Dr Caroline Gorvin

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Caroline collaborates with both basic science researchers and clinicians to advance understanding of GPCR signalling in endocrine and metabolic disease. These encompass three main themes.

Signalling of GPCRs involved in appetite regulation

The Gorvin group investigates fundamental mechanisms by which metabolic GPCRs signal within cells. Studies include: understanding how accessory proteins interact with GPCRs to modify their signalling and internalisation; and investigating how receptor dimerisation and cross-talk influence signal dynamics.

GPCRs involved in bone metabolism

In collaboration with researchers at the University of Southern Denmark, Dr Gorvin’s research focusses on understanding how GPCRs contribute to bone metabolism. Current research areas include: the effect of the hormones GIP and GLP-1 on human bone cell activity and defining the roles of orphan GPCRs in osteoclast activity.

Calcium-sensing receptor signalling & trafficking

Dr Gorvin has expertise in calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) signalling and the contribution of receptor mutations to disorders of calcium homeostasis. Her research has: defined new paradigms for CaSR signalling by spatiotemporal G-protein pathways; described new disease-biased CaSR signalling pathways; repurposed allosteric modulators for patients with hyper/hypocalcaemia; and contributed to informing clinical guidelines for genetic testing in hypercalcaemia.

This research combines microscopy techniques (including single molecule imaging) with signalling assays (e.g. BRET, HTRF, TR-FRET, AlphaScreen and reporter assays) in primary and immortalised cell-lines. The Gorvin group is happy to provide expertise and collaborate with any researchers that have an interest in membrane proteins, cell signalling or trafficking.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: detail-oriented, organised, collaborative.

Provision of Training

You will be fully trained at the start of your PhD by members of my research team, but I will expect you to work independently later once fully trained.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to be kept up to date with progress in an informal lab meeting setting once a week. I have high expectations and will push you to your full potential.

Communication

I will only hold meetings with you during core hours (9-5, Mon-Fri). I may email you outside these hours, but I do not expect an immediate response. I am happy to discuss lab-based or career development issues, but not personal issues.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

Meetings will be a mixture of face to face, via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Working Pattern

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during defined core hours (or a subset if working part time).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

Investigating how accessory proteins modify the function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in appetite regulation

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Investigating how accessory proteins modify the function of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) involved in appetite regulation

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Steve Briddon

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes: Understanding the Rules of Life (Neuroscience and Behaviour, Systems Biology)

Project Outline

This PhD project will explore how accessory proteins modify the signalling of GPCRs involved in appetite regulation, using state-of-the-art signalling assays and cutting-edge microscopy techniques. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that have a critical role in energy homeostasis, contributing to food intake, energy expenditure and glycaemic control. Genetic mutations in GPCRs cause obesity and blockbuster obesity drugs target GPCRs. Interactions between GPCRs and accessory proteins can facilitate GPCR signalling but the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood.

This project will explore how accessory proteins interact with GPCRs to modify signalling and trafficking. The student will investigate protein interactions between accessory proteins and GPCRs and their binding kinetics using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The effects of accessory proteins on GPCR signalling will be explored using a variety of assays including BRET and cAMP Glosensor, while receptor internalisation will be assessed using structured illumination microscopy. There will also be the opportunity to learn generic skills including cell culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning). The candidate will be based primarily at the University of Birmingham but will undertake research visits to the University of Nottingham to learn fluorescence correlation spectroscopy techniques. This project provides an exceptional opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary research with access to state-of-the-art facilities at two leading universities. This research will advance our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms by which GPCRs regulate food intake and has the potential to lead to novel therapeutics to treat metabolic disease.

References

1) Goulding J, Kondrashov A, Mistry SJ, Melarangi T, Vo NTN, Hoang DM, White CW, Denning C, Briddon SJ, Hill SJ. The use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to monitor cell surface β2-adrenoceptors at low expression levels in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. FASEB J. 2021 Apr;35(4):e21398.

2) Jamaluddin A, Gorvin CM. RISING STARS: Targeting G protein-coupled receptors to regulate energy homeostasis. J Mol Endocrinol. 2023 Apr 19;70(4):e230014. doi: 10.1530/JME-23-0014.

3) Gorvin CM, Rogers A, Hastoy B, Tarasov AI, Frost M, Sposini S, Inoue A, Whyte MP, Rorsman P, Hanyaloglu AC, Breitwieser GE, Thakker RV. AP2σ Mutations Impair Calcium-Sensing Receptor Trafficking and Signaling, and Show an Endosomal Pathway to Spatially Direct G-Protein Selectivity. Cell Rep. 2018 Jan 23;22(4):1054-1066. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.089.