Professor of Molecular Endocrinology
Director, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research
University of Birmingham, UK
ORCID: 0000-0001-5806-9690
Research Profile: University of Birmingham
About Professor Hewison
Professor Martin Hewison is a distinguished researcher specializing in molecular endocrinology, with a focus on vitamin D physiology. His work encompasses both classical skeletal effects and non-classical extra-skeletal effects, particularly the interaction between vitamin D and the immune system. He has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of how vitamin D influences immune function and its broader implications for human health.
Key Contributions & Research
- Vitamin D and Immune System Interaction: Professor Hewison’s work has elucidated how antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages synthesize active vitamin D (calcitriol) and express the nuclear receptor for calcitriol (VDR). This interaction allows vitamin D to act as an endogenous regulator of both innate and adaptive immunity, enhancing antibacterial activity and modulating antigen presentation and T lymphocyte function.
- Vitamin D Metabolome: His research has demonstrated that immune responses are highly dependent on the bioavailability of vitamin D. Notably, he has shown that the bioavailability of vitamin D, influenced by factors such as vitamin D binding protein (DBP), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and tissue microbiota, plays a crucial role in immune function.
- Mechanistic Insights into Vitamin D Function: Professor Hewison’s group has been at the forefront of studies on vitamin D and immune function, providing mechanistic insights into how vitamin D influences various health outcomes, including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and pregnancy outcomes.
Awards & Recognition
- Chair of the Vitamin D Workshop: Professor Hewison has served as the Chair of the Vitamin D Workshop, contributing to the advancement of vitamin D research and its applications in clinical practice.
- Editor-in-Chief: He has held the position of Editor-in-Chief for the journal Cell Biochemistry and Function, overseeing the publication of significant research in the field of vitamin D and endocrinology.
- Mentorship: Professor Hewison has mentored numerous PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical fellows, fostering the next generation of researchers in the field of molecular endocrinology.
Top Publications
- Vitamin D and Immune Function: An Overview
Journal of Clinical Pathology (2012) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20511058/ - Vitamin D and Immune Regulation: Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Anti-inflammatory Effects
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2021) https://academic.oup.com/jbmrplus/article/5/1/e10405/7486312? - Vitamin D and Immune Function: Autocrine, Paracrine, or Endocrine?
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2012) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22536769/
