Tammaro Group | Molecular and Systems Pharmacology of Vascular Ion Channels

Our research aims are two-fold: i) to determine the molecular mechanisms that underlie the function of vascular ion channels, and ii) to identify new ion channel targets and specific drug compounds with the goal of modulating blood vessel function for therapeutic benefit.

Coronary angiogram from a patient with an alteration in an ion channel. Functional and computational analysis of the defect.

Research in the Tammaro laboratory focuses on the ion transport mechanisms (especially ion channels) that control blood vessel function. We aim to understand how alterations in these mechanisms may lead to human disease. We also endeavour to identify small molecules that could interact with vascular ion channels with the goal of modulating blood vessel function for therapeutic benefit.

The laboratory employs a wide range of technologies including in vitro biochemical, molecular biological and electrophysiological approaches, as well as genetic manipulations at the whole organism level and mathematical modelling. The overall goal of our research is to provide a mechanistic understanding of how vascular ion channels function and are regulated by cellular and humoral factors, and to utilise this knowledge to develop new therapeutic strategies.