysfunctional glucagon secretion in one of the hallmarks of diabetes. Despite the critical role of regulated glucagon secretion in the maintenance of normoglycemia, the mechanisms are still unclear. In my research, I am trying to broaden our understanding of the connection between the nutritional status of the alpha and L-cell and their ability to secrete their designated hormones. This could help us in developing new drugs against diabetes.
Biography
I hold an M.Med.Sc in Clinical Biochemistry from Ben Gurion University in Israel, studying the effects of plant derived micronutrients on estrogen signalling in bone vs. breast cancer. I obtained my PhD from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel working with Prof. Michael Walker on the role of short chain fatty acids and their receptor, GPR41, in the function of pancreatic beta cells.
Recent publications
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GPR41 modulates insulin secretion and gene expression in pancreatic β-cells and modifies metabolic homeostasis in fed and fasting states.
Veprik A. et al, (2016), FASEB J, 30, 3860 - 3869
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The role of lycopene and its derivatives in the regulation of transcription systems: implications for cancer prevention.
Sharoni Y. et al, (2012), Am J Clin Nutr, 96, 1173S - 1178S
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Polyphenols, isothiocyanates, and carotenoid derivatives enhance estrogenic activity in bone cells but inhibit it in breast cancer cells.
Veprik A. et al, (2012), Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, 303, E815 - E824
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GPR41 gene expression is mediated by internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent translation of bicistronic mRNA encoding GPR40 and GPR41 proteins.
Bahar Halpern K. et al, (2012), J Biol Chem, 287, 20154 - 20163
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Carotenoids and apocarotenoids in cellular signaling related to cancer: a review.
Sharoni Y. et al, (2012), Mol Nutr Food Res, 56, 259 - 269