Christine Feinle-Bisset

Professor Christine Feinle-Bisset

NHMRC Senior Research Fellow

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Prof Christine Feinle-Bisset has a PhD in Nutrition and GI Physiology from the University of Stuttgart-Hohenheim (Germany). She joined the University of Adelaide in 2000. She has been an NHMRC-funded Career Development Fellow and, currently, Senior Research Fellow, since 2004, and is a lead investigator in the Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health (NHMRC-funded 2007 - 2018). Her research is clinical and relates to the impact of nutrients on appetite, GI motor and hormone function and perception, in health, obesity and functional dyspepsia. It has contributed significantly to current concepts of the role of gastrointestinal mechanisms in the regulation of energy intake in health and obesity, and symptom generation in functional dyspepsia. The overarching aim of her work is to develop novel, nutrient-based treatment approaches for these disorders.

CRE in Translating Nutritional Science To Good Health: Gastrointestinal Function and Appetite Regulation Group

The research that I lead is recognised internationally for elucidating the role of the GI tract, particularly the role of dietary nutrients, in appetite regulation and the generation of dyspeptic symptoms in humans. This research has made major contributions to current understanding of mechanisms underlying highly prevalent disorders (i.e. with substantial health, economic and psychosocial implications), such as obesity and functional dyspepsia (FD), and shaped current concepts of how nutrients interact with GI function in the regulation of appetite (and overeating) on the one hand, and digestive symptoms (associated with a lack of appetite) on the other. Our research has established (i) a key role for GI motor and hormone functions in energy intake regulation in humans, (ii) that very small amounts of specific nutrients (certain fatty acids and amino acids, as well as non-nutritive substances, such as bitter-tasting agents), through their potent GI effects, have major appetite-suppressant and glucoregulatory effects, (iii) adaptive changes in GI function to both high-fat diets and dietary restriction, and (iv) a key role for dietary factors for symptoms in FD. Work continues with (i) and (ii) to develop novel, nutrient-based treatments for obesity and comorbidities, particularly type 2 diabetes, (iii) will lead to novel, dietary weight-loss solutions by targeting key GI functions, (iv) has transformed current treatment approaches to FD, and is reflected in the latest international guidelines for functional GI disorders. 

Research Project 1

Title: Effects of intragastric administration of dietary amino acids on gastric emptying, gut hormone release, blood glucose and energy intake in healthy, normal weight people and people that are overweight or obese with type 2 diabetes

Projects available for: Honours / HDR
Location: AHMS (Adelaide Health & Medical Sciences Building, North Tce)
Research project start: Semester 1 and 2
Special requirements: N/A

 

Research Project 2

Title: Effects of the fatty acid, lauric acid, when administered as a free fatty acid, as a triglyceride or as part of a mixed medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, on gastric emptying, gut hormone release, blood glucose control, energy expenditure, appetite and energy intake in healthy volunteers and obese people with type 2 diabetes

Projects available for: Honours / HDR
Location: AHMS (Adelaide Health & Medical Sciences Building, North Tce)
Research project start: Semester 1 and 2
Special requirements: N/A

 

Research Project 3

Title: Effects of combining dietary nutrients (e.g. fatty acids and amino acids) on antropyloroduodenal motility, gastric emptying, gut hormone release, blood glucose control and energy intake in healthy and obese people

Projects available for: Honours / HDR
Location: AHMS (Adelaide Health & Medical Sciences Building, North Tce)
Research project start: Semester 1 and 2
Special requirements: N/A

 

Research Project 4

Title: Effects of bitter tastants (e.g. quinine) alone, or in combination with dietary nutrients, on upper gastrointestinal functions, energy intake and blood glucose, in healthy and obese people with or without type 2 diabetes

Projects available for: Honours / HDR
Location: AHMS (Adelaide Health & Medical Sciences Building, North Tce)
Research project start: Semester 1 and 2
Special requirements: N/A

 

Additional projects are also available - please contact me any time to discuss.

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  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2011 Professor University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    2010 NHMRC Senior Research Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    2008 - 2010 Associate Professor University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    2004 - 2009 NHMRC Career Development Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    2001 - 2003 Florey Research Fellow Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide
    2000 - 2000 FTT Fricker Research Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide
    1995 - 1999 Postdoctoral researcher University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
    German Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    1992 - 1995 University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart Germany PhD
    1991 - 1992 Centre for Human Nutrition, University of Sheffield United Kingdom MMedSci, Human Nutrition
    1985 - 1991 University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart Germany BSci(Honours), Nutritional Sciences

  • Research Interests
    Nutrition and Metabolic Health Translational Health Outcomes Endocrinology & Metabolism Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Since 2012:
PROJECT FUNDING
2007 - 2012  NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence Grant No 453557 ($2,000,000)
“Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in nutritional physiology, interventions and outcomes“
(Horowitz M, Clifton PM, Wittert GA, Chapman I, Fraser RJ, Rayner CK, Feinle-Bisset C, Jones KL)

2009 - 2012  NHMRC Project Grant No 565311 ($714,000)
“Effects of the fatty acid, lauric acid, on energy intake and gut motor and hormonal function in health and obesity“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Horowitz M, Clifton PM, Rades T, Jones KL, Rayner CK)

2009 - 2012  NHMRC Project Grant No 565312 ($714,000)
“Gastrointestinal function and appetite in obesity – acute and longer-term effects of changes in energy intake“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Clifton PM, Horowitz M, Jones KL, Wittert GA)

2012  Royal Adelaide Hospital/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Sciences Research Committee Clinical Project Grant ($35,000)
“Identification and quantification of the fatty acid sensing molecules, CD36, GPR119, GPR120 and GPR40, in the duodenum of lean and obese humans: relationships with BMI and dietary fat intake“
(Little TJ, Feinle-Bisset C)

2012  University of Adelaide Discipline of Medicine Equipment Grant ($35,380)
“Clinical trials of novel approaches for the prevention and management of chronic diseases“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Horowitz M, Wittert GA, Rayner C)

2012 - 2013  Gum Bequest, Royal Adelaide Hospital Endocrine & Metabolic Unit ($40,000)
“Chemosensory mechanisms underlying the effects of dietary proteins on the control of gut hormone release – implications for energy intake regulation and blood glucose control“
(Feinle-Bisset C)

2013 - 2018  NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence Grant No 1041687 ($2,500,000)
“Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health“
(Horowitz M, Wittert GA, Clifton PM, Rayner CK, Chapman I, Feinle-Bisset C, Jones KL, Noakes M, Chapman M, Nguyen N)

2013   Royal Adelaide Hospital/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Sciences Research Committee Clinical Project Grant ($47,870)
“Effects of aromatic and branched-chain amino acids on gastrointestinal motor and hormone functions, energy intake and blood glucose control in healthy humans“
(Steinert RE, Feinle-Bisset C)

2014   Diabetes Australia Research Trust General Grant ($60,000)
“Regulation of energy intake and glycaemia by dietary nutrients - implications for novel therapeutic approaches to obesity and type 2 diabetes“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Steinert R, Horowitz M, Luscombe-Marsh ND)

2014   Royal Adelaide Hospital/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Sciences Research Committee Clinical Project Grant ($49,910)
“Utilisation of dietary amino acids and fatty acids to reduce energy intake and improve blood glucose control - A proof-of-concept study in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Steinert RE)

2015 - 2018   NHMRC Project Grant No 1078471 ($779,900)
“Effects of dietary amino and fatty acids on energy intake and glycaemia - implications for novel approaches to the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Horowitz M, Clifton PM, Rayner CK)

2016   Royal Adelaide Hospital/Institute of Medical and Veterinary Sciences Research Committee Clinical Project Grant ($49,844)
“Does impaired gastrointestinal hormone secretion contribute to disordered appetite and blood glucose control in adolescent anorexia nervosa?“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Kohn M)

2016   University of Adelaide School of Medicine Equipment Grant ($43,110)
“IRIS – Infrared-13C-Stable-Isotope Multi Sampler Analyser - Measurement of the rate of gastric emptying as a major determinant of the regulation of appetite and energy intake, as well as blood glucose levels and blood pressure“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Chapman M, Little TJ, Soenen S)

2016  University of Adelaide School of Medicine Equipment Grant ($8,400)
“Multiple-channel infusion pump for clinical studies of appetite and glycaemic regulation in health, the elderly, obesity and type 2 diabetes“
(Little TJ, Feinle-Bisset C, Chapman I)

2017  University of Adelaide School of Medicine Core Facilities Grant ($67,485)
“Appetite, metabolic control and gut function facilities“
(Feinle-Bisset C)

2017  University of Adelaide Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Infrastructure Grant ($26,410)
“LOGIQ eR7 Ultrasound system to measure 2D and Doppler ultrasound in nutrition research“
(Jones KL. Rayner CK, Feinle-Bisset C, Wu T, Soenen S)

2018 - 2021  NHMRC Project Grant No 1143092 ($987,048)
“Intermittent fasting versus daily energy restriction for improved human health“
(Heilbronn L, Feinle-Bisset C)

2018 - 2021  NHMRC Project Grant No 1147333 ($725,276)
“Bitter taste as a mediator of food intake and postprandial glycaemia in health and type 2 diabetes“
(Wu T, Rayner C, Jones K, Young R, Feinle-Bisset C)

2018  University of Adelaide Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Infrastructure Grant ($11,931)
“Ussing chamber system - investigations of the physiological function of GI epithelial and endothelial tissue “
(Page A, Feinle-Bisset C, Young R, Hughes P)

2019 - 2022  NHMRC Project Grant No 1158296  ($987,048)
“A novel nutrient supplement with potent appetite-suppressant and glucose-lowering effects - translating clinical research into an innovative treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Heilbronn L, Poppitt S, Müllertz A)

2021  Diabetes Australia Research Program ($60,000)
“Effects of the bitter tastant, quinine, on postprandial glycaemia and energy intake in type 2 diabetes - implications for novel strategies for management“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Bitarafan V, Horowitz M, Rades T)

2021  University of Adelaide Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Infrastructure Funding ($58,950)
“High-resolution manometry system for the evaluation of gastropyloroduodenal motor function“
(Feinle-Bisset C, Kouw I, Chapman I)

 

FELLOWSHIP FUNDING (since 2010)
2010 - 2015  NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship No 627002 ($687,975)
(Feinle-Bisset C)

2016 - 2021   NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship No 1103020 ($741,975)
(Feinle-Bisset C)

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  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2018 Principal Supervisor Effects of Lauric Acid, Alone or with Other Nutrients, on Energy Intake and Glycaemic Control Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Maryam Hajishafiee
    2018 Principal Supervisor The effects of lauric acid and other dietary components on appetite, energy intake and blood glucose in lean and obese subjects Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Peyman Rezaie
    2017 Principal Supervisor Effects of the branded-chain amino acid, Valine, alone and in combination with other nutrients or the bitter substance, Quinine, on energy intake and blood glucose in healthy obese subjects Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Rachel Anne Elovaris
    2015 Principal Supervisor Regulation of Energy Intake and Blood Glucose by Dietary Nutrients - Implications of Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Obesity and Type-2 Diabetes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mrs Christina McVeay

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2017 - 2020 Principal Supervisor Effects of Bitter Substances on Energy Intake and Blood Glucose, and Associated Gastrointestinal Functions, in Healthy Humans Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Vida Bitarafan
    2016 - 2020 Co-Supervisor The nutrient-sensing mechanisms of the mouse stomach and the ghrelin cell in health and obesity Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Maria Nunez
    2014 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Regulation of Energy Intake and Blood Glucose by Dietary Nutrients - Implications for Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Sina Stefanie Ullrich
    2012 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Gastrointestinal Nutrient Sensing in Obesity and type 2 Diabetes: Role in Appetite Regulation and Glycaemic Control Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Nada Cvijanovic
    2009 - 2012 Principal Supervisor Oral and Small Intestinal Sensitivity to Fats in Lean and Obese Humans: Implications for Energy Intake Regulation in Obesity Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Radhika Virginia Seimon
    2009 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Effects of Protein on Gastrointestinal Function and Appetite Regulation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Amy Hutchison
    2006 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Evaluation of Appetite Regulation in Lean and Obese Individuals Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Ixchel Brennan
    2004 - 2008 Principal Supervisor The Role of the Free Fatty Acid, Lauric Acid, in Appetite Regulation and its Potential as an Appetite-Suppressant Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Kate Lauren Feltrin
    2003 - 2007 Principal Supervisor Investigations into the Gastrointestinal Factors Involved in the Regulation of Appetite and Energy Intake Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Tanya Little
    2003 - 2008 Principal Supervisor Factors Involved in the Regulation of Gastrointestinal Motility, Hormone Release, Symptoms and Energy Intake in Health and Patients with Functional Dyspepsia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Amelia Nicole Pilichiewicz
  • Position: NHMRC Senior Research Fellow
  • Phone: 83136053
  • Email: christine.feinle@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences, floor 5
  • Org Unit: Medical Studies
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