Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
As part of the Diabetes Research Group, my research interests are focused on improving our understanding of the disease mechanisms in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and on the development of novel therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life of patients with these conditions. Our Type 1 diabetes research focuses on improving current islet transplant protocols and developing novel sources of insulin-producing cells for cell replacement therapy. Our Type 2 diabetes research focuses on new approaches to working with obese and overweight individuals to help them balance their metabolism and prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.
The Diabetes Research Group (DRG) made a programme for BBC Inside Out - South East about developing a new treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes involving the transplantation of isolated insulin-producing beta cells. This programme was broadcast on 27 February 2017.
https://cris.brighton.ac.uk/admin/files/6128556/Diabetes_Type_1_Compressed.movCurrent Research Projects
- Islet transplantation therapy in Type 1 Diabetes (as part of the UK Islet Transplant Consortium)
- Targeting beta cell hypoxia in islet transplantation and pancreatic cancer
- Biomimetic 3-dimensional culture of insulin-producing cell clusters
- Combating obesity through improved patient education and tailored exercise programs
- Use of continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) technology in obese, overweight and at- risk individuals to aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes
- Understanding non-compliance in young Type 1 Diabetes patients
- Creation and Validation of Clinically Reflective Human Models of Pancreatic Islet
Scholarly biography
Wendy Macfarlane is Professor of Diabetes and Metabolism and Head of the Diabetes Research Group (DRG) at the University of Brighton. Research in Professor Macfarlane’s laboratory focuses on applying novel 3D microgravity cell culture technologies to the challenge of generating an abundant supply of replacement insulin producing cells for transplantation in Type 1 diabetes. This work is done in collaboration with clinical colleagues both in the UK and internationally. In addition, Prof Macfarlane’s team work closely with local patient groups, healthcare providers and fitness centres, developing new and innovative lifestyle programmes for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
I have nearly 20 years experience in investigating the development, differentiation and function of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells. My recent research developments include the creation of novel, clinically reflective cell culture models of beta cell growth and differentiation, allowing identification of key genes regulating islet neogenesis, repair and regeneration. My role as scientific advisor to the UK Islet Transplant Consortium allows rapid two-way translation of key findings between clinical and scientific settings. My current work focuses on applying novel 3D microgravity cell culture technologies to the challenge of generating an abundant supply of replacement insulin producing cells for transplantation in Type 1 diabetes. This work is done in collaboration with clinical colleagues both in the UK and internationally. In addition, I am privileged to work closely with local patient groups, healthcare providers and fitness centres, developing new and innovative lifestyle programmes for patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Approach to teaching
I have been working with patients with diabetes, researching diabetes and teaching diabetes for nearly 20 years now. Imagine what it feels like to be told that you have Type 1 diabetes, a diagnosis that currently means that you will need insulin injections every day for the rest of your life. If that seems scary, now imagine that it is not you, but your 4 -year-old daughter that has just been diagnosed and you are going to be responsible for her daily insulin injections and for managing her disease. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease, or having a child diagnosed with a chronic disease, can be incredibly challenging. I teach the science behind the new therapies, the state-of-the-art approaches being developed and utilised in our laboratories and clinics and the lifestyle techniques that can improve our patients lives. But I also want all our students to understand that every patient is different and unique and some struggle with their disease. Understanding our patients’ (and their parents) journey lies at the heart of all of my teaching.
Supervisory Interests
The Diabetes Research Group (DRG) work directly with patients with Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes, utilising state of the art technologies to provide novel and more effective therapeutic interventions.
PhD Students at University of Brighton
Karen Sargent
CGMS technology for improved outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes.
Victoria Ordor
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS) as a motivational tool in young obese individuals. PhD sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Elaine Sharp
Investigating the role of psychological time perspective in adherence to self-care in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D)
Madeline Honey
The effect of anti-psychotic drugs on long-term beta-cell survival and pancreatic function.
Alice Hagan
Elucidation of the Mechanism of Action of Locally-delivered Novel Chemotherapeutic Agent Combinations from Drug-eluting Embolisation Systems. PhD sponsored by an 1851 Royal Commission Fellowship in collaboration with BTG. PhD Awarded 2018
Dr Nouf Alhasawi
Protection of islet cells for transplantation therapy in type 1 diabetes. PhD awarded 2016
Dr Ben McCutcheon
Mining bugs for drugs: Discovery and characterization of novel bioactive compounds from the human gut microbiome. PhD awarded 2016.
Dr Sandeep Kumar
Expression, subcellular localisation and regulation of programmed cell death gene 4 (PDCD4) in human pancreatic cells in response to hypoxia. PhD awarded 2015.
Dr Jonathan Nzakizwanayo
Investigation of host-microbe interactions in the probiotics. PhD Awarded 2014.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, PhD , University Of Birmingham
Award Date: 3 Jul 1995
External positions
Athena SWAN Lead
2013 → …
Fitness Instructor, Virgin Active Falmer
2011 → …
Health and Fitness Coach, AFLG Obesity Support Team, Redhill, Surrey.
2011 → …
Scientific Advisory Board, UK Islet Transplant Consortium
2008 → …
STEM Ambassador
2008 → …
Diabetes UK (panel member, abstract reviewer, grant reviewer)
2002 → …
Keywords
- R Medicine (General)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Exercise
- Blood glucose
- pancreatic cancer
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 3 Finished
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Tabernanthe iboga (TiAE) in isolated pancreatic islets of Langerhan
MacKenzie, L. (PI), Macfarlane, W. (CoI), Lione, L. (CoI), BADING-TAIKA, B. (PI), Zloh, M. (CoI) & Souza, A. (PI)
1/01/14 → 31/12/18
Project: Research
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Antipsychotics and beta cell toxicity
Bone, A. (PI), Gaffar, F. (CoI), Gebrekirstos, T. (PI), Kumar, S. (PI), Macfarlane, W. (CoI), Scutt, G. (PI) & Honey, M. (CoI)
1/01/14 → 31/12/17
Project: Research
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Development of clinically reflective cellular model systems to improve current clinical protocols in cell replacement therapy for Type 1 diabetes
Bone, A. (PI), Macfarlane, W. (CoI), Bockhart, J. (CoI), Kumar, S. (CoI), Alhasawi, N. (CoI) & Marriott, C. (CoI)
1/01/01 → 31/08/16
Project: Research
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Identification of mechanisms modulating chlorhexidine and octenidine susceptibility in Proteus mirabilis
Pelling, H., Bennett, V., Bock, L. J., Wand, M. E., Denham, E. L., MacFarlane, W. M., Sutton, J. M. & Jones, B. V., 11 Jul 2024, In: Journal of Applied Microbiology. 135, 7, 12 p., lxae173.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
A 3-Dimensional Coculture Model to Visualize and Monitor Interaction Between Pancreatic Cancer and Islet β Cells
Kumar, S., Jach, D., Macfarlane, W. & Crnogorac-Jurcevic, T., 1 Aug 2021, In: Pancreas. 50, 7, p. 982-989 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Bacterial biofilm formation on indwelling urethral catheters
Pelling, H., Nzakizwanayo, J., Milo, S., Denham, E. L., Macfarlane, W., Bock, L. J., Sutton, J. M. & Jones, B., 27 Feb 2019, In: Letters in Applied Microbiology. 68, 4, p. 277-293 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Derepression of the smvA Efflux System Arises in Clinical Isolates of Proteus mirabilis and Reduces Susceptibility to Chlorhexidine and Other Biocides
Pelling, H., Bock, L. J., Nzakizwanayo, J., Wand, M. E., Denham, E. L., Macfarlane, W., Sutton, J. M. & Jones, B., 21 Nov 2019, In: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 63, 12, e01535-19.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Predicting pharmacokinetic behaviour of drug release from drug-eluting embolization beads using in vitro elution methods
Hagan, A., Caine, M., Press, C., Macfarlane, W., Phillips, G., Lloyd, A., Czuczman, P., Kilpatrick, H., Bascal, Z., Tang, Y., Garcia, P. & Lewis, A., 29 May 2019, In: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 136, p. 1-11 11 p., 104943.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile
Activities
- 1 Outreach and Public Engagement
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DRG BBC Inside Out Programme on Type 1 Diabetes
Macfarlane, W. (Participant)
2017Activity: Events › Outreach and Public Engagement
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