Research areas
My research lies at the interface of cellular biology, pharmacology, and integrative physiology, with a central focus on understanding and treating metabolic and reproductive disorders emanating from the brain and pituitary. A core theme of my research is the role of neuropeptides as master regulators of homeostatic processes. These signalling molecules coordinate a wide array of physiological functions, including energy balance, body composition, sleep-wake cycles, stress responses and ageing. Disruption in any of these tightly regulated processes can lead to profound consequences, notably, obesity, metabolic dysfunction and impaired fertility.
The overarching aim of my research programme is to define the hierarchical organisation of neuroendocrine signals that regulate energy homeostasis and reproductive function across the lifespan. I am particularly interested in how they adapt to physiological challenges and how they deteriorate or become dysregulated in disease states. By identifying key nodes within these signalling hierarchies, my work seeks to uncover novel therapeutic targets for conditions such as obesity, infertility, and related metabolic disorders.
To address these questions, my laboratory employs an integrative and multidisciplinary approach that bridges molecular, cellular and systems-level neuroendocrinology. We make extensive use of transgenic animal models to dissect gene function in vivo, complemented by by cellular and molecular techniques to interrogate signalling pathways within specific neuronal populations. Our work focuses particularly on neuroendocrine circuits within the hypothalamus and amygdala, regions that play critical roles in coordinating metabolic and reproductive physiology.
Current research funding is provided by:
The Cunningham Trust - PhD Studentship
RS MacDonald Trust - Neurophotonics Grant
Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences (IBANS) MSc Research Scholarship
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We are currently inviting applications from talented UK domiciled Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students for a fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of 58³Ô¹Ï, supported by the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Postgraduate Research Scholarship.
This scholarship is designed to widen access to doctoral study and improve representation in postgraduate research. It forms part of the University’s commitment to advancing race equality and supporting more inclusive academic pathways through the Race Equality Charter Action Plan.
Our PhD project offers the opportunity to work at the interface of medicine and physics (collaboration between Tello and Annibale Labs), using advanced imaging and gene-engineering approaches to investigate how MRAP2 regulates appetite and energy balance. The project includes both cell-based and mouse studies, providing excellent training in molecular, physiological, and translational research.
If you are a motivated student from a BAME background with an interest in biomedical research, we strongly encourage you to contact us and apply.
Application deadline is Monday 29th of June 2026.
Details of how to apply can be found here:
/study/scholarships/scholarships-catalogue/postgraduate-scholarships/university-of-st-andrews-black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-bame-pgr-scholarship/
PhD supervision
- Struan Donachie
Selected publications
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Open access
Tello, J., 22 Apr 2026, (Accepted/In press) In: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In Press
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
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Open access
Sohail, I., Laurin, S.-A., Kleinau, G., Chunilal, V., Morton, A., Brenlla, A., Kagiali, Z. C. U., Blouin, M.-J., Tello, J. A., Beck-Sickinger, A. G., Lohse, M. J., Scheerer, P., Bouvier, M., McCormick, P., Annibale, P. & Biebermann, H., 25 Sept 2025, In: Nature Communications. 16, 19 p., 8324.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Maheshwari, S., Um, I. H., Donachie, S., Asghar, N., McDade, K., Millar, T., Harrison, D. J. & Tello, J. A., 30 Dec 2024, In: Scientific Reports. 14, 11 p., 32046.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Kuan, K., Omoseni, S. & Tello, J. A., 1 Dec 2023, In: Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 14, p. 1-19 19 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
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Open access
Menown, S. J. & Tello, J. A., 1 Oct 2021, In: Advances in Therapy. 38, 10, p. 5025–5045 21 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
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Open access
Coyle, C. S., Caso, F., Tolla, E., Barrett, P., Onishi, K. G., Tello, J. A. & Stevenson, T. J., 11 Feb 2020, In: Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 32, 2, 10 p., e12819.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Hodgson, A., Richmond, C., Tello, J. & Brown, G. R., Sept 2020, In: Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 32, 9, 14 p., e12897.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Aggarwal, S., Tang, C., Sing, K., Kim, H. W., Millar, R. P. & Tello, J. A., Apr 2019, In: Neuroendocrinology. 108, 3, p. 172–189 18 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Morton, A., Murawski, C., Deng, Y., Keum, C., Miles, G. B., Tello, J. A. & Gather, M. C., 18 Mar 2019, In: Advanced Biosystems. 3, 3, 8 p., 1800290.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Open access
Gostic, M., Martinelli, A., Tucker, C., Yang, Z., Gasparoli, F. M., Ewart, J.-Y., Dholakia, K., Sillar, K., Tello, J. & Paracchini, S., 1 Nov 2019, In: The Journal of Comparative Neurology. 527, 16, p. 2634-2643 10 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review