Professor Helen Cox PhD, FBPhS

Our research focusses on the hormones and transmitters released within the intestine that alter gut function and body metabolism. We are currently investigating how microbial metabolites activate enteric nerves, and endocrine L-cells to release GLP-1 and PYY, which influence blood glucose levels and cause satiety. When abnormalities occur in these gut pathways this can lead to weight gain and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and Type-2 diabetes.

Please see my  Research Staff Profile for more detail.

Key Publications:

• Tough et al., 2020. Synthetic GPBA agonists and bile acids act via basolateral receptors in ileal and colonic mucosa. Neurogastroenterol. Motil.
• Tough et al., 2018. Signaling of free fatty acid receptors 2 and 3 differs in colonic mucosa following selective agonism or coagonism by luminal propionate. Neurogastroenterol. Motil.
• Tough et al., 2018. Bidirectional GPR119 agonism requires PYY and glucose for activity in mouse and human colon mucosa. Endocrinol.
• Ghamari-Langroudi et al., 2015. G-protein-independent coupling of MC4R to Kir7.1 in hypothalamic neurons. Nature.
• Panaro et al., 2014. The MC4 receptor is expressed in enteroendocrine L cells and regulates the release of PYY and GLP-1 in vivo. Cell Metab. 

View all publications

Key Collaborators:

• Professors Thue Schwartz & Birgitte Holst, University of Copenhagen
• Professor Roger Cone, University of Michigan
• Professors Annette Beck-Sickinger & Jens Meiler, University of Leipzig
• Professors Heidi Hamm & Dave Weaver, Vanderbilt University