DrElina Akalestou

Elina Akalestou is Lecturer in University of Leicester, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction. She is a molecular endocrinologist, specialising in re-purposing Type 2 Diabetes medication and inter-organ communication. Her research focuses on the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, 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 currently a Lecturer in Cardiovascular Sciences in the University of Leicester and an Honorary Lecturer in the Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Current lab members:

Dr John McDonald (Experimental manager)

Ilyas Majit (PhD student)

Brett Johnson (PhD student)

Project Grants (PI):

Van Geest Foundation Heart and Cardiovascular Diseases Research Fund, £24,000

BHF Accelerator Award, £25,000

Rosetrees Foundation, Project Grant £34,500

Society for Endocrinology, Early Career Grant £10,000

British Society for Neuroendocrinology, Project Grant, £5,000

Society for Endocrinology, Early Career Grant £10,000