The University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories (MRL) brings together outstanding scientific and clinical researchers from 24 laboratories in an international centre of excellence for research into metabolic disease.
MRL scientists collaborate to improve understanding of the causes of diabetes, obesity and other related endocrine and metabolic disorders in order to help prevent their devastating effects.
The MRL is the base for the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit (MDU), which was awarded in 2013 as part of a strategic funding partnership between the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust. The MDU funds several unique programmes of research and, together with a Wellcome Strategic Award, provides core facilities that are vital to researchers across the institute.
Research at the MRL
The MRL comprises approximately 180 scientists, organized into 24 research groups. Our groups encompass skills in genetics, cell biology, cell signalling, neuroendocrinology, bioenergetics, human and animal physiology, experimental medicine and clinical trials.
The MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit supports four individual programmes of research that aim to improve understanding of the mechanisms responsible for obesity and related metabolic diseases. Together with a Welcome Strategic Award, the MDU also supports the scientific core facilities that underpin basic and experimental science at the MRL.
Research Insights
This might help explain how the body adapts to calorie restriction, making it harder to lose weight when we diet.…
Risk of disease increases with inability to store fat safely
A large-scale genetic study has provided strong evidence that the development of insulin resistance – a risk factor for type…
