Summary
Elina Akalestou is a molecular endocrinologist, specialising in bariatric surgery and inter-organ communication. Her research focuses on the effects of bariatric surgery on hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes remission. To do so, she utilizes in vivo models of bariatric surgery, as well as transgenic and in vitro systems to explore the relationship between the gastrointestinal tract and key metabolic organs, including adrenal glands and kidneys.
Elina completed an MSc in Clinical Nutrition in University College London, followed by a PhD in Obesity Drug Development in Imperial College London. She has completed postdoctoral training in Johns Hopkins University, King's College London and Imperial College London. She is currently a Research Fellow in the Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Current lab members:
Brett Johnson (PhD student)
Amira Abdelgawwad (MSc student)
Wenya Wang (MSc student)
Former lab members:
Izzy Franco (BSc student)
Shiyi Lian (BSc student)
Niki Brisnovali (MSc student)
Isabella Doria Durazzo (MSc student)
Publications
Journals
Akalestou E, Lopez-Noriega L, Christakis I, et al., 2022, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy normalizes circulating glucocorticoid levels and lowers glucocorticoid action tissue-selectively in mice, Frontiers in Endocrinology, Vol:13, ISSN:1664-2392, Pages:1-16
Jones B, Burade V, Akalestou E, et al., 2022, In vivo and in vitro characterization of GL0034, a novel long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism: a Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vol:24, ISSN:1462-8902, Pages:2090-2101
Akalestou E, Lopez-Noriega L, Tough IR, et al., 2022, Vertical sleeve gastrectomy lowers SGLT2/Slc5a2 expression in the mouse kidney, Diabetes, Vol:71, ISSN:0012-1797
Georgiadou E, Muralidharan C, Martinez M, et al., 2022, Mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2 are required to preserve glucose- but not incretin-stimulated beta cell connectivity and insulin secretion, Diabetes, Vol:71, ISSN:0012-1797, Pages:1472-1489
Akalestou E, Miras A, Rutter G, et al., 2022, Mechanisms of weight loss after obesity surgery, Endrocrine Reviews, Vol:43, ISSN:0163-769X, Pages:19-34