European Journal of Endocrinology Award

Roland Stimson

European Journal of Endocrinology Award

For advancement of knowledge in endocrinology through publication

Regulation of human brown adipose tissue function

The increasing global prevalence of obesity highlights the need for new treatments to aid weight loss and prevent the adverse cardiometabolic consequences of obesity. Our lab focuses on understanding the pathways controlling energy metabolism, with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets to improve metabolic health.

The relatively recent discovery of brown adipose tissue in adult humans has revived interest in activating this tissue therapeutically to increase energy expenditure. To improve our understanding of human brown adipose tissue function, we have performed a series of physiological studies in healthy volunteers using techniques such as positron emission tomography imaging, microdialysis and thermal imaging. We have determined key differences in the regulation of brown adipose tissue function between species, such as identifying how glucocorticoids regulate brown adipose tissue activation in humans. We have also determined how brown adipose tissue utilises energy substrates to fuel thermogenesis. More recently, we have undertaken transcriptomics in human brown adipocytes to identify novel pathways regulating brown adipose tissue function, and have demonstrated their relevance in vivo.

Understanding the pathways regulating cold-induced thermogenesis may lead to novel therapies to aid weight loss and treat associated metabolic disease.

‘Understanding the pathways regulating cold-induced thermogenesis may lead to novel therapies to aid weight loss and treat associated metabolic disease.’