Miss Orla Woodward

Interests

Insulin-like peptide 5 (Insl5), secreted from enteroendocrine L-cells in the distal region of the gastrointestinal tract, has been demonstrated to be an orexigenic hormone, with elevated levels of Insl5 following caloric restriction and Insl5 administration increasing food intake. Insl5, and its cognate receptor G protein coupled relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 4 (RXFP4), is therefore thought to play a role in appetite and feeding behaviour. RXFP4 is widely distributed peripherally with some research indicating the central expression of this receptor. My research focusses on understanding the distribution, physiology and pharmacology of RXFP4-positive neurons in the brain, and how this is linked to feeding behaviour. Expanding understanding of the central action of RXFP4 is essential due to the identification of this receptor as a potential target for anti-obesity and antidiabetic drugs.

Research Focus

Equipment

Behavioural analysis

Calcium imaging

Confocal microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy

Immunohistochemistry

Intracellular recording

Microscopy

Whole cell patch clamp