Institute of Life Science 1 internal Atrium view up.jpg

Dr Jeffrey Davies

Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences

+44 (0) 1792 602209

jeff.s.davies@swansea.ac.uk

Fluent Welsh Speaker

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4234-0033

Google Scholar

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

About

Dr Jeff Davies is Associate Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at Swansea University Medical School.

His research laboratory, based at the Institute for Life Sciences, is interested in how alterations in metabolic status effect brain function. Dr Davies’ laboratory is focused on delineating the mechanisms of action of circulating hormones, that are regulated by feeding, on protecting against nerve cell loss associated with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. A key interest involves to understanding how these circulating hormones may modulate neural stem cell (NSC) plasticity in adults to promote the generation of new nerve cells in the adult brain to promote memory function. These fundamental studies are essential to understanding brain function and aim to combat age-related neurodegenerative diseases

Areas Of Expertise

Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Parkinson’s disease
Dementia
Ghrelin
Neuroendocrinology
Neural Stem Cells
Regenerative medicine

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

Dr Davies teaches Physiology and Neuroscience across all undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Teaching centres on the regenerative capacity within the adult brain, with an emphasis on research-led teaching on the topic of adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Dr Davies is also involved with the dissemination of Welsh language learning & teaching provision within the Medical School.

Research

Dr Davies has more than 20 years’ experience of neuroscience and neuroendocrinology research. Dr Davies is a Principal Investigator in the Molecular Neurobiology laboratory at the Institute for Life Science and leads the Biomarkers & Genes theme, within the School of Medicine.

His laboratory investigates the effect altered metabolism on brain function, with a particular interest in neural stem cell physiology. With funding from the MRC and the Royal Society, Dr Davies has established that the stomach hormone, acyl-ghrelin, enhances new neurone formation in the adult brain and improves memory function (Kent al.2015). Subsequently JD has also shown that calorie restriction, which increases levels of circulating acyl-ghrelin, also enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and memory in a ghrelin-receptor dependent manner (Hornsby et al.2016). These studies have established the importance of physiological ghrelin to mechanisms that govern adult brain plasticity. Ongoing studies seek to;

identify mechanisms that underlie this effect on plasticity
understand the role of unacylated-ghrelin on brain plasticity
characterise the role these hormones play in human neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Davies has published more than 30 scientific manuscripts and book chapters, and has been awarded intellectual property relating to his research.

Collaborations

Scientific research is highly dynamic and relies on diverse insight and expertise. Dr Davies’ lab is highly collaborative, with several active projects linking scientists around the globe.

For example;

Dr Zane Andrews, Monash University, Australia
Dr Jemeen Sreedharan, Kings College London, UK
Dr Tim Wells, Cardiff University, UK
Dr Alison Yarnall, Newcastle University

Please get in touch if you're interested in collaborating with us.

Publications

Research Highlights

Hornsby, A., Buntwal, L., Carisi, C., Santos, V., Johnston, F., Roberts, L., Sassi, M., Mequinion, M., Stark, R., Reichenbach, A., Lockie, S., Siervo, M., Howell, O., Morgan, A., Wells, T., Andrews, Z., Burn, D., & Davies, J. (2020). Unacylated-Ghrelin Impairs Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Memory in Mice and Is Altered in Parkinson’s Dementia in Humans. Cell Reports Medicine, 1(7), 100120
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100120, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55678
Rees, D., Roberts, L., Carisi, C., Morgan, A., Brown, R., & Davies, J. (2020). Automated Quantification of Mitochondrial Fragmentation in an In-Vitro Parkinson’s Disease Model (Pre-print version). BioRxiv
https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.15.093369, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54322
Rees, D., Roberts, L., Carisi, C., Morgan, A., Brown, R., & Davies, J. (2020). Automated Quantification of Mitochondrial Fragmentation in an In Vitro Parkinson's Disease Model. Current Protocols in Neuroscience, 94(1)
https://doi.org/10.1002/cpns.105, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55596
Davies, J., Chung, S., Thomas, R., Robinson, A., Hammond, C., Mullins, J., Carta, E., Pearce, B., Harvey, K., Harvey, R., Rees, M., & Davies, J. (2010). The glycinergic system in human startle disease: a genetic screening approach. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 3, 8-16.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2010.00008, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa13967
Beynon, A., Brown, M., Wright, R., Rees, M., Sheldon, I., Davies, J., Brown, R., & Sheldon, M. (2013). Ghrelin inhibits LPS-induced release of IL-6 from mouse dopaminergic neurones. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 10(1), 40
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-10-40, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14452
Johnston, A., Kang, J., Shen, W., Pickrell, W., Cushion, T., Davies, J., Baer, K., Mullins, J., Hammond, C., Chung, S., Thomas, R., White, C., Smith, P., Macdonald, R., Rees, M., & Pickrell, O. (2014). A Novel GABRG2 mutation, p.R136*, in a family with GEFS+ and extended phenotypes. Neurobiology of Disease
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2013.12.013, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa17001
Hornsby, A., Redhead, Y., Rees, D., Ratcliff, M., Reichenbach, A., Wells, T., Francis, L., Amstalden, K., Andrews, Z., & Davies, J. (2016). Short-term calorie restriction enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis and remote fear memory in a Ghsr-dependent manner. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 63, 198-207.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.09.023, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26484
Churm, R., Davies, J., Stephens, J., Prior, S., Prior, S., Stephens, J., Davies, J., & Churm, R. (2017). Ghrelin function in human obesity and type 2 diabetes: a concise review. Obesity Reviews, 18(2), 140-148.
https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12474, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29770
Churm, R., Caplin, S., Barry, J., Davies, J., Stephens, J., & Prior, S. (2019). Acyl-ghrelin mediated lipid retention and inflammation in obesity-related Type 2 diabetes. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 481, 8-13.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2018.11.004, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa45975
Corney, B., Widnall, C., Rees, D., Davies, J., Crunelli, V., Carter, D., Davies, J., & Rees, D. (2018). Regulatory Architecture of the Neuronal Cacng2/Tarpγ2 Gene Promoter: Multiple Repressive Domains, a Polymorphic Regulatory Short Tandem Repeat, and Bidirectional Organization with Co-regulated lncRNAs. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-018-1208-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa47951
Churm, R., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Davies, J., Stephens, J., & Prior, S. (2017). Effect of increased endogenous glucose levels within Type 2 diabetes on cellular lipid profiles. Endocrine Abstracts, 48(2)
https://doi.org/10.1530/endoabs.48.p2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51491
Holter, J., Davies, J., Leresche, N., Crunelli, V., & Carter, D. (2005). Identification of Two Further Splice Variants of GABABR1 Characterizes the Conserved Micro-Exon 4 as a Hot Spot for Regulated Splicing in the Rat Brain. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 26(1), 099-108.
https://doi.org/10.1385/JMN:26:1:099, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52033
Buntwal, L., Sassi, M., Morgan, A., Andrews, Z., & Davies, J. (2019). Ghrelin-Mediated Hippocampal Neurogenesis: Implications for Health and Disease. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 30(11), 844-859.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2019.07.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52032
Ratcliff, M., Rees, D., McGrady, S., Buntwal, L., Hornsby, A., Bayliss, J., Kent, B., Bussey, T., Saksida, L., Beynon, A., Howell, O., Morgan, A., Sun, Y., Andrews, Z., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2019). Calorie restriction activates new adult born olfactory‐bulb neurones in a ghrelin‐dependent manner but acyl‐ghrelin does not enhance subventricular zone neurogenesis. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 31(7)
https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12755, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51124
Elabi, O., Duskova, K., Davies, J., Lane, E., & Davies, J. (2018). The Impact of Ghrelin on the Survival and Efficacy of Dopaminergic Fetal Grafts in the 6-OHDA-Lesioned Rat. Neuroscience, 395, 13-21.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.045, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa46112
Morgan, A., Rees, D., Andrews, Z., & Davies, J. (2018). Ghrelin mediated neuroprotection - A possible therapy for Parkinson's disease?. Neuropharmacology, 136, 317-326.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.12.027, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38126
Morgan, A., Andrews, Z., Davies, J., Davies, J., & Morgan, A. (2017). Less is more: Caloric regulation of neurogenesis and adult brain function. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 29(10), e12512
https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12512, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38127
Santos, V., Stark, R., Rial, D., Silva, H., Bayliss, J., Lemus, M., Davies, J., Cunha, R., Prediger, R., & Andrews, Z. (2017). Acyl ghrelin improves cognition, synaptic plasticity deficits and neuroinflammation following amyloid beta (Aβ1-40) administration in mice. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 29(5)
https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12476, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33091
O'Keeffe, S., Beynon, A., Davies, J., Moynagh, P., Coogan, A., Silver, R., & Davies, J. (2017). NF-κB signalling is involved in immune-modulation, but not basal functioning, of the mouse suprachiasmatic circadian clock. European Journal of Neuroscience, 45(8), 1111-1123.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.13553, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33089
Hopkins, A., Nelson, T., Guschina, I., Parsons, L., Lewis, C., Brown, R., Christian, H., Davies, J., & Wells, T. (2017). Unacylated ghrelin promotes adipogenesis in rodent bone marrow via ghrelin O-acyl transferase and GHS-R1a activity: evidence for target cell-induced acylation. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 45541
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep45541, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33090
Golding, D., Rees, D., Davies, J., Relkovic, D., Furby, H., Guschina, I., Hopkins, A., Davies, J., Resnick, J., Isles, A., & Wells, T. (2017). Paradoxical leanness in the imprinting-centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome. Journal of Endocrinology, 232(1), 123-135.
https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-16-0367, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31060
Bayliss, J., Lemus, M., Stark, R., Santos, V., Thompson, A., Rees, D., Galic, S., Elsworth, J., Kemp, B., Andrews, Z., Davies, J., & Rees, D. (2016). Ghrelin-AMPK Signaling Mediates the Neuroprotective Effects of Calorie Restriction in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Neuroscience, 36(10), 3049-3063.
https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4373-15.2016, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26033
Alquier, T., Bayliss, J., Lemus, M., Santos, V., Deo, M., Davies, J., Kemp, B., Elsworth, J., & Andrews, Z. (2016). Metformin Prevents Nigrostriatal Dopamine Degeneration Independent of AMPK Activation in Dopamine Neurons. PLOS ONE, 11(7), e0159381
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0159381, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29599
Kent, B., Beynon, A., Hornsby, A., Bekinschtein, P., Bussey, T., Davies, J., & Saksida, L. (2014). The orexigenic hormone acyl-ghrelin increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis and enhances pattern separation. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 51, 431-439.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.015, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19690
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453014003990
Wells, T., Davies, J., Guschina, I., Ball, D., Davies, J., Davies, V., Evans, B., Votruba, M., & Davies, J. (2012). Opa3, a novel regulator of mitochondrial function, controls thermogenesis and abdominal fat mass in a mouse model for Costeff syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics, 21(22), 4836-4844.
https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/dds315, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa12321
Davies, J., Klein, D., Carter, D., & Davies, J. (2011). Selective Genomic Targeting by FRA-2/FOSL2 Transcription Factor: REGULATION OF THE Rgs4 GENE IS MEDIATED BY A VARIANT ACTIVATOR PROTEIN 1 (AP-1) PROMOTER SEQUENCE/CREB-BINDING PROTEIN (CBP) MECHANISM. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286(17), 15227-39.
https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M110.201996, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9832
Glad, C., Kitchen, E., Russ, G., Harris, S., Davies, J., Gevers, E., Gabrielsson, B., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2011). Reverse Feeding Suppresses the Activity of the GH Axis in Rats and Induces a Preobesogenic State. Endocrinology, 152(3), 869
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2010-0713, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10231
Davies, J., Kotokorpi, P., Eccles, S., Barnes, S., Tokarczuk, P., Allen, S., Whitworth, H., Guschina, I., Evans, B., Mode, A., Zigman, J., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2009). Ghrelin Induces Abdominal Obesity Via GHS-R-Dependent Lipid Retention. Molecular Endocrinology, 23(6), 914
https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2008-0432, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9833
El-Kasti, M., Christian, H., Huerta-Ocampo, I., Stolbrink, M., Gill, S., Houston, P., Davies, J., Chilcott, J., Hill, N., Matthews, D., Carter, D., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2008). The Pregnancy-Induced Increase in Baseline Circulating Growth Hormone in Rats is not Induced by Ghrelin. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 20(3), 309
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01650.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9835
Davies, J., Gevers, E., Stevenson, A., Coschigano, K., El-Kasti, M., Bull, M., Elford, C., Evans, B., Kopchick, J., & Wells, T. (2007). Adiposity profile in the dwarf rat: an unusually lean model of profound growth hormone deficiency. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 292(5), E1483-E1494.
https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00417.2006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38129
Davies, J., Thompson, N., Christian, H., Pinilla, L., Ebling, F., Tena-Sempere, M., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2006). Hypothalamic Expression of Human Growth Hormone Induces Post-Pubertal Hypergonadotrophism in Male Transgenic Growth Retarded Rats. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 18(10), 719-731.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2006.01467.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38130
Davies, J., Carter, D., & Davies, J. (2006). Protein/DNA interaction profiling reveals novel regulators of the pineal transcriptome. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 252(1-2), 19-26.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2006.03.020, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38131
Martini, A., Fernández-Fernández, R., Tovar, S., Navarro, V., Vigo, E., Vazquez, M., Davies, J., Thompson, N., Aguilar, E., Pinilla, L., Wells, T., Dieguez, C., Tena-Sempere, M., & Davies, J. (2006). Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Ghrelin and Unacylated Ghrelin on Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Male Rats. Endocrinology, 147(5), 2374-2382.
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2005-1422, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38132
Holter, J., Davies, J., Leresche, N., Crunelli, V., & Carter, D. (2005). Identification of Two Further Splice Variants of <I>GABABR1</I> Characterizes the Conserved Micro-Exon 4 as a Hot Spot for Regulated Splicing in the Rat Brain. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 26(1), 099-108.
https://doi.org/10.1385/JMN:26:1:099, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38133
Davies, J. & Davies, J. (2004). Manipulating sorting signals to generate co-expression of somatostatin and eGFP in the regulated secretory pathway from a monocistronic construct. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 33(2), 523-532.
https://doi.org/10.1677/jme.1.01578, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38134
Davies, J., Carter, D., & Wells, T. (2004). Photic Stimulation Inhibits Growth Hormone Secretion in Rats: A Hypothalamic Mechanism for Transient Entrainment. Endocrinology, 145(6), 2950-2958.
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2003-1236, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38135
Thompson, N., Davies, J., Mode, A., Houston, P., & Wells, T. (2003). Pattern-Dependent Suppression of Growth Hormone (GH) Pulsatility by Ghrelin and GH-Releasing Peptide-6 in Moderately GH-Deficient Rats. Endocrinology, 144(11), 4859-4867.
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2003-0423, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38136

All Research

Journal Articles

Rees, D., Roberts, L., Carisi, C., Morgan, A., Brown, R., & Davies, J. (2020). Automated Quantification of Mitochondrial Fragmentation in an In Vitro Parkinson's Disease Model. Current Protocols in Neuroscience, 94(1)
https://doi.org/10.1002/cpns.105, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55596
Hornsby, A., Buntwal, L., Carisi, C., Santos, V., Johnston, F., Roberts, L., Sassi, M., Mequinion, M., Stark, R., Reichenbach, A., Lockie, S., Siervo, M., Howell, O., Morgan, A., Wells, T., Andrews, Z., Burn, D., & Davies, J. (2020). Unacylated-Ghrelin Impairs Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Memory in Mice and Is Altered in Parkinson’s Dementia in Humans. Cell Reports Medicine, 1(7), 100120
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2020.100120, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55678
Rees, D., Roberts, L., Carisi, C., Morgan, A., Brown, R., & Davies, J. (2020). Automated Quantification of Mitochondrial Fragmentation in an In-Vitro Parkinson’s Disease Model (Pre-print version). BioRxiv
https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.15.093369, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54322
Buntwal, L., Sassi, M., Morgan, A., Andrews, Z., & Davies, J. (2019). Ghrelin-Mediated Hippocampal Neurogenesis: Implications for Health and Disease. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 30(11), 844-859.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tem.2019.07.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52032
Ratcliff, M., Rees, D., McGrady, S., Buntwal, L., Hornsby, A., Bayliss, J., Kent, B., Bussey, T., Saksida, L., Beynon, A., Howell, O., Morgan, A., Sun, Y., Andrews, Z., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2019). Calorie restriction activates new adult born olfactory‐bulb neurones in a ghrelin‐dependent manner but acyl‐ghrelin does not enhance subventricular zone neurogenesis. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 31(7)
https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12755, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51124
Churm, R., Caplin, S., Barry, J., Davies, J., Stephens, J., & Prior, S. (2019). Acyl-ghrelin mediated lipid retention and inflammation in obesity-related Type 2 diabetes. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 481, 8-13.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2018.11.004, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa45975
Corney, B., Widnall, C., Rees, D., Davies, J., Crunelli, V., Carter, D., Davies, J., & Rees, D. (2018). Regulatory Architecture of the Neuronal Cacng2/Tarpγ2 Gene Promoter: Multiple Repressive Domains, a Polymorphic Regulatory Short Tandem Repeat, and Bidirectional Organization with Co-regulated lncRNAs. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12031-018-1208-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa47951
Elabi, O., Duskova, K., Davies, J., Lane, E., & Davies, J. (2018). The Impact of Ghrelin on the Survival and Efficacy of Dopaminergic Fetal Grafts in the 6-OHDA-Lesioned Rat. Neuroscience, 395, 13-21.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.045, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa46112
Morgan, A., Rees, D., Andrews, Z., & Davies, J. (2018). Ghrelin mediated neuroprotection - A possible therapy for Parkinson's disease?. Neuropharmacology, 136, 317-326.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.12.027, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38126
Churm, R., Davies, J., Stephens, J., Prior, S., Prior, S., Stephens, J., Davies, J., & Churm, R. (2017). Ghrelin function in human obesity and type 2 diabetes: a concise review. Obesity Reviews, 18(2), 140-148.
https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12474, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29770
Morgan, A., Andrews, Z., Davies, J., Davies, J., & Morgan, A. (2017). Less is more: Caloric regulation of neurogenesis and adult brain function. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 29(10), e12512
https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12512, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38127
O'Keeffe, S., Beynon, A., Davies, J., Moynagh, P., Coogan, A., Silver, R., & Davies, J. (2017). NF-κB signalling is involved in immune-modulation, but not basal functioning, of the mouse suprachiasmatic circadian clock. European Journal of Neuroscience, 45(8), 1111-1123.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.13553, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33089
Santos, V., Stark, R., Rial, D., Silva, H., Bayliss, J., Lemus, M., Davies, J., Cunha, R., Prediger, R., & Andrews, Z. (2017). Acyl ghrelin improves cognition, synaptic plasticity deficits and neuroinflammation following amyloid beta (Aβ1-40) administration in mice. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 29(5)
https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12476, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33091
Hopkins, A., Nelson, T., Guschina, I., Parsons, L., Lewis, C., Brown, R., Christian, H., Davies, J., & Wells, T. (2017). Unacylated ghrelin promotes adipogenesis in rodent bone marrow via ghrelin O-acyl transferase and GHS-R1a activity: evidence for target cell-induced acylation. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 45541
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep45541, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33090
Churm, R., Barry, J., Caplin, S., Davies, J., Stephens, J., & Prior, S. (2017). Effect of increased endogenous glucose levels within Type 2 diabetes on cellular lipid profiles. Endocrine Abstracts, 48(2)
https://doi.org/10.1530/endoabs.48.p2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51491
Golding, D., Rees, D., Davies, J., Relkovic, D., Furby, H., Guschina, I., Hopkins, A., Davies, J., Resnick, J., Isles, A., & Wells, T. (2017). Paradoxical leanness in the imprinting-centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome. Journal of Endocrinology, 232(1), 123-135.
https://doi.org/10.1530/JOE-16-0367, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31060
Alquier, T., Bayliss, J., Lemus, M., Santos, V., Deo, M., Davies, J., Kemp, B., Elsworth, J., & Andrews, Z. (2016). Metformin Prevents Nigrostriatal Dopamine Degeneration Independent of AMPK Activation in Dopamine Neurons. PLOS ONE, 11(7), e0159381
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0159381, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa29599
Hornsby, A., Redhead, Y., Rees, D., Ratcliff, M., Reichenbach, A., Wells, T., Francis, L., Amstalden, K., Andrews, Z., & Davies, J. (2016). Short-term calorie restriction enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis and remote fear memory in a Ghsr-dependent manner. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 63, 198-207.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.09.023, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26484
Bayliss, J., Lemus, M., Stark, R., Santos, V., Thompson, A., Rees, D., Galic, S., Elsworth, J., Kemp, B., Andrews, Z., Davies, J., & Rees, D. (2016). Ghrelin-AMPK Signaling Mediates the Neuroprotective Effects of Calorie Restriction in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Neuroscience, 36(10), 3049-3063.
https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4373-15.2016, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26033
Johnston, A., Kang, J., Shen, W., Pickrell, W., Cushion, T., Davies, J., Baer, K., Mullins, J., Hammond, C., Chung, S., Thomas, R., White, C., Smith, P., Macdonald, R., Rees, M., & Pickrell, O. (2014). A Novel GABRG2 mutation, p.R136*, in a family with GEFS+ and extended phenotypes. Neurobiology of Disease
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbd.2013.12.013, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa17001
Kent, B., Beynon, A., Hornsby, A., Bekinschtein, P., Bussey, T., Davies, J., & Saksida, L. (2014). The orexigenic hormone acyl-ghrelin increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis and enhances pattern separation. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 51, 431-439.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.015, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa19690
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453014003990
Beynon, A., Brown, M., Wright, R., Rees, M., Sheldon, I., Davies, J., Brown, R., & Sheldon, M. (2013). Ghrelin inhibits LPS-induced release of IL-6 from mouse dopaminergic neurones. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 10(1), 40
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-10-40, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14452
Wells, T., Davies, J., Guschina, I., Ball, D., Davies, J., Davies, V., Evans, B., Votruba, M., & Davies, J. (2012). Opa3, a novel regulator of mitochondrial function, controls thermogenesis and abdominal fat mass in a mouse model for Costeff syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics, 21(22), 4836-4844.
https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/dds315, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa12321
Davies, J., Klein, D., Carter, D., & Davies, J. (2011). Selective Genomic Targeting by FRA-2/FOSL2 Transcription Factor: REGULATION OF THE Rgs4 GENE IS MEDIATED BY A VARIANT ACTIVATOR PROTEIN 1 (AP-1) PROMOTER SEQUENCE/CREB-BINDING PROTEIN (CBP) MECHANISM. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 286(17), 15227-39.
https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M110.201996, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9832
Glad, C., Kitchen, E., Russ, G., Harris, S., Davies, J., Gevers, E., Gabrielsson, B., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2011). Reverse Feeding Suppresses the Activity of the GH Axis in Rats and Induces a Preobesogenic State. Endocrinology, 152(3), 869
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2010-0713, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa10231
Davies, J., Chung, S., Thomas, R., Robinson, A., Hammond, C., Mullins, J., Carta, E., Pearce, B., Harvey, K., Harvey, R., Rees, M., & Davies, J. (2010). The glycinergic system in human startle disease: a genetic screening approach. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 3, 8-16.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2010.00008, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa13967
Davies, J., Kotokorpi, P., Eccles, S., Barnes, S., Tokarczuk, P., Allen, S., Whitworth, H., Guschina, I., Evans, B., Mode, A., Zigman, J., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2009). Ghrelin Induces Abdominal Obesity Via GHS-R-Dependent Lipid Retention. Molecular Endocrinology, 23(6), 914
https://doi.org/10.1210/me.2008-0432, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9833
El-Kasti, M., Christian, H., Huerta-Ocampo, I., Stolbrink, M., Gill, S., Houston, P., Davies, J., Chilcott, J., Hill, N., Matthews, D., Carter, D., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2008). The Pregnancy-Induced Increase in Baseline Circulating Growth Hormone in Rats is not Induced by Ghrelin. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 20(3), 309
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01650.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa9835
Davies, J., Gevers, E., Stevenson, A., Coschigano, K., El-Kasti, M., Bull, M., Elford, C., Evans, B., Kopchick, J., & Wells, T. (2007). Adiposity profile in the dwarf rat: an unusually lean model of profound growth hormone deficiency. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 292(5), E1483-E1494.
https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpendo.00417.2006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38129
Davies, J., Thompson, N., Christian, H., Pinilla, L., Ebling, F., Tena-Sempere, M., Wells, T., & Davies, J. (2006). Hypothalamic Expression of Human Growth Hormone Induces Post-Pubertal Hypergonadotrophism in Male Transgenic Growth Retarded Rats. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 18(10), 719-731.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2006.01467.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38130
Davies, J., Carter, D., & Davies, J. (2006). Protein/DNA interaction profiling reveals novel regulators of the pineal transcriptome. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 252(1-2), 19-26.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2006.03.020, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38131
Martini, A., Fernández-Fernández, R., Tovar, S., Navarro, V., Vigo, E., Vazquez, M., Davies, J., Thompson, N., Aguilar, E., Pinilla, L., Wells, T., Dieguez, C., Tena-Sempere, M., & Davies, J. (2006). Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Ghrelin and Unacylated Ghrelin on Luteinizing Hormone Secretion in Male Rats. Endocrinology, 147(5), 2374-2382.
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2005-1422, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38132
Holter, J., Davies, J., Leresche, N., Crunelli, V., & Carter, D. (2005). Identification of Two Further Splice Variants of <I>GABABR1</I> Characterizes the Conserved Micro-Exon 4 as a Hot Spot for Regulated Splicing in the Rat Brain. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 26(1), 099-108.
https://doi.org/10.1385/JMN:26:1:099, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38133
Holter, J., Davies, J., Leresche, N., Crunelli, V., & Carter, D. (2005). Identification of Two Further Splice Variants of GABABR1 Characterizes the Conserved Micro-Exon 4 as a Hot Spot for Regulated Splicing in the Rat Brain. Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, 26(1), 099-108.
https://doi.org/10.1385/JMN:26:1:099, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52033
Davies, J. & Davies, J. (2004). Manipulating sorting signals to generate co-expression of somatostatin and eGFP in the regulated secretory pathway from a monocistronic construct. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 33(2), 523-532.
https://doi.org/10.1677/jme.1.01578, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38134
Davies, J., Carter, D., & Wells, T. (2004). Photic Stimulation Inhibits Growth Hormone Secretion in Rats: A Hypothalamic Mechanism for Transient Entrainment. Endocrinology, 145(6), 2950-2958.
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2003-1236, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38135
Thompson, N., Davies, J., Mode, A., Houston, P., & Wells, T. (2003). Pattern-Dependent Suppression of Growth Hormone (GH) Pulsatility by Ghrelin and GH-Releasing Peptide-6 in Moderately GH-Deficient Rats. Endocrinology, 144(11), 4859-4867.
https://doi.org/10.1210/en.2003-0423, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38136

Supervision

Understanding progressive multiple Sclerosis outcome by integrating genotypic and pathotypic information. (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies

Other supervisor: Dr Owain Howell
Detection of ghrelin species by Mass Spectrometry, novel biomarkers for diagnosing dementia? (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of ghrelin-mediated neurogenesis (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
INVESTIGATING GHRELIN-MEDIATED MECHANISMS REGULATING ADULT HIPPOCAMPAL NEUROGENESIS (awarded 2021)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
Characterising the effect of ghrelin-GHSR signalling on neuronal autophagy (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
Characterisation of the ghrelinergic system in human models of neurodegenerative diseases (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Dr Owain Howell

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
Investigating the role of the ghrelin axis in cognitive decline and dementia. (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
'Natural and Synthetic GHSR1a Agonists as Neuroprotective Agents in Models of Parkinson's Disease' (awarded 2018)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Catherine Thornton

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
'Acyl-ghrelin mediated lipid retention and inflammation within in vitro and ex vivo adipose depots' (awarded 2018)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Jeffrey Stephens

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies

Other supervisor: Dr Sarah Prior
Assessing the Role of the Ghrelin-axis in Extra-Hypothalamic Brain Function (awarded 2019)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Catherine Thornton

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
'The Effects of Ghrelin and Mild Nutrient Restriction on Neuronal Autophagy' (awarded 2017)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies
Using genome-scale bioinformatics platforms to investigate the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the BRCA1 gene in key molecular pathways of disease (current)

MSc

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies

Other supervisor: Dr Jonathan Mullins
Using genome-scale bioinformatics platforms to identify complex genetic and metabolic markers of neurological disorders. (current)

MSc

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies

Other supervisor: Dr Jonathan Mullins
Ghrelin AMPK mediated mitochondrial dynamics (current)

MSc

Other supervisor: Dr Alwena Morgan

Other supervisor: Prof Catherine Thornton

Other supervisor: Dr Jeffrey Davies

Taught Modules

PM-139 Human Physiology I

This module aims to provide an understanding of the structure and function of key physiological systems of the human body. Human physiology is the study of how our body works in an integrated way. A central principle of human physiology is homeostasis, the maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment. Failure to maintain homeostasis disrupts normal function that may lead to disease (or pathophysiology). Students will be taught the key concepts of homeostasis in the physiological systems of the body, enabling the student to understand the consequences of pathophysiology to human health. Students will gain practical experience in assessing physiological function during two laboratory based exercises.
PM-154 Human Physiology

Human physiology is the study of how our body works in an integrated way. A central principle of human physiology is homeostasis, the maintenance of a relatively stable internal environment. Failure to maintain homeostasis disrupts normal function that may lead to disease (or pathophysiology). Students will be taught the key concepts of homeostasis in the physiological systems of the body, enabling the student to understand the consequences of pathophysiology to human health. Emphasis will be given to how malfunction of key physiological systems gives rise to disease, using specific examples to enable students to appreciate the relationship between physiology/anatomy and medicine. Fundamental principles of physiology will be illustrated with appropriate clinical examples and during lectures and in practical assignments. Students will gain practical experience in assessing physiological function during four laboratory-based exercises. The impact of pathophysiology of such systems will be assessed through clinical case studies.
PM-257 Neuroscience

In order to help students understand the biological basis for behavioural neuroscience and neurological disorders, this module seeks to integrate the multidisciplinary sciences - for example, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry - that have combined to build the emerging field of neuroscience. The aim is to gain a mechanistic and holistic knowledge of the nervous system that builds from the molecular, cellular and developmental, to the systems level. In addition to exploring normal function, this module will introduce common disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems in an integrated way. Students will be guided in exploring the scientific evidence around what is known and unknown and will be introduced to current research findings in the scientific literature.
PM-275 Introduction to neuroscience

In order to help students understand the biological basis for behavioural neuroscience and neurological disorders, this module seeks to integrate cell biology, physiology and biochemistry to understand the founding principles of neuroscience. The aim is to gain a mechanistic and holistic knowledge of the nervous system that builds from the molecular, cellular and developmental, to the systems level. In addition to exploring normal function, this module will introduce common disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems in an integrated way. Students will be guided in exploring the scientific evidence around what is known and unknown and will be introduced to current research findings in the scientific literature.
PM-341 Human Biology and the Environment

This module is intended to provide an understanding of how our environmental factors impact on key aspects of human biology. Various environmental factors such as diet, stress, and pollution will be considered with a focus on their effects on epigenetics, inflammation, gut microbiota, mitochondrial health, and oxidative stress in non-communicable diseases in particular (e.g. chronic respiratory disease, cancer and metabolic disorders). The effect of extreme environments (e.g. altitude, space) and ageing on multiple organ systems will be considered. Students will gain practical experience in communicating these issues to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
PM-344 Capstone Project

The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to medical science. It will ask a novel research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through creating an introductory presentation on the project background, and a written dissertation and oral presentation on their research conclusions.
PM-344C Prosiect Capfaen

Nod y modiwl hwn yw rhoi cyfle i fyfyrwyr gael profiad dysgu capfaen drwy gymryd rhan yn eu prosiect eu hunain yn seiliedig ar gwestiwn ymchwil. Gall y prosiect fod mewn labordy neu heb fod yn labordy ond bydd bob amser yn cynnwys cwestiwn ymchwil sy'n deillio o'r llenyddiaeth, ac sy'n canolbwyntio ar bwnc perthnasol i wyddor feddygol. Bydd yn gofyn cwestiwn ymchwil newydd ac yn cynnwys dadansoddiad beirniadol o ganfyddiadau ymchwil. Bydd myfyrwyr yn mireinio eu sgiliau cyfathrebu llafar ac ysgrifenedig i lefel raddedig, drwy lunio cyflwyniad rhagarweiniol ar gefndir y prosiect, ynghyd â thraethawd estynedig a chyflwyniad llafar ar ganfyddiadau eu hymchwil.
PM-347 Human Immunopathology

The module aims to provide students with a greater understanding of the human immune system and the causes of a range of diseases associated with immune dysfunction including autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders and neurological conditions.
PM-362C Prosiect Ymchwil Fiomoleciwlaidd
PM-368C Doctor as a Practitioner 4

This module enables medical students to consolidate their clinical and communication skills within their clinical practice, building on what they have learned in the previous years and preparing themselves for the foundation year training programme. Focusing on the notion of the Doctor as a practitioner (Tomorrow's Doctors, GMC 2009), this module enables students to further enhance their skills within a safe but clinically-focused environment.
PM-402 Advanced Research Project B

The advanced research project is a key component of the final year of study, providing students with experience of conducting cutting-edge research in the Institute of Life Science and Centre for Nanohealth over an extended period. The project will fall into one of the current medically-related research themes: Biomarkers and Genes; Microbes and Immunity; Devices. Students will employ a range of advanced analytical procedures to investigate a specific topic. In addition, they will gain experience in preparing a research proposal and presenting their data in various formats. Research topics will be assigned that are appropriate to a specific degree title. For example, a Genetics student could be assigned a project investigating gene function in an insect vector of a tropical disease, using the technique of RNA interference. The advanced research project is divided between 2 modules, PM-400 and PM-402. PM-402 comprises the final written dissertation.

Key Grants and Projects

Integrated nanoscopy and microscopy in 3-D to study hippocampal neurogenesis at the synaptic and molecular level 2010

Medical Research Council, £122,545
Royal Society Research Grant: Ghrelin-mediated hippocampal neurogenesis: a role for GHSR/D1R heterodimerisation 2011

, £15000
Weston Brain Institute: Circulating ghrelin as a dementia biomarker. 2020

, £315,898

Dr Jeffrey Davies

Telephone number

Email address

Welsh language proficiency

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Research Links

About

Areas Of Expertise

Career Highlights

Publications

Research Highlights

All Research

Journal Articles

Supervision

Understanding progressive multiple Sclerosis outcome by integrating genotypic and pathotypic information. (current)

Detection of ghrelin species by Mass Spectrometry, novel biomarkers for diagnosing dementia? (current)

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of ghrelin-mediated neurogenesis (current)

INVESTIGATING GHRELIN-MEDIATED MECHANISMS REGULATING ADULT HIPPOCAMPAL NEUROGENESIS (awarded 2021)

Characterising the effect of ghrelin-GHSR signalling on neuronal autophagy (current)

Characterisation of the ghrelinergic system in human models of neurodegenerative diseases (current)

Investigating the role of the ghrelin axis in cognitive decline and dementia. (current)

'Natural and Synthetic GHSR1a Agonists as Neuroprotective Agents in Models of Parkinson's Disease' (awarded 2018)

'Acyl-ghrelin mediated lipid retention and inflammation within in vitro and ex vivo adipose depots' (awarded 2018)

Assessing the Role of the Ghrelin-axis in Extra-Hypothalamic Brain Function (awarded 2019)

'The Effects of Ghrelin and Mild Nutrient Restriction on Neuronal Autophagy' (awarded 2017)

Using genome-scale bioinformatics platforms to investigate the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the BRCA1 gene in key molecular pathways of disease (current)

Using genome-scale bioinformatics platforms to identify complex genetic and metabolic markers of neurological disorders. (current)

Ghrelin AMPK mediated mitochondrial dynamics (current)

Taught Modules

PM-139 Human Physiology I

PM-154 Human Physiology

PM-257 Neuroscience

PM-275 Introduction to neuroscience

PM-341 Human Biology and the Environment

PM-344 Capstone Project

PM-344C Prosiect Capfaen

PM-347 Human Immunopathology

PM-362C Prosiect Ymchwil Fiomoleciwlaidd

PM-368C Doctor as a Practitioner 4

PM-402 Advanced Research Project B

Key Grants and Projects

Integrated nanoscopy and microscopy in 3-D to study hippocampal neurogenesis at the synaptic and molecular level 2010

Royal Society Research Grant: Ghrelin-mediated hippocampal neurogenesis: a role for GHSR/D1R heterodimerisation 2011

Weston Brain Institute: Circulating ghrelin as a dementia biomarker. 2020