Hormonal and nutritional control of mammalian fatty acid metabolism through control of enzyme activity is a key area of research and has naturally developed into identification of key drug targets and potential modulators for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Investigation of inhibitors of the two isoforms of acetyl-CoA carboxylase have confirmed this enzyme as a potential target in the anti-diabetic actions of a number of synthetic compounds and natural products. This research matches in vitro molecular and cellular effects to physiological changes in whole animal models in vivo. Protein chemistry, proteomic, enzymology, cell biology, metabolomic and in vivo techniques are the cornerstones of this research.
Another major research interest is the investigation of biomarkers for toxicological injury to tissues. We created a rat model for liver fibrosis and identified urinary and serum metabolites and proteins that indicate liver injury. These panels of biomarkers are used as diagnostic indicators of adverse effects of compounds in preclinical drug discovery. We are investigating biomarkers for toxic injury to other tissues (kidney, muscle, skin), in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and in pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In collaboration with the Rashid Center for Diabetes, UAE we are investigating serum biomarkers for diabetes in human patients. Whole animal toxicology, protein chemistry, mass spectrometry and NMR analyses are major techniques used in this research.