Elaine Duncan
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5746-5939
Research title: Bioengineering 3D Adipose Organoids for Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery
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.
Publications
Alshammari WS, Duncan EM, Vita L , Kenawy M, Dibnah B, Wabitsh M, Gould G, and Hudson BD. “Inverse Agonism of the FFA4 free fatty acid receptor controls both adipogenesis and mature adipocyte function” Cellular Signalling, 12 Mar. 2025.
Duncan EM*, Vita L*, Dibnah, B & Hudson, BD. “Metabolite Sensing GPCRs Controlling Interactions between Adipose Tissue and Inflammation” Frontiers in Endocrinology, 6 Jul. 2023.
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-)
