Associate Professor Gareth Denyer
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Associate Professor
G08 - Biochemistry Building |
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Research interests
Gareth main interest is in the molecular mechanisms underlying body 'set point'. He uses DNA microarrays to look at transcriptome patterns in circumstances of metabolic interest- for example:
* how does gene expression change in different tissues when we consume different diets - especially those of different glycemic index?
* how do different hormones (like insulin and leptin) affect which genes are switched on and off?
* what gene expression patterns characterise large and small adipocytes? What happens as adipocytes change in size (as in weight loss and weight gain).
* what gene expression patterns characterise different types of obesity?
To assist with the interpretation of microarray data, he has developed user-friendly analysis tools, and these are widely used by collaborators across the world.
He also has interests in the regulation of intermediary metabolism, nutritional epidemiology and fuel selection during exercise. He is a consultant for the weight loss industry and helps manage Glycemic Index testing services.
In addition he is an enthusiastic database developer and has created systems for:
* Dietary communication and meal analysis for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games
* Sydney University Glycemic Index Research Services and Metabolism and Obesity services at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
* Clinical Research in both Research Institutes and Hospitals
* Dietary assessment and nutritional intervention studies (especially in the area of childhood obesity and on-line shopping)
* Course management and University Administration