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.