Dr Paul Weightman Potter

I am a JDRF Postdoctoral Research Fellow mentored by Dr Craig Beall. My research interests include brain energy metabolism and the interplay between glia and neurons in physiological and pathological states, particularly in Type 1 Diabetes. Broadly, the projects I work on investigate the mechanisms by which the brain, in particular astrocytes, sense changes in nutrient status and how that is affected by recurrent hypoglycaemia (read more). I aim to develop novel strategies to improve/prevent recurrent hypoglycaemia-associated complications to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

Previously I worked as a postdoctoral research associate funded by an European Federation for the Study of Diabetes grant for Dr Craig Beall.

Educational history:

2015-2019 PhD “The impact of glucose variation on human astrocytes” – University of Exeter

2011-2015 1st class BSc (Hons) Biology with professional placement year – University of Bath

Hobbies: In my spare time I play and coach American Football for the Somerset Wyverns and University of Exeter Demons. I spend a lot of my time training and focusing my efforts towards trialing for the GB American Football team. Outside of sports, I enjoy most outdoor activities, and playing games with friends.

Contact Details

Email: p.weightman-potter2@exeter.ac.uk

Phone

Key Publications

Josie L. Robb, Nadia A. Hammad, Paul G. Weightman Potter, John K. Chilton, Craig Beall, Kate J. Ellacott (2020). The metabolic response to inflammation in astrocytes is regulated by nuclear factor-kappa B signalling. Glia (Impact Factor 6.2). doi: 10.1002/glia.23835.

Ana M. Cruz, Yasaman Malekizadeh*, Julia M. Vlachaki Walker*, Paul G. Weightman Potter, Katherine Pye, Simon Shaw, Kate L.J. Ellacott, Craig Beall (2019). Brain permeable AMPK activator R481 raises glycemia and amplifies counterregulatory response by autonomic nervous system activation. bioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/749929. (Pre-print)

Josephine L. Robb, Nicole M. Morrissey, Paul G. Weightman Potter, Hannah E. Smithers, Craig Beall and Kate L.J. Ellacott (2019). Immunometabolic changes in glia – A potential role in the pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes? Neuroscience (Impact Factor 3.2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.021

Paul G. Weightman Potter, Julia M. Vlachaki Walker, Josephine L. Robb, Ritchie Williamson, Andrew D. Randall, Kate L.J. Ellacott, Craig Beall (2019). Basal fatty acid oxidation increases after recurrent low glucose in human primary astrocytes. Diabetologia (Impact Factor 6.0). doi: 10.1007/s00125-018-4744-6.

Julia M. Vlachaki Walker, Josephine L. Robb, Ana M. Cruz, Amrinder Malhi, Paul G. Weightman Potter, Michael L.J. Ashford, Rory J. McCrimmon, Kate L.J. Ellacott, Craig Beall (2017). AMP-activated protein kinase activator A-769662 increases intracellular calcium and ATP release from astrocytes in an AMPK-independent manner. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (Impact Factor 6.2). doi: 10.1111/dom.12912.