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Dr Sandy Ross

Research Interests

The primary objective of our research is to identify neuropeptides or receptors involved in the development of obesity and related disorders that may be targeted therapeutically. We are currently investigating genes that are expressed in the brain, including retinoid-related genes, that are differentially expressed in obese compared to lean phenotypes under different photoperiod conditions in seasonal models. We use molecular biology approaches including microarray, laser capture micro-dissection, subtractive hybridization and in situ hybridization to investigate gene expression changes of both known and novel genes expressed in the brain. Our current research emphasis is directed towards understanding the physiological function of a relatively uncharacterised subdivision of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, where several genes show marked sensitivity to altered photoperiod. Following identification and characterization of genes in seasonal models, their expression and regulation and potential relevance to human energy balance are followed up in non-seasonal models of obesity.

Highlighted Publications

Tups A, Barrett P, Ross AW, Morgan PJ, Klingenspor M, Mercer JG. The suppressor of cytokine signalling 3, SOCS3, may be one critical modulator of seasonal body weight changes in the Siberian hamster, Phodopus sungorus. J Neuroendocrinol. 2006 Feb;18(2):139-45.

Ross AW, Bell LM, Littlewood PA, Mercer JG, Barrett P, Morgan PJ. Temporal changes in gene expression in the arcuate nucleus precede seasonal responses in adiposity and reproduction. Endocrinology. 2005 Apr;146(4):1940-7. Epub 2005 Jan 6.

Barrett P, Ross AW, Balik A, Littlewood PA, Mercer JG, Moar KM, Sallmen T, Kaslin J, Panula P, Schuhler S, Ebling FJ, Ubeaud C, Morgan PJ. Photoperiodic regulation of histamine H3 receptor and VGF messenger ribonucleic acid in the arcuate nucleus of the Siberian hamster. Endocrinology. 2005 Apr;146(4):1930-9. Epub 2004 Dec 23.

Ross AW, Webster CA, Mercer JG, Moar KM, Ebling FJ, Schuhler S, Barrett P,Morgan PJ. Photoperiodic regulation of hypothalamic retinoid signaling: association of retinoid X receptor gamma with body weight. Endocrinology. 2004 Jan;145(1):13-20. Epub 2003 Sep 4.

Morgan PJ, Ross AW, Mercer JG, Barrett P. Photoperiodic programming of body weight through the neuroendocrine hypothalamus. J Endocrinol. 2003 Apr;177(1):27-34. Review.