Contact information

Anna Veprik

Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2016-2019)

Project: Investigating lipid metabolism in islet a-cells and gut L-cells, as a nutrient sensing mechanism controlling hormone secretion

Biography

Anna was awarded a Novo Nordisk Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2016, working with Dr James Cantley and Professor Heidi de Wet in DPAG. During her fellowship, she broadened the understanding of the connection between nutritional status of the pancreatic α and gut L-cells and their ability to respond to metabolic stimuli. She focused on the central role that Acetyl-CoA-Carboxylase 1 (ACC1) plays in the regulation of endocrine cell growth and hormone secretion. This work combined genetic inhibition in a whole organism and ex vivo models together with transient pharmacological inhibition in ex vivo and in vitro models.

Following her fellowship, Anna joined the Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford (NNRCO) as a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist in the Department of Discovery Biology and Pharmacology. In her new role, she will continue to pursue her long standing interest in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications.

Publications

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

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

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

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

Carotenoids and apocarotenoids in cellular signaling related to cancer: a review. Sharoni Y. et al, (2012), Mol Nutr Food Res, 56, 259 - 269