Elaine Duncan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5746-5939
Research title: Developing a human 3D adipocyte spheroid model to investigate the role of metabolite-sensing GPCRs in metabolic disease
Research Summary
My PhD research focuses on developing advanced 3D models of adipose tissue to better understand metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. These conditions affect millions globally and are characterised by chronic inflammation and dysregulated metabolic-immune interactions. Despite their prevalence, effective treatments remain limited due to gaps in our understanding of the underlying biology.
To address this, I have developed a novel 3D adipocyte spheroid model using human-derived SGBS pre-adipocyte cells. These spheroids more closely mimic the complex microenvironment of human adipose tissue compared to traditional 2D cell cultures. They demonstrate key adipocyte functions, including lipid accumulation, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and β-adrenoceptor-mediated lipolysis.
Importantly, the model allows the investigation of metabolite-sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which are emerging as critical players in metabolic disease and potential therapeutic targets. By incorporating inflammatory stimuli, the spheroid model can also simulate disease-relevant conditions, enabling the study of GPCR signalling under inflammatory stress. Additionally, I have developed a toolkit of genetically encoded NanoBiT biosensors to monitor GPCR activity within the spheroids, supporting future drug screening efforts.
This research aims to provide a physiologically relevant platform for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of adipose tissue biology and exploring new therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases.
Conferences
April 2025 - 3D Cell Culture 2025 (Freiburg, Germany): Oral Communication
February 2025 - Gordon Research Conference in Molecular Pharmacology (Ventura, CA, USA): Poster Presentation
October 2024 - ELRIG Drug Discovery 2024 (ExCeL London): Poster & Flash Talk Presentation
June 2024 - TCES x EPSRC CDT Annual Conference (University of Glasgow): Oral Communication
April 2024 - Endocrine & Metabolic GPCRs 2024 (Birmingham): Poster Presentation
October 2023 - ELRIG Drug Discovery 2023 (Liverpool ACC): Poster & Flash Talk Presentation
July 2023 - World Congress of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology 2023 (SEC, Glasgow): Poster Presentation
May 2023 - ELRIG Scottish Research and Drug Development Forum (Beatson Institute, Glasgow): Invited Speaker
September 2022 - BPS Pharmacology 2022 (Liverpool ACC): Delegate
June 2022 - TCES x EPSRC CDT Annual Conference (University of Birmingham): Poster Presentation
Teaching
Demonstrator for L1 Biology and L3/L4 Pharmacology (2022-2025)
Tutor for L1 Biology (2022-2023)
Lab Supervisor for Honours and Masters Degree student projects (2022-)
