Dr Adam Nabeebaccus

My research aim is to understand the fundamental mechanisms of heart failure leading to improved insights in heart failure biology and better therapeutics, ultimately improving the lives of those living with heart failure. My area of interest is on cardiac metabolism in pathological cardiac remodelling.

I have pursued work on the role of a reactive oxygen species-producing signalling enzyme, NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4), in regulating cardiac metabolism. We have shown that NOX4, important in modulating the heart’s response to stress, can modify the heart’s capacity to use carbohydrates and fatty acids and adapt to prolonged stress potentially delaying the transition to heart failure. Notably, we identified the activation of an intermediary metabolic pathway called the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) through the upregulation of GFPT1/GFAT1, which may have cardioprotective roles.

My current research focuses on the role of GFPT1 in the cardiomyocyte during pathological stress. I use in vivo physiological models to study GFPT1 functions in the failing heart aided with in vitro studies to further understand fundamental mechanisms.

I am also based at King’s College Hospital where I specialise in the care of patients with heart failure and I am the Clinical Lead for the Supporting Life Block, Stage 2 Year 2 GKT MBBS programme.