David Hodson Group - Understanding how glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptors contribute to metabolism in complex tissues

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.