Research themes
Research activities are focused in two thematic areas, namely cardiac biomedicine and vascular biomedicine, in which we aim to be internationally leading. There is a major focus on cellular and molecular signaling, which cuts across and integrates the two themes. In addition, an important goal is to pursue translational research in both thematic areas.
Research themes are described below, with further details available on the individual PI pages. There is considerable overlap between these themes, with significant complementary and collaborative activity in many areas.
Cardiac biomedicine
Specific topics include:
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myofibrillar assembly with emphasis on the roles of titin and obscurin
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myocyte cytoarchitecture
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transcriptional regulation of early myocyte development
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signalling by myofibrillar proteins
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myofilament function and contractility
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signalling by NO and reactive oxygen species in hypertrophy
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role of NADPH oxidases in hypertrophy and failure
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myocardial adaptation to ischaemia in experimental models and patients
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regulation and roles of myocardial ion transporters (e.g. Na+/H+ exchanger, T-type Ca2+ channels, Na+/K+ pump)
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protein kinase-mediated and redox signalling in myocardium
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genesis of coronary collaterals
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pathogenesis of ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure and remodelling
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clinical heart failure
Vascular biomedicine
Specific topics include:
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mechanisms of endothelial activation and dysfunction
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regulation of NADPH oxidase and antioxidant genes
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stem cells in atherosclerosis
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microvascular mechanisms and leukocyte trafficking
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vascular calcification
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role of nesprins in vascular function
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inflammation
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protein kinase-mediated signalling
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TRP channels
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renal fibrosis and proteinuria
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cardiovascular risk related to obesity and insulin resistance
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exercise training and insulin sensitivity
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venous thrombosis
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vascular function in scleroderma
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novel techniques for non-invasive clinical assessment of endothelial function
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ethnic variations in vascular disease
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vascular dysfunction in stroke