Summary
Dr Bryn Owen is a molecular endocrinologist with training in nuclear hormone receptor (NR) signalling. He uses model systems to understand the adaptive processes that maintain whole-body energy homeostasis, and reproductive function, during periods of fluctuating nutrient availability. His lab is investigating how the cellular receptor for estrogen (ER-alpha) in the hypothalamus controls the timing and progression of the ovulatory cycle. He is particularly interested in how this control is lost during nutritional challenges such as anorexia and obesity. He is developing novel transgenic, proteomic, and in vitro systems to answer this question. Dr Owen is also interested in the hypothalamic pathways responsible for the reward-value of nutrient, and the thermogenic potential of the brown adipose tissue (BAT) as a target for anti-obesity therapies.
Dr Owen leads Teaching and Assessment for the BSc in Endocrinology, co-chairs the College-wide 3Rs advisory group, and sits on the Department’s Athena SWAN committee.
Publications
Journals
McGlone ER, Siebert M, Dore M, et al., 2023, Sleeve gastrectomy causes weight-loss independent improvements in hepatic steatosis, Liver International, Vol:43, ISSN:1478-3223, Pages:1890-1900
Ramos-Pittol J, Fernandes-Freitas I, Milona A, et al., 2023, Dax1 modulates ERα-dependent hypothalamic estrogen sensing in female mice, Nature Communications, Vol:14, ISSN:2041-1723, Pages:1-10
Hope D, Hinds C, Lopes T, et al., 2022, Hypoaminoacidemia underpins glucagon-mediated energy expenditure and weight loss, Cell Reports Medicine, Vol:3, ISSN:2666-3791
Hinds CE, Owen BM, Hope DCD, et al., 2021, A glucagon analogue decreases body weight in mice via signalling in the liver., Scientific Reports, Vol:11, ISSN:2045-2322, Pages:1-17
Conference
Suba K, Hansen B, Patel Y, et al., 2022, Beta cell functional heterogeneity underpinning coordinated oscillatory activity is not fixed, SPRINGER, Pages:S121-S121, ISSN:0012-186X