Welcome to the University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories (MRL), part of the Institute of Metabolic Science (IMS). The MRL is a cross-departmental institute within the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, that is housed in the purpose-built Institute of Metabolic Sciences on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus (Addenbrooke's Hospital site).
The mission of the MRL is to undertake basic and translational research relevant to the understanding, prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and other related endocrine and metabolic disorders. Investigators retain a departmental affiliation within the University. At present MRL investigators include members of the departments of Clinical Biochemistry, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Neurosciences, and Paediatrics. The current director is Stephen O'Rahilly.
There are close links with other elements of the IMS (MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, and the Weston Centre for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes and Endocrinology) as well as with other investigators in the University of Cambridge, local MRC units and the Sanger Institute. The MRL also hosts the MRC Centre for Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases (MRC-CORD), one of the six MRC Centres for Translational Medicine established in 2007.
Recent News
Recent awards for MRL scientists
MRL scientists identify protein that stimulates brown fat to burn calories
In research published in the journal Cell, studies led by Professor Vidal-Puig at the University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories show the protein BMP8b stimulates the activity of brown fat by acting in both the brain as well as in brown fat itself.
Two MRL Scientists Awarded Prestigious European Starting Grants
MRL investigators are the first to identify a patient with a defect in thyroid receptor alpha
Mechanism discovered for how poor maternal diet can increase risk of diabetes in the offspring
Studies led by Dr Sue Ozanne and Prof Ken Siddle from the MRL, in collaboration with scientists at the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Leicester, shed light on why a poor maternal diet reduces the ability of the offspring to store fats correctly in later life, and increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Artificial Pancreas - Winter 2011/2012 Newsletter available
Dr Ak Reddy is elected into the EMBO Young Investigator Programme
20th October 2011 - Professor David Ron is one of 46 life scientists elected to EMBO membership
MRL scientists identify a genetic cause of severe hypoglycaemia in children, providing the prospect of effective drug treatments for this disorder
Dr Helen Murphy wins 2011 Joseph Hoet Research Award
Congratulations to Sadaf Farooqi and Ines Barroso
Inaugral Wellcome Trust Investigator Awards for two MRL researchers
Study shows obesity-related changes in fat cell membranes might be key to the metabolic syndrome
Steve O’Rahilly elected to the National Academy of Sciences of the USA
Artificial pancreas helps prevent overnight hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes
MRL to host UK Annual Adipose Tissue Discussion Group (ATDG) Meeting 2011