Wendy Macfarlane

Wendy Macfarlane is Professor of Diabetes and Metabolism and Head of the Diabetes Research Group (DRG) at the University of Brighton. Research in Professor Macfarlane’s laboratory focuses on applying novel 3D microgravity cell culture technologies to the challenge of generating an abundant supply of replacement insulin producing cells for transplantation in Type 1 diabetes. This work is done in collaboration with clinical colleagues both in the UK and internationally. In addition, Prof Macfarlane’s team work closely with local patient groups, healthcare providers and fitness centres, developing new and innovative lifestyle programmes for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

I have nearly 20 years experience in investigating the development, differentiation and function of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells. My recent research developments include the creation of novel, clinically reflective cell culture models of beta cell growth and differentiation, allowing identification of key genes regulating islet neogenesis, repair and regeneration. My role as scientific advisor to the UK Islet Transplant Consortium allows rapid two-way translation of key findings between clinical and scientific settings. My current work focuses on applying novel 3D microgravity cell culture technologies to the challenge of generating an abundant supply of replacement insulin producing cells for transplantation in Type 1 diabetes. This work is done in collaboration with clinical colleagues both in the UK and internationally. In addition, I am privileged to work closely with local patient groups, healthcare providers and fitness centres, developing new and innovative lifestyle programmes for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

I have been working with patients with diabetes, researching diabetes and teaching diabetes for nearly 20 years now. Imagine what it feels like to be told that you have Type 1 diabetes, a diagnosis that currently means that you will need insulin injections every day for the rest of your life. If that seems scary, now imagine that it is not you, but your 4 -year-old daughter that has just been diagnosed and you are going to be responsible for her daily insulin injections and for managing her disease. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease, or having a child diagnosed with a chronic disease, can be incredibly challenging. I teach the science behind the new therapies, the state-of-the-art approaches being developed and utilised in our laboratories and clinics and the lifestyle techniques that can improve our patients lives. But I also want all our students to understand that every patient is different and unique and some struggle with their disease. Understanding our patients’ (and their parents) journey lies at the heart of all of my teaching.

The Diabetes Research Group (DRG) work directly with patients with Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes, utilising state of the art technologies to provide novel and more effective therapeutic interventions.

PhD Students at University of Brighton

Karen Sargent

CGMS technology for improved outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes.

Victoria Ordor      

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS) as a motivational tool in young obese individuals. PhD sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Elaine Sharp

Investigating the role of psychological time perspective in adherence to self-care in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D)

Madeline Honey             

The effect of anti-psychotic drugs on long-term beta-cell survival and pancreatic function.

Alice Hagan       

Elucidation of the Mechanism of Action of Locally-delivered Novel Chemotherapeutic Agent Combinations from Drug-eluting Embolisation Systems. PhD sponsored by an 1851 Royal Commission Fellowship in collaboration with BTG. PhD Awarded 2018

Dr Nouf Alhasawi   

Protection of islet cells for transplantation therapy in type 1 diabetes. PhD awarded 2016

Dr Ben McCutcheon

Mining bugs for drugs: Discovery and characterization of novel bioactive compounds from the human gut microbiome. PhD awarded 2016.

Dr Sandeep Kumar

Expression, subcellular localisation and regulation of programmed cell death gene 4 (PDCD4) in human pancreatic cells in response to hypoxia. PhD awarded 2015.

Dr Jonathan Nzakizwanayo

Investigation of host-microbe interactions in the probiotics. PhD Awarded 2014.