About

I am a Senior lecturer in Biomedical science. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS) and an HCPC-registered biomedical scientist. I am the programme leader for IBMS-accredited MSc Biomedical Science and MRes Molecular Medicine programmes, with responsibility for curriculum design, accreditation and quality enhancement.

Research interests

My primary research interests focus on novel peptide therapeutics and functional food–based interventions for type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, and related neurodegenerative conditions. I integrate cellular signalling, incretin biology, and insulinotropic mechanisms to identify and validate innovative therapeutic targets, with particular emphasis on GLP‑1 receptor agonists, peptide co‑agonists and adipokine‑derived analogues such as apelin.

Current research

• Leading projects on the design and characterisation of metabolically stable peptide analogues with insulinotropic, neuroprotective, and anti‑inflammatory properties.

• Developing marine‑derived and functional food‑based bioactive compounds to modulate glucose homeostasis, beta‑cell function, and metabolic resilience.

• Investigating shared pathogenic pathways between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, including insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and unfolded protein response signalling, to support drug repurposing and novel therapeutic strategies.

• Using in vitro and in vivo models (e.g., pancreatic beta cells, neuroblastoma cells, and rodent models of metabolic disease and dementia) to link mechanism, pharmacology and functional outcomes.

Recent publications

• Sharma, P., Bastidas, M. E., Ali, U., Sivasubramaniam, S., & Parthsarathy, V. (2025). Stable apelin-13 analogues promote cell proliferation and differentiation and protect inflammation induced cell death. Molecular and cellular neurosciences, 104036. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2025.104036
• O’Harte, F.; Parthsarathy, V.; Craig, S.; Palmer, E.; Irwin, N. (2023) Peptide Co-Agonists for Combined Activation of the APJ and GLP-1 Receptors with Insulinotropic and Satiety Actions Show Potential for Alleviation of Metabolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes. Med. Sci. Forum 23 (1). org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/msf2023023001
• Zummo, F.P., Krishnanda, S.I., Georgiou, M., O’Harte, F.P.M., Parthsarathy, V., Cullen, K.S., Honkanen-Scott, M., Shaw, J.A.M., Lovat, P.E., and Arden, C. (2022) Exendin-4 stimulates autophagy in pancreatic β-cells via the RAPGEF/EPAC-Ca²⁺-PPP3/calcineurin-TFEB axis, Autophagy, 18:4, 799-815, DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1956123
• Parthsarathy, V. et al. (2021) “Protein hydrolysates from Boarfish (Capros aper) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) skin gelatin improve metabolic control in genetically obese diabetic (OB/OB) MICE,” Journal of Food Bioactives, 16. Available at: https://doi.org/10.31665/jfb.2021.16292.
• McLaughlin, C.M., Harnedy-Rothwell, P.A., Lafferty, R.A. et al. Macroalgal protein hydrolysates from Palmaria palmata influence the ‘incretin effect’ in vitro via DPP-4 inhibition and upregulation of insulin, GLP-1 and GIP secretion. Eur J Nutr 60, 4439–4452 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02583-3
• O’Harte, F.P.M., Parthsarathy, V., and Flatt, P.R. (2020) Chronic apelin analogue administration is more effective than established incretin therapies for alleviating metabolic dysfunction in diabetic db/db Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 504, 110695
• Parthsarathy, V., McLaughlin, C.M., Harnedy, P.A., Allsopp, Crowe, W., McSorley, E.M., O’Harte, FitzGerald, R.J., F.P.M. and (2019) Boarfish (Capros aper) protein hydrolysate has potent insulinotropic and GLP‐1 secretory activity in vitroand acute glucose lowering effects in mice. International journal of food science & technology 54 (1), 271-281
• O’Harte, F.P.M., Parthsarathy, V., Hogg, C. and Flatt, P.R. (2018) Long-term treatment with acylated analogues of apelin-13 amide ameliorates diabetes and improves lipid profile of high-fat fed mice. PloS one, 13(8) e0202350
• Parthsarathy, V., Hogg, C., Flatt, P.R. and O’Harte, F.P.M. (2018) Beneficial long-term antidiabetic actions of N- and C-terminally modified analogues of apelin-13 in diet-induced obese diabetic mice. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 20(2) 319–327
• Harnedy, P.A., Parthsarathy, V., McLaughlin, C.M., O’Keeffe, M.B., Allsopp, P.J., McSorley, E.M., O’Harte, F.P.M. and FitzGerald, R.J. (2018) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) co-product-derived protein hydrolysates: A source of antidiabetic peptides. Food Research International, 106 598–606
• Harnedy, P.A., Parthsarathy, V., McLaughlin, C.M., O’Keeffe, M.B., Allsopp, P.J., McSorley, E.M., O’Harte, F.P.M. and FitzGerald, R.J. (2018) Blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) muscle protein hydrolysate with in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic properties. Journal of Functional Foods, 40 137–145
• O’Harte, F.P.M., Parthsarathy, V., Hogg, C. and Flatt, P.R. (2017) Acylated apelin-13 amide analogues exhibit enzyme resistance and prolonged insulin releasing, glucose lowering and anorexic properties. Biochemical Pharmacology, 146 165–173
• Millar, P., Pathak, N., Parthsarathy, V., Bjourson, A.J., O’Kane, M., Pathak, V., Moffett, R.C., Flatt, P.R. and Gault, V.A. (2017) Metabolic and neuroprotective effects of dapagliflozin and liraglutide in diabetic mice. The Journal of endocrinology, 234(3) 255—267
• Hasib, A., Ng, M.T., Gault, V.A., Khan, D., Parthsarathy, V., Flatt, P.R. and Irwin, N. (2017) An enzymatically stable GIP/xenin hybrid peptide restores GIP sensitivity, enhances beta cell function and improves glucose homeostasis in high-fat-fed mice. Diabetologia, 60(3) 541–552
• Parthsarathy V, Irwin N, Hasib A, Martin C, McClean S, Bhat, B,Ng, M, Flatt, P, Gault V (2016) A novel chemically modified analogue of xenin-25 exhibits improved glucose-lowering and insulin-releasing properties. Biochim Biophys Acta. Doi (BBA)-General Subjects 1860 (4), 757-764
• Martin, C.M., Parthsarathy, V., Hasib, A., Ng, M.T., McClean, S., Flatt, P.R., Gault, V.A. and Irwin, N. (2016) Biological Activity and Antidiabetic Potential of C-Terminal Octapeptide Fragments of the Gut-Derived Hormone Xenin. PloS one, 11(3) e0152818
• Gault, V.A., Martin, C.M.A., Flatt, P.R., Parthsarathy, V. and Irwin, N. (2015) Xenin-25[Lys13PAL]: A novel long-acting acylated analogue of xenin-25 with promising antidiabetic potential. Acta Diabetologica, 52(3) 461–471
• Martin, C.M.A., Parthsarathy, V., Pathak, V., Gault, V.A., Flatt, P.R. and Irwin, N. (2014) Characterisation of the biological activity of xenin-25 degradation fragment peptides. The Journal of endocrinology, 221(2) 193–200
• Parthsarathy V, Hölscher C (2013) Chronic Treatment with the GLP1 Analogue Liraglutide increases Cell Proliferation and Differentiation into Neurons in an AD Mouse PLoS ONE 8(3): e58784
• Parthsarathy V, McClean PL, Hölscher C, Taylor M, Tinker C, et al. (2013) A Novel Retro-Inverso Peptide Inhibitor Reduces Amyloid Deposition, Oxidation and Inflammation and Stimulates Neurogenesis in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. PLoS ONE 8(1): e54769
• Parthsarathy V & Holscher C (2013) The type 2 diabetes drug liraglutide reduces chronic inflammation induced by irradiation in the mouse brain. European Journal of pharmacology, 700(1-3), 42-50
• McClean P, Parthsarathy V, Faivre E & Hölscher C (2011): The diabetes drug Liraglutide prevents degenerative processes in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s Journal of Neuroscience.,31 (17), 6587-6594

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• Member of Diabetes UK charity
• Member of the Irish Endocrine Society

Qualifications

• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice 
• Good Clinical Practice (secondary care)
• PhD in Biomedical Sciences 
• MSc Biotechnology 
• BSc Medical Laboratory Technology 
• UK Home Office personal license (Modules 1-4)
• Radioisotope user license
• Radiation Protection Supervisor

Recent conferences

• Parthsarathy, Vadivel, and Sivasubramaniam Shiva (2026). From support tool to assessment challenge: Perceptions and practices of generative AI use amongst UK and international students. Presentation: European Conference on Ethics and Integrity in Academia, Batumi, Georgia.
• Sivasubramaniam Shiva, Parthsarathy, Vadivel, Glendinning Irene, Gabrhelik Roman (2026). Who are we talking to; and why does it matter? The role of ethical communication for responsible science communication, Workshop: European Conference on Ethics and Integrity in Academia, Batumi, Georgia
• Sivasubramaniam Shiva and Parthsarathy, Vadivel (2025). From Resistance to Readiness: Experiences and Dialogues on Fostering Academic and Student Alignment for Ethical Engagement with Gen-AI-Centric Higher Education, Workshop: European Conference on Ethics and Integrity in Academia, Uppsala, Sweden
• Sivasubramaniam, Shiva, Waddington, Glendenning, Irene, and Parthsarathy Vadivel (2025) Transforming traditional assessments: Building towards GenAI-resilient assessments to enhance integrity, Workshop: European Conference on Ethics and Integrity in Academia, Uppsala, Sweden
• Parthsarathy, Vadivel, Hudson, Alex, and Sivasubramaniam Shiva (2024). Integrated Student Support, and Integrity Education to Enable International Student Engagement: Sharing Experiences. Workshop: Joint International Conference on Ethics and Integrity in Academia, Gatineau, Canada
• Sharma P and Parthsarathy V (2024): Effects of stable Apelin-13 analogues in neuronal cell protection and mitochondrial function, Poster presentation at the ARUK conference, Liverpool, UK
• Every Breath You Treat (Leeds City Council) conference Invited Speaker – Understanding the impact of air pollution across the life course to improve patient outcomes – Accredited by Royal College of Physicians (October 2022)
• Parthsarathy, Vadivel; O'Harte, Finbarr; Hogg, Chris; Flatt, Peter The synthetic analogue apelin-13 amide, improves acute glucose tolerance via activation of the APJ 308 receptor in diet-induced obese diabetic mice. [Oral presentation, Irish Endocrine Society, 40th Annual meeting, 2017, Belfast]
• Parthsarathy, V; Mclaughlin, CM; Mullan, C; Harnedy, PA; Allsopp, PJ; McSorley, EM; FitzGerald, RJ; and O’Harte, FPM (2015) Boarfish (Capros aper) protein hydrolysates show potent insulinotropic and GLP-1 secretory activity in vitro and acute glucose lowering effects in-vivo. Diabetes UK conference 2015, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
• Parthsarathy, V; Mclaughlin, CM; Mullan, C; Harnedy, PA; Allsopp, PJ; McSorley, EM; FitzGerald, RJ; and O’Harte, FPM (2015) Boarfish protein hydrolysates stimulate both insulin and GLP-1 secretion from cultured cells in vitro. Nutramara Conference, Dublin, Ireland
• Parthsarathy, V and Holscher, C. (2011) Novel GLP1 analogue, Liraglutide reduces inflammation in mouse model with tissue injury, 41st Annual Conference, Society for Neuroscience, Washington DC, USA, and Scientific Conference, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Birmingham, UK
• Parthsarathy, V and Holscher, C. (2010) Chronic administration of Liraglutide reduces plaque load and inflammation in the brains of APP/PS1 mice, 40th Annual Conference, Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, USA, and Alzheimer’s Research UK, Southampton, UK
• Presented my PhD work on the role of GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide, on cell proliferation and inflammation in the mouse brain at the Alzheimer's Association meeting, University of Ulster, Coleraine
• Presented a talk titled ‘Successful completion of PhD’ at the Alzheimer's Research UK annual conference (PhD day), Belfast, 2013

Experience in industry

I have extensive administrative and leadership experience, including serving as laboratory quality officer at Zulekha Hospital, UAE, supporting JCI accreditation and ISO 9001:2000 compliance, and contributing as a member of the hospital infection control committee. I have organised blood donation camps and laboratory outreach activities at Christian Medical College, Vellore, and helped plan the Alzheimer’s Research UK scientific conference in Belfast (2013). At the University of Derby, I act as placement advisor and tutor for BSc Biomedical Science.

International experience

• Acting member of BBMS Employer Liaison and Advisory Committee – College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE

Teaching responsibilities

I teach Level 4 to Level 7 and include subjects related to biomedical science, drug development, and neuroscience. I lead Level 5 and Level 7 Clinical Haematology modules and teach haematological diseases, including anaemia, haematological malignancies (ALL, CLL, AML, CML, and other malignancies), coagulopathies, and bleeding diseases. I also teach other modules such as Professional Skills in Biomedical Science, Current Issues, and Special Topics in Bioscience. 

Additional interests and activities

• European Network for Academic Integrity (ENAI)- Representative
• Member of the ENAI Working Group on ‘Minimising the misuse of Gen AI in Assessments in Biosciences’ (mmGAIB)
• Acting member of BBMS Employer Liaison and Advisory committee- College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
• Chair: Employer Liaison group – University of Derby/University hospital of Derby and Burton NHS trust/Nottingham University Hospital
• University representative and member of East Midlands Institute of Biomedical Science Notts and Derby Branch
• Steering Committee member—Alzheimer's Research UK, Midlands Branch