Dawn Thompson

Dawn Thompson is a Lecturer in Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, based at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill. Her research integrates molecular mechanisms of GPCR regulation with physiological disease outcomes.

She earned a B.Sc Hons in Pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen and a Ph.D. from the University of Strathclyde under Prof Susan Pyne, studying sphingosine kinase enzymes. Postdoctoral training included work at UCSF's Ernest Gallo Clinic (dopamine receptors and cocaine sensitization), MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, and William Harvey Research Centre (Formylpeptide receptors in innate immunity).

Her research focuses on GPCR endocytosis and post-endocytic fate, with specializations in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Immunology, and Diabetes. Key themes include receptor trafficking mechanisms, molecular determinants of signaling specificity, and translational applications in metabolic diseases and inflammation. Recent work emphasizes liver metabolism, organoid modeling, and receptor-ligand interactions in disease contexts.

Analysis of her 33 publications (2003-2025) reveals an evolution from fundamental GPCR mechanisms to metabolic disease applications. Early work centered on dopamine and formylpeptide receptor trafficking, while recent publications (2023-2025) highlight non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and innovative organoid techniques. Her research consistently bridges molecular pharmacology with physiological outcomes.

Dr. Thompson collaborates extensively with Prof Mirela Delibegovic on PTP1B-related inflammation research and maintains active laboratory facilities (office 6.15/lab 2.48). Her work involves mentoring within Aberdeen's Medical Sciences programs and contributes to understanding receptor-based disease mechanisms.