Dr. Schellekens is an Associate Editor for Nutritional Neuroscience (February 2021) and an Editorial Board Member of Neuropharmacology (August 2020). Dr. Schellekens is in the top 0.1% of scholars writing about Ghrelin over the past 10 years, a level we label as "World Expert" (Expertscape's PubMed-based algorithms).·
Dr Schellekens research is focused on the microbiome-gut-brain axis in nutritional neuroscience and psychiatry. Her group investigates impact of diet & nutrition and the gut microbiome on human metabolic and mental health across the lifespan. She has designed and runs a screening platform for the mechanistic mining of gut microbiota across gut-brain axis targets to identify effective biotherapeutics and microbiota-targeted strategies against obesity and stress.
She received a PhD in Pharmacy from the University College Cork, Ireland in 2012 and a MSc in Biology and Medical Biology (Hons) from the Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. She was awarded a Marie Curie Host Fellowship for Transfer of Knowledge (TOK) in 2006. She has gained considerable expertise in the pharmaceutical industry in RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, in assay design and lead optimization at Organon NV (Akzo Nobel), during a 5 year stint. In addition, she has worked at Eirx therapeutics where she has been contributing towards building a focused drug discovery capability. Dr. Harriet Schellekens returned to the academic settings in 2009 and also worked as a lecturer and module coordinator in the School of Pharmacy, University College Cork. Dr Schellekens research group is based in the APC Microbiome Ireland (Funded Investigator) and the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in the Biosciences Institute and the Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland.
Dr Schellekens is currently supervising 3 postdoctoral researchers, 1 PhD student, and has successfully supervised 5 PhD students, 3 MSc students, >8 postdoctoral researchers and many visiting BSc student from the Netherlands and Spain.
Dr Schellekens has an h-index of 31 (google scholar) and has published over 66 peer-reviewed publications with >4900 citations and 5 book chapters. Dr Schellekens has given scientific talks and seminars at >50 (inter)national conferences..
Research focus:
Dr. Schellekens has also established a targeted nutraceutical approach to identify novel functional pre- and probiotics with the potential to positively impact metabolic and mental health and overall wellbeing. Using medium to high throughput cellular and biochemical assays, she has created an pipeline to intelligently mine microbes and gain mechanistic insights into the dietary and microbiota-derived metabolites as mediators of gut-brain axis signaling. Moreover, she is interested in the effect of nutrition on synaptic plasticity and cognition and has recently set-up electrophysiological capabilities to investigate the impact of diet, metabolic risk and gut microbes on brain function.
Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela, Manuel Narvaez, Ismael Valladolid-Acebes, Kirill Shumilov, Michael Di Palma, Karolina Wydra, Thorsten Schaefer, Irene Reyes-Resina, Gemma Navarro, Giuseppa Mudó, Malgorzata Filip, Stefano Sartini, Kristina Friedland, Harriët Schellekens, Sarah Beggiato, Luca Ferraro, Sergio Tanganelli, Rafael Franco, Natale Belluardo, Patrizia Ambrogini, Miguel Perez de la Mora and Kjell Fuxe, Detection, analysis and quantification of GPCR homo and heteroreceptor complexes in specific neuronal cell populations using the in situ Proximity Ligation Assay, Receptor-receptor interactions in the brain, Neuromethods, 2018, Springer Nature.
Schellekens, H., T. Dinan, and J. Cryan, The Ghrelin Receptor: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Obesity, in Central Functions of the Ghrelin Receptor, J. Portelli and I. Smolders, Editors. 2014, Springer New York. p. 89-122.
Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F., Ghrelin at the Interface of Obesity and Reward, Obesity, Vitamins & Hormones, 2013. Feb; 91, 285-323.
Dr. Schellekens teaches and has taught a diverse range of topics (Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Pharmacy, Medicine) to various groups of students. Specific modules she has taught or coordinated are; Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience(AN4014), Human Nervous System (AN3012), Research Methodology in Neuroscience (AN3001), Developmental Neurobiology (AN4008), Foundations of Medicine, Neuroscience (FM2101), Neuropharmacology (PT4005), Advanced Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (PT3445), Introduction to Pharmacology (PT3001), Foundations of Medicine, Fundamentals of Therapy (FM3003), Fundamentals of Medicine IV , Neuroanatomy (GM2001), Neurobiology of disease (AN3013), and Master students in Clinical perscpectives of human disease (ML6002).
2013: Anatomy Training Program, Anatomical Society, Oxford, UK (ongoing)
Biography
Dr. Harriët Schellekens is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, a Principal Investigator with Food for Health Ireland (FHI), and a funded investigator with the APC Microbiome Ireland.Dr. Schellekens is an Associate Editor for Nutritional Neuroscience (February 2021) and an Editorial Board Member of Neuropharmacology (August 2020). Dr. Schellekens is in the top 0.1% of scholars writing about Ghrelin over the past 10 years, a level we label as "World Expert" (Expertscape's PubMed-based algorithms).·
Dr Schellekens research is focused on the microbiome-gut-brain axis in nutritional neuroscience and psychiatry. Her group investigates impact of diet & nutrition and the gut microbiome on human metabolic and mental health across the lifespan. She has designed and runs a screening platform for the mechanistic mining of gut microbiota across gut-brain axis targets to identify effective biotherapeutics and microbiota-targeted strategies against obesity and stress.
She received a PhD in Pharmacy from the University College Cork, Ireland in 2012 and a MSc in Biology and Medical Biology (Hons) from the Radboud University in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. She was awarded a Marie Curie Host Fellowship for Transfer of Knowledge (TOK) in 2006. She has gained considerable expertise in the pharmaceutical industry in RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, in assay design and lead optimization at Organon NV (Akzo Nobel), during a 5 year stint. In addition, she has worked at Eirx therapeutics where she has been contributing towards building a focused drug discovery capability. Dr. Harriet Schellekens returned to the academic settings in 2009 and also worked as a lecturer and module coordinator in the School of Pharmacy, University College Cork. Dr Schellekens research group is based in the APC Microbiome Ireland (Funded Investigator) and the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in the Biosciences Institute and the Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland.
Dr Schellekens is currently supervising 3 postdoctoral researchers, 1 PhD student, and has successfully supervised 5 PhD students, 3 MSc students, >8 postdoctoral researchers and many visiting BSc student from the Netherlands and Spain.
Dr Schellekens has an h-index of 31 (google scholar) and has published over 66 peer-reviewed publications with >4900 citations and 5 book chapters. Dr Schellekens has given scientific talks and seminars at >50 (inter)national conferences..
Research Interests
Dr. Schellekens investigates the impact of diet & nutrition and the gut microbiome on human health and physiology, in particular in the context of metabolic health and mental health throughout life. Her research interests have been focused on the neuronal circuitry and gut-brain axis signaling, underlying the complex relationship between stress, mood and food intake. She uses mechanistic and translational studies bridging basic and clinical aspects of neuroscience and nutrition to investigate the concept of the link between metabolic disease and stress-related disorders, and the potential amelioration of both via microbiome-targeted approaches.Research focus:
- MECHANISM of microbiota-gut-brain and immune-neuroendocrine signaling in regulation of appetite, food reward, feeding behavior, and metabolic response to stress.
- PHARMACOLOGY and crosstalk of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), neuropeptides and gut hormones across the gut-brain axis.
- TRANSLATIONAL impact of diet & nutrition and the gut microbiome in obesity, diabetes and stress.
Dr. Schellekens has also established a targeted nutraceutical approach to identify novel functional pre- and probiotics with the potential to positively impact metabolic and mental health and overall wellbeing. Using medium to high throughput cellular and biochemical assays, she has created an pipeline to intelligently mine microbes and gain mechanistic insights into the dietary and microbiota-derived metabolites as mediators of gut-brain axis signaling. Moreover, she is interested in the effect of nutrition on synaptic plasticity and cognition and has recently set-up electrophysiological capabilities to investigate the impact of diet, metabolic risk and gut microbes on brain function.
Awards & Achievements:
- Awarded with a James A. Bain Young Scientist Travel Award ($4000) by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) to attend the 17th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP 2014) in Cape Town, South Africa, July,2014.
- Recieved Bain Memorial Bursary Fund (GBP1000) from the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) to attend the the 17th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP 2014) in Cape Town, South Africa, July,2014.
- Awarded with Best speaker Award (Third Prize) in Neuropharmacology division of The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), Boston, April 2013.
- Awarded with the Experimental Biology Young Scientist Travel Award , Boston April 2013.
- Accepted to the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Workshop on Neuropsychopharmacology for Young Scientists in Europe, 3 - 6 March 2011, Nice, France.
- Awarded with the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Travel award 2010, and selected for publication in journal of European Neuropsychopharmacology.
- Awarded European Behavioural Pharmacology Society bursary to attend workshop on 'Eating Behaviour and Obesity' on September 7-9, 2012 in Lecce, Italy.
- Shortlisted for Roche Researcher of the Year Award 2012, PhD category, University College cork.
- Shortlisted for Roche Researcher of the Year Award 2011, PhD category, University College cork.
- Travel fellowship to The obese species, Erice, Italy, 2011.
Conferences and Symposia:
- Expert Panel Discussion in Emerging health opportunities for probiotics & prebiotics at Probiota Americas 2021, June 15-17th 2021 (Virtual online)
- Chair of Basic Science Abstract Discussion Session’ Integrative Physiology I at the 28th annual European Congress on Obesity (ECO2021), European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), 10th May 2021, Online.
- Member of local organizing committee for the 19th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting, “Serotonin on the wild Atlantic way” to be held in 2018 in Cork, Ireland. Responsible for winning the bid to get this conference to Cork, Ireland.
- Organizer and chair of Symposium entitled: “Novel serotonergic mechanisms and functional crosstalk: Shaping innovative molecular neurotherapeutics”, in the 18th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting, “Serotonin in Seattle” on July 24-27th 2016, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Organizer and chair of Symposium entitled “Translational approaches in understanding hedonic eating and neuroplasticity”, in the 29th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress on 17-20th September 2016, Vienna, Austria.
- Organizer and chair of Symposium entitled “The 5-HT2C receptor at the interface of obesity and addiction”, in the 17th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting / 7th IUPHAR Serotonin Satellite Meeting on July 9-11th 2014, Arabella, South Africa.
- Chair person and lead organization of the Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2013 - Cell Signalling, 11th September 2013, University College Cork, Ireland.
Research Awards & Funding:
- Principal Investigator (2022-2024), Geneva-based BIOSTIME Institute Nutrition & Care (BINC) Foundation, PROTECT: PRiming fOr healThy Eating via the diet-miCrobioTa-gut-brain axis; €50,000.
- Co-investigator (2020-2025), H2020-JTI-IMI2-2019-17 EU funded Project ID: 875534; SOPHIA; Stratification of Obese Phenotypes to Optimize Future Obesity Therapy; €16,000,000 (€20,000).
- Principal Investigator (2021-2023), Food for health (FHI) EI Technology Centre award (TC20180025), TTP Project Charter, Appetite Modulation Solution; €92,824.
- Collaborator PI (2019-2020), SFI-18/TIDA/6000: Development of novel small molecule therapeutics targeting the ghrelin receptor to modulate appetite; €99,963 (€63,340).
- Co-investigator (2013-2019) TC2013-0001 Food Health Ireland - EI technology centre - Appetite Modulation (FHI); €739,807 (€371,011). Aoife Ryan, John Cryan, Harriet Schellekens.
- Principal Investigator (2022-2024), Tate & Lyle -APC research wholly funded project €393,472.
- Co-investigator (2021-2023), Fonterra-APC research wholly funded project €485,228.
- Co-investigator (2019-2021), Pharmavite-APC research wholly funded project €378,600.
- Academic returner scheme (2019), College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork €5,000.
- Strategic Research Fund (SRF) (2014), UCC with matching funds from FHI & APC €33,000.
- Translational Research Access Programme (TRAP) (2014), College of Medicine and Health & School of Medicine, University College Cork €8,500.
Named Investigator on grants:
- 2017-2020_16/ERA-HDHL/3362, SFI funded joint project initiative (JPI) ERA-HDHL Joint Action: Biomarkers for Nutrition and Health”, HEALTHMARK, Metabolic HEALTH through nutrition, microbiota and tryptophan bioMARKers; (€250,000). John Cryan, Ger Clarke (I wrote the UCC part)
- 2016_2019_15/JP-HDHL/3270, SFI funded JPI HDHL Joint Action: Nutrition and Cognitive Function (NutriCog)_AMBROSIAC, A Menu for Brain Responses Opposing Stress-Induced Alterations in Cognition; €2,046,141 (€499,492). (I wrote grant on behalf of John Cryan with UCC as coordinator).
- Co-Investigator (2014-2018), CREMO-APC research project €251,618.
Recent Invited Presentations
- Schellekens, H., The Microbiome, Mood and Food: Novel Insights in the microbiota gut brain axisat the interface of metabolism, the central regulation of food intake and stress, Yakult Science webinar, The Microbiome, Appetite & Cardiometabolic Health, 9th June, 2022 (Virtual).
- Schellekens, H., Mining microbiota targets across the gut-brain axis: Towards mechanistic and translational approaches for metabolic and mental health, 10th Microbiome & Probiotics R&D and Business Collaboration Forum, World Forum, The Hague, Netherlands, 24-25 May 2022 (Virtual).
- Schellekens, H., Mining microbiota targets across the gut-brain axis for metabolic and mental health, The Global Prebiotic Association, virtual workshop on the future of prebiotics, 16th December, 2021 (Virtual)
- Schellekens, H., The Microbiota-Gut-Brain axis: Mechanistic and Translational approaches to Mine Microbiota for Metabolic and Mental Health, The Sheffield Microbiomics Network/Gut Cluster (Invited talk), Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield, 14th September, 2021 (Virtual).
- Schellekens, H., Novel insights into microbiota-gut-brain signalling in reward and obesity, Gut Microbiota and the Brain Symposia, FENS Regional Meeting (FRM) 2021, Organized by the Polish Neuroscience Society and the Lithuanian Neuroscience Association, 25-27th August, 2021 (Virtual)
- Schellekens, H., Targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis: Bifidobacterium longum's impact on obesity, The Microbiome Connect: Nutrition 2021 Virtual Congress, 2nd June, 2021. (Virtual Online)
- Schellekens, H., Targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis: Towards evidence[SH1] based approaches for metabolic and mental health, International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), 1st-3rd June, 2021 (Online Plenary)
- Schellekens, H., Mining the Microbiota: Novel Insights from microbiota[SH2] -targeting strategies for metabolic health and mood, 3rd edition of International conference on microbiota-gut-brain axis, Mind, Mood & Microbes, Virtual Conference, 19-20th May, 2021.
- Schellekens, H., Oxytocin Signalling and crosstalk in the gut-brain axis, The Harvard Interdisciplinary Oxytocin Research meeting, 28th April, 2021 (Online)
- Schellekens, H., A Microbiome Menu: Targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis for metabolic, cognitive and mental health, Gut feelings: Exploring prebiotics and the gut-brain axis, Global Prebiotic Association, Virtual Webinar, 24th February, 2021. (Online)
- Schellekens, H., A Microbiome Menu: The microbiota-gut-brain axis at the interface of appetite, food and mood, 12th Nordic Nutrition Conference (NNC2020), Virtual Congress, 14-16 December 2020. (Online)
- Schellekens, H., Novel insights into Gut-Brain signalling in Reward and Obesity, European College of Neuropshychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress, Virtual Congress, 12-15 September 2020. (Online)
- Schellekens, H., Mining the Gut Microbiota and its Metabolites to Modify Metabolism, Appetite and Mood, European and International Congress on Obesity (ECOICO) Online 2020, Virtual Congress, 01-04th September 2020. (Chairing session: The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Obesity). (Online)
- Schellekens, H., Microbiome Menu: The microbiota-gut-brain axis at the interface of appetite, food and mood, Probiota 2020, Dublin, Ireland, 10-12th February 2020.
- Schellekens, H., Ghrelin Signalling in the Gut-Brain Axis at the Interface of Homeostatic Appetite and Food Reward, The European Behavioural Pharmacology Society (EBPS) Biennial Meeting, Braga, Portugal, 28-31st August 2019.
- Schellekens, H., A Microbiome Menu; The microbiota-gut-brain axis at the interface of appetite, food and mood, UCD MicroSoc "Gut Impact on Health", Microbiome Management and Manipulation, The Fitzgerald Chamber, University College Dublin, Dublin, 4th April 2019.
- Schellekens, H., Gut Microbiome and Obesity: Role of gut bacteria-derived metabolites in the gut-brain axis, APC Microbiome Ireland APC@15 Celebrating Impact, Devere Hall, University College Cork, Cork, January, 2019.
- Schellekens, H., Novel crosstalk and heterodimerization of the 5-HT2A/2C receptor with the oxytocin receptor, The 19th Meeting of the International Society for Serotonin Research, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, 15th-19th July, 2018. (Co-organiser of conference)
- Schellekens, H., Bugs to Drugs: Gut bacteria-derived metabolites as major modulators of neuroendocrine signalling in the gut-brain axis, APC Microbiome Institute Seminar, Pharmacy building, University College Cork, Cork, March, 2018.
- Schellekens, H., Neuroanatomy of appetite and brain-gut signalling, The Institute of Anatomical Sciences Autumn Meeting, Cork, Ireland, August, 2017.
- Schellekens, H., Digesting synaptic function in appetite and food reward, European College of Neuropshychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress, Vienna, Austria, September, 2016. (Chairing session: Translational Approaches in Understanding Hedonic Eating and Neuroplasticity).
- Schellekens, H., Functional crosstalk of the 5-HT2c receptor in food intake and reward, 18th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting: Serotonin in Seattle, The Edgewater Hotel, Seattle, Washington, USA, July, 2016. (Chairing session: The 5-HT2 receptor family in reward, addiction and impulsive action).
- Schellekens, H., Digesting receptor crosstalk in appetite regulation and food reward, Federation of European neuroscience societies (FENS) Forum, Bella Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark, July, 2016.
- Schellekens, H., Diet-Microbiome-Gut-Brain Interactions, M.Sc. in Nutritional Medicine, Module 12: The Brain and Nervous System: Diet and Behaviour, Leggett Building, University of Surrey, July, 2016.
- Schellekens, H., Gut Microbiota: A Key Regulator of Immune-Neuroendocrine Communication, British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) annual meeting, Liverpool, UK, June, 2016.
- Schellekens, H., The microbiota-gut-brain axis in obesity and food reward, APC Microbiome Institute Seminar, Pharmacy building, University College Cork, Cork, March, 2016. 28. Schellekens, H., Mining microbes for novel neurotherapeutics to modulate mood and food intake, APC Microbiome Institute Launch symposium, Aula maxima, University College Cork, Cork, August 2015.
- Torres-Fuentes, C., Schellekens, H., Hoevenaars, N., Ross, P., Roy, B.L., Stanton, C., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F., Identification of novel probiotics to modify appetite by targeting the ghrelin receptor, Pharma Nutrition: Linking the microbiome with nutrition and pharma, Philadelphia, April 2015.
- Schellekens, H., Cryan, J.F., Neuropeptide receptor heterodimerization at the interface of stress, mood and food reward, Neuropeptides, obesity and addiction, 27th European College of Neuropshychopharmacology (ECNP) Congress, Berlin, October 2014.
- Schellekens, H., Cryan, J.F., Dimerization of G-protein coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward, 17th World Congress of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2014. Awarded with a James A. Bain Young Scientist Travel Award ($4000) by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET and a Bain Memorial Bursary Fund (GBP1000) from the British Pharmacological Society (BPS).
- Schellekens, H., Cryan, J.F., Taking Two to Tango: A Role for 5-HT2C Receptor Heterodimerization in Food Intake and Reward, 17th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting, Arabella, South Africa, 2014.
- Schellekens, H., The brain-gut axis in appetite and satiety: Pharmaceutical versus natural bioactives as solutions in obesity, Nutrition, Nutraceutics, and Nutritional Supplements PhD short course, Graduate School in Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy, 2013.
- Schellekens, H., McCarthy, T.M., Theeuwes, W.F., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F., Dimerization of G-protein coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward, Experimental Biology, Boston, USA, 2013. Awarded with 3rd best speaker in the Neuropharmacology division of The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). In addition, awarded with the Experimental Biology Young Scientist Travel Award 2013.
- Schellekens, H., van Oeffelen, W.E.P.A., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.C., Promiscuous G-protein coupled Receptor (GPCR) Dimerisation in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward, The obese species, Erice, Italy, 2011. Awarded with Travel fellowship 2011.
Book Chapters
Barbara Chruścicka, Shauna E. Wallace Fitzsimons, Clémentine M. Druelle, Timothy G. Dinan, Harriët Schellekens, Detection and Quantitative Analysis of Dynamic G-Protein Coupled Receptors Interactions using Flow Cytometry-based FRET, Receptor-receptor interactions in the brain, Neuromethods, 2018, Springer Nature.Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela, Manuel Narvaez, Ismael Valladolid-Acebes, Kirill Shumilov, Michael Di Palma, Karolina Wydra, Thorsten Schaefer, Irene Reyes-Resina, Gemma Navarro, Giuseppa Mudó, Malgorzata Filip, Stefano Sartini, Kristina Friedland, Harriët Schellekens, Sarah Beggiato, Luca Ferraro, Sergio Tanganelli, Rafael Franco, Natale Belluardo, Patrizia Ambrogini, Miguel Perez de la Mora and Kjell Fuxe, Detection, analysis and quantification of GPCR homo and heteroreceptor complexes in specific neuronal cell populations using the in situ Proximity Ligation Assay, Receptor-receptor interactions in the brain, Neuromethods, 2018, Springer Nature.
Schellekens, H., T. Dinan, and J. Cryan, The Ghrelin Receptor: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Obesity, in Central Functions of the Ghrelin Receptor, J. Portelli and I. Smolders, Editors. 2014, Springer New York. p. 89-122.
Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F., Ghrelin at the Interface of Obesity and Reward, Obesity, Vitamins & Hormones, 2013. Feb; 91, 285-323.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Health Ireland-Appetite Modulation (FHI) | Enterprise Ireland | 01-SEP-13 | 31-AUG-18 | €371,011.00 | |
| Phecomp Rodent System for automated analysis of compulsive food/liquid intake and locomotor activity | UCC Strategic Research Fund | €20,000.00 | |||
| Neuroendocrine and Gut Microbiome Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer Cachexia | UCC TRAP (Translational Research Access Programme) | €8,500.00 |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2013) | 'Ghrelin at the interface of obesity and reward' Schellekens, H.,Dinan, T. G.,Cryan, J. F. (2013) 'Ghrelin at the interface of obesity and reward' In: Obesity, Vitamins & Hormones. USA: elsevier. [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'The Ghrelin Receptor: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Obesity' Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F (2014) 'The Ghrelin Receptor: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Obesity' In: J. Portelli and I. Smolders (eds). Central Functions of the Ghrelin Receptor. New York: Springer. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2013) | 'Milk protein hydrolysates activate 5-HT2C serotonin receptors: influence of the starting substrate and isolation of bioactive fractions' Nongonierma, AB,Schellekens, H,Dinan, TG,Cryan, JF,FitzGerald, RJ (2013) 'Milk protein hydrolysates activate 5-HT2C serotonin receptors: influence of the starting substrate and isolation of bioactive fractions'. Food & Function, 4 :728-737 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2003) | 'Reactive nitrogen species block cell cycle re-entry through sustained production of hydrogen peroxide' Yuan, Z.,Schellekens, H.,Warner, L.,Janssen-Heininger, Y.,Burch, P.,Heintz, N. H. (2003) 'Reactive nitrogen species block cell cycle re-entry through sustained production of hydrogen peroxide'. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 28 (66):705-12705 [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'Lean mean fat reducing ghrelin machine: hypothalamic ghrelin and ghrelin receptors as therapeutic targets in obesity' Schellekens, H; Dinan, TG; Cryan, JF; (2010) 'Lean mean fat reducing ghrelin machine: hypothalamic ghrelin and ghrelin receptors as therapeutic targets in obesity'. Neuropharmacology, 58 (1):2-16 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Semagacestat, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, activates the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS-R1a) receptor' Schellekens, H,McNamara, O,Dinan, TG,McCarthy, JV,McGlacken, GP,Cryan, JF (2013) 'Semagacestat, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, activates the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS-R1a) receptor'. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 65 :528-538 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'Is there altered sensitivity to ghrelin-receptor ligands in leptin-deficient mice?: importance of satiety state and time of day' Finger, BC,Schellekens, H,Dinan, TG,Cryan, JF; (2011) 'Is there altered sensitivity to ghrelin-receptor ligands in leptin-deficient mice?: importance of satiety state and time of day'. Psychopharmacology, 216 :421-429 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'A natural solution for obesity: Bioactives for the prevention and treatment of weight gain. A review' Torres-Fuentes C, Schellekens H, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2014) 'A natural solution for obesity: Bioactives for the prevention and treatment of weight gain. A review'. Nutritional Neuroscience, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Devil's Claw to suppress appetite--ghrelin receptor modulation potential of a Harpagophytum procumbens root extract' Torres-Fuentes C, Theeuwes WF, McMullen MK, McMullen AK, Dinan TG, Cryan JF, Schellekens H (2014) 'Devil's Claw to suppress appetite--ghrelin receptor modulation potential of a Harpagophytum procumbens root extract'. Plos One, 9 (7) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Promiscuous dimerization of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) attenuates ghrelin-mediated signaling' Schellekens H, van Oeffelen WE, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2013) 'Promiscuous dimerization of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) attenuates ghrelin-mediated signaling'. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 288 (1):181-191 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Taking two to tango: a role for ghrelin receptor heterodimerization in stress and reward' Schellekens H, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2013) 'Taking two to tango: a role for ghrelin receptor heterodimerization in stress and reward'. Frontiers in neuroscience, 7 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Milk protein-derived peptides induce 5-HT2C-mediated satiety,in vivo' Schellekens, H,Nongonierma, AB,Clarke, G,van Oeffelen, WEPA,FitzGerald, RJ,Dinan, TG,Cryan, JF (2014) 'Milk protein-derived peptides induce 5-HT2C-mediated satiety,in vivo'. International Dairy Journal, 38 :55-64 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Ghrelin signalling and obesity: at the interface of stress, mood and food reward' Schellekens H, Finger BC, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2012) 'Ghrelin signalling and obesity: at the interface of stress, mood and food reward'. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 135 (3):316-326 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Gender-dependent consequences of chronic olanzapine in the rat: effects on body weight, inflammatory, metabolic and microbiota parameters' Davey KJ, O'Mahony SM, Schellekens H, O'Sullivan O, Bienenstock J, Cotter PD, Dinan TG, Cryan JF (2012) 'Gender-dependent consequences of chronic olanzapine in the rat: effects on body weight, inflammatory, metabolic and microbiota parameters'. Pharmacology, 221 (1):155-169 [DOI] [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2011) | Science advisory board meeting, Food for Health Ireland, Hayfield manor,Cork, Ireland van Oeffelen, W.E.P.A., Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F. (2011) Targeting Obesity: Lentiviral-based Dopamine and Melanocortin Receptor Overexpression Science advisory board meeting, Food for Health Ireland, Hayfield manor,Cork, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2014) | The Physiological Society Topic Meeting, Obesity: A Physiological Perspective, Newcastle, UK Torres-Fuentes, C., Theeuwes, Wessel F., McMullen, M., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F. and Schellekens, H (2014) A natural solution for Obesity - Devil´s Claw attenuates food intake via ghrelin receptor modulation The Physiological Society Topic Meeting, Obesity: A Physiological Perspective, Newcastle, UK [Details] | |
| (2014) | The Physiological Society Topic Meeting, Obesity: A Physiological Perspective, Newcastle, UK Kandil,D.,Theeuwes, Wessel F.,Cryan, J.F. and Schellekens, H. (2014) Investigation of ghrelin and serotonin 2C receptor crosstalk on food intake The Physiological Society Topic Meeting, Obesity: A Physiological Perspective, Newcastle, UK [Details] | |
| (2010) | 23rd European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F. (2010) Increased Serotonin 2C Receptor Editing in a Mouse Model of Obesity 23rd European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands [Details] | |
| (2011) | Proceedings of the Annual Walsh Fellowship Conference O’Brien, L., Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan J.F., Fitzgerald, G.F., Stanton, C. (2011) Enhancement of calcium bioavailability via milk bioactives Proceedings of the Annual Walsh Fellowship Conference [Details] | |
| (2011) | 24th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, Paris, France Davey, K.J., O’Mahoney, S.M., Schellekens, H., O’Sullivan, O., Cotter, P.D., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F (2011) Olanzapine-Induced weight gain in the rat and effects on Inflammatory, Metabolic and Microbiota: Role of gender 24th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, Paris, France [Details] | |
| (2011) | European College of Neuropsychopharmacology workshop on Neuropsychopharmacology for Young Scientists in Europe, Nice, France Schellekens, H, Davey, K. J., O’Mahony S.M., Dinan, T.G., & Cryan, J.F (2011) Olanzapine-induced weight gain is associated with increased hypothalamic ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) expression European College of Neuropsychopharmacology workshop on Neuropsychopharmacology for Young Scientists in Europe, Nice, France [Details] | |
| (2012) | European Behavioural Pharmacology Society (EBPS) Workshop on Eating Behaviour and Obesity, Lecce, Italy Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F. (2012) Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) -mediated signalling is attenuated via heterodimerization with the serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptor: A potential role in food intake European Behavioural Pharmacology Society (EBPS) Workshop on Eating Behaviour and Obesity, Lecce, Italy [Details] | |
| (2013) | Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2013 - Cell Signalling, University College Cork, Ireland van Oeffelen, W.E.P.A., Gijsbrechts, J.A., Clarijs, A.W.H.C, Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F (2013) The role of ghrelin in fasting-induced changes in mood and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2013 - Cell Signalling, University College Cork, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2007) | UK Chromatin Conference, London and Edinburgh Chromatin Clubs, University of York, Jack Lyons Concert Hall, UK Schellekens, H., Dijkema, R (2007) Role of Relevant cofactors in LXR pharmacology related to cholesterol efflux UK Chromatin Conference, London and Edinburgh Chromatin Clubs, University of York, Jack Lyons Concert Hall, UK [Details] | |
| (2007) | Marie Curie host Fellowship for Transfer of knowledge, University College Cork, Ireland Schellekens, H., Finbarr, T.J.F (2007) The Establishment of a World Class European Apoptosis and AntiCancer Drug Discovery Capability Marie Curie host Fellowship for Transfer of knowledge, University College Cork, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2009) | Translational Health Research Conference, Neuroscience,in collaboration with: College of Medicine and Health, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Ireland Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F (2009) Establishment of a screening platform to identify novel milk-derived bio-actives capable of modulating the hypothalamic peptide system involved in satiety and the regulation of food intake Translational Health Research Conference, Neuroscience,in collaboration with: College of Medicine and Health, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2010) | Keystone symposia, Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight (J4), Neurobiology, USA Schellekens, H., Finger, B.C., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F (2010) Central serotonin receptor mRNA Expression and 5-HT2C Editing in a Mouse Model of Obesity Keystone symposia, Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight (J4), Neurobiology, USA [Details] | |
| (2011) | Neuroscience Ireland, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland Schellekens, H., van Oeffelen, W.E.P.A., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F. (2011) Promiscuous G-protein coupled Receptor (GPCR) Dimerisation in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward Neuroscience Ireland, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2012) | Serotonin Club Meeting Serotonin: a place in the sun, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier, France Schellekens, H, Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F (2012) Functional crosstalk and heterodimerization of the 5-HT2C with the ghrelin (GHS-R1a) and the dopamine D1 receptor Serotonin Club Meeting Serotonin: a place in the sun, Faculty of Medicine Montpellier, France [Details] | |
| (2013) | Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2013 - Cell Signalling, University College Cork, Ireland Triona McCarthy, T., Bruen, C., Schellekens, H., Cryan, J.F., Giblin, L. (2013) The citric acid cycle intermediate, 2,3 butanedione, increases GPR120 production and cell surface expression in vitro in STC-1 cells Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2013 - Cell Signalling, University College Cork, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2013) | Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2013 - Cell Signalling, University College Cork, Ireland Amels, B., Cryan, J.F., Dinan, T., G., Schellekens, H., (2013) Modulation of the 5-HT2C receptor following exposure to soluble plant and herb extracts Young Life Scientists' Symposium 2013 - Cell Signalling, University College Cork, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2013) | Keystone symposia, Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight (C6), Neurobiology, Banff, Alberta, Canada Schellekens, H., McCarthy, T.M., Theeuwes, W.F., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F (2013) Dimerization of G-protein coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward Keystone symposia, Neuronal Control of Appetite, Metabolism and Weight (C6), Neurobiology, Banff, Alberta, Canada [Details] | |
| (2013) | European Congress on Obesity, Liverpool, UK Bruen, C.M., Schellekens, H., Simpson, P., Cryan, J.F., Dinan, T.G., Giblin., L (2013) Identification and characterisation of a milk protein hydrolysate that increases satiety signalling in vitro and reduces feed intake in vivo European Congress on Obesity, Liverpool, UK [Details] | |
| (2013) | Young Life Scientists Conferenc-Cell Signallinge, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Torres, C., Theeuwes, W.F., McMullen, M.K., McMullen, A.K., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F., Schellekens, H., (2013) A natural solution for obesity- Devil’s Claw attenuates food intake via ghrelin receptor modulation Young Life Scientists Conferenc-Cell Signallinge, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland [Details] | |
| (2014) | European College of Neuropsychopharmacology workshop on Neuropsychopharmacology for Young Scientists in Europe, Nice, France van Oeffelen, W.E.P.A., Scott, K.A., Crampton, S., Schellekens, H., Connolly, A., Dinan, T.G., Cryan, J.F., (2014) The Effect of Ghrelin on the Interaction Between Appetite, Stress and Food Reward Seeking European College of Neuropsychopharmacology workshop on Neuropsychopharmacology for Young Scientists in Europe, Nice, France [Details] | |
| (2014) | 17th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Cape Town, South Africa Schellekens, H., Dinan, T.G., and Cryan, J.F (2014) Taking Two to Tango: A Role for heterodimerization of G-protein coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward 17th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Cape Town, South Africa [Details] | |
| (2011) | Neuroscience Ireland Davey K.J., O'Mahony S.M., Schellekens H., O'Sullivan O., Bienenstock J., Cotter P.D., Dinan T.G. and Cryan J.F. (2011) Olanzapine-induced weight gain in the rat affects inflammatory, metabolic and microbiota parameters: role of gender Neuroscience Ireland [Details] | |
| (2011) | Obese Species Davey K.J., O'Mahony S.M., Schellekens H., Cotter P.D., O'Sullivan O., Dinan T.G. and Cryan J.F. (2011) Drug Induced Weight Gain in the Rat: Metabolic, inflammatory, microbiota parameters and the role of gender Obese Species [Details] | |
| (2011) | European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Davey K.J., O'Mahony S.M., Schellekens H., O'Sullivan O., Cotter P.D., Dinan T.G. and Cryan J.F. (2011) Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain and Metabolic Effects: possible role for the gut microbiota European College of Neuropsychopharmacology [Details] |
Professional Activities
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics(ASPET) | Member | / | |
| British Pharmacological Society | Member | / | |
| European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Young Investigators United Member | Member | / | |
| European Behavioral Pharmacology Society | Member | / | |
| The Anatomical Society | Member | / | |
| Neuroscience Ireland | Member | / | |
| Associate member European College of Neuropsychopharmacology | Member | 01-JAN-11 / 31-DEC-13 | |
| International Society for Serotonin Research (formerly Serotonin Club) | Member | / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2013) | Young Life Scientists' Symposium, H Schellekens (2013) Cell signalling. [Conference Organising Committee Member], Young Life Scientists' Symposium, Cork, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2014) | 27th European College of Neuropshychopharmacology Congress, H Schellekens and JF Cryan (2014) Neuropeptide receptor heterodimerization at the interface of stress, mood and food reward, Neuropeptides, obesity and addiction. [Oral Presentation], 27th European College of Neuropshychopharmacology Congress, Berlin . [Details] | |
| (2014) | 17th World Congress of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, H Schellekens and JF Cryan (2014) Dimerization of G-protein coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward. [Oral Presentation], 17th World Congress of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, Cape Tow, Africa . [Details] | |
| (2011) | The obese species, H Schellekens, WEPA van Oeffelen, TG Dinan, JC Dinan (2011) Promiscuous G-protein coupled Receptor (GPCR) Dimerisation in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward. [Oral Presentation], The obese species, Erice, Italy . [Details] | |
| (2013) | Nutrition, Nutraceutics, and Nutritional Supplements PhD short course, H Schellekens (2013) The brain-gut axis in appetite and satiety: Pharmaceutical versus natural bioactives as solutions in obesity. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Nutrition, Nutraceutics, and Nutritional Supplements PhD short course, Graduate School in Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy . [Details] | |
| (2013) | Dimerization of G-protein coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward, H. Schellekens, TM McCarthy, TG Dinan, JF Cryan (2013) Experimental Biology. [Oral Presentation], Dimerization of G-protein coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Appetite Regulation and Food Reward, Boston, USA . [Details] | |
| (2014) | 11th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting, H. Schellekens and JF Cryan (2014) Taking Two to Tango: A Role for 5-HT2C Receptor Heterodimerization in Food Intake and Reward. [Conference Organising Committee Member], 11th International Society for Serotonin Research Meeting, Arabella, South Africa . [Details] |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University College Cork | Lecturer | 01-SEP-14 / | |
| University College Cork | Senior Postdoctoral Researcher | 01-SEP-13 / 31-AUG-14 | |
| University College Cork | Senior Scientists | 01-DEC-08 / 30-JUN-13 | |
| Organon NV, The Netherlands | Research Scientist | 01-FEB-00 / 30-APR-06 | |
| University College Cork | Parttime Lecturer | 01-SEP-12 / 31-MAR-13 | |
| Eirx Therapeutics | Senior Scientists | 01-JUN-06 / 31-AUG-08 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Avans Hogeschool Brabant, Breda, The Netherlands. | BSC | Biology and Medical Laboratory Research and Applications | |
| 2006 | Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands | MSc | Biology and Medical Biology | |
| 2012 | University College Cork, School of Pharmacy | PhD | G-protein Coupled Receptor signaling in appetite and satiety: Focus on the ghrelin receptor 1a and the serotonin 2c receptor |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrients | Referee | - | |
| Journal Of Pharmacy And Pharmacology | Referee | - | |
| British Journal Of Pharmacology | Referee | - | |
| Psychopharmacology | Referee | - | |
| Psychoneuroendocrinology | Referee | - | |
| Neuropharmacology | Referee | - | |
| Anatomical Sciences Education | Referee | - | |
| Biological Psychiatry | Referee | - | |
| Acs Chemical Neuroscience | Referee | - |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
Module Teaching (lectures and practicals):
Dr. Schellekens teaches and has taught a diverse range of topics (Neuroscience, Neuroanatomy, Pharmacy, Medicine) to various groups of students. Specific modules she has taught or coordinated are; Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience(AN4014), Human Nervous System (AN3012), Research Methodology in Neuroscience (AN3001), Developmental Neurobiology (AN4008), Foundations of Medicine, Neuroscience (FM2101), Neuropharmacology (PT4005), Advanced Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (PT3445), Introduction to Pharmacology (PT3001), Foundations of Medicine, Fundamentals of Therapy (FM3003), Fundamentals of Medicine IV , Neuroanatomy (GM2001), Neurobiology of disease (AN3013), and Master students in Clinical perscpectives of human disease (ML6002).
Supervision of undergraduate research projects:
Dr. Schellekens has supervised final year BSc Neuroscience laboratory research projects (AN4010), intercalated Medical degree research projects (AN4011), and library projects (AN3011) to BSc Neuroscience students. In addition, she has also supervised 4th year Pharmacy student projects. Moreover, each year she mentors B.Sc students for their final year project varying from 5 to 9 month durations from the Avans University, The Netherlands.
Teaching Qualification:
2013: Anatomy Training Program, Anatomical Society, Oxford, UK (ongoing)
2015: Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (scheduled)
Current Postgraduates students:
- Dalia Kandil, Structured PhD student
- Rory O'Connor, Structured PhD student
- Ken Howick, Structured PhD student
- Anna Cristina Connolly, Structured MSc student
- Surabhi Dasan Theratile, Structured MSc student
Research Information
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Brendan Griffin | School of Pharmacy, University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Gerard McGlacken | Chemistry, University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Aoife Ryan | Food & Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Prof John Cryan | University College Cork, Anatomy & Neuroscience | IRELAND |
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr L. Capuron | Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique | FRANCE | |
| Dr Linda Giblin | Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy | IRELAND | |
| Dr M. McMullen | School of Biosciences, University of Westminster | UNITED KINGDOM | |
| Dr Catherine Stanton | Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy | IRELAND | |
| Dr M. Perello | Neurophysiology, Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology | ARGENTINA |