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Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Research using advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques to examine the cellular and intracellular mechanisms of the heart and microcirculation

Researchers in the cardiovascular theme use advanced live cell imaging and electrophysiological techniques to investigate cellular and intercellular signaling mechanisms in the heart, and in the small arteries and arterioles that form the microcirculation. Particular importance is placed on linking molecular and cellular mechanisms to functional tissue responses under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.  

An overarching feature of our research is the study of membrane ion channels and calcium signalling in cardiac dysrhythmia and in the initiation and spread of vascular hyperpolarization between endothelial and smooth muscle cells, a fundamental mechanism to direct the flow of blood and influence blood pressure.



Groups within this theme

We investigate sub-cellular anatomy, especially spatial localisation of organelles, and the role of lysosome mediated calcium signalling in normo- and patho-physiology. Some of the techniques employed in our research include confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, MRI and optogenetics and high-speed optical mapping.
Burton Group | Cardiac Dynamics and Pacemaking Research
We use electrophysiological and live cell imaging techniques to investigate the fundamental mechanisms controlling the diameter of small arteries and arterioles in health and disease.
Dora Group | Vascular Pharmacology Research
We use electrophysiological and live cell imaging techniques to investigate the fundamental mechanisms controlling the diameter of small arteries and arterioles in health and disease. These blood vessels regulate tissue blood flow and pressure.
Garland Group | Vascular Pharmacology Research
Our research mainly seeks to unravel the complexities of cardiac electrical function and its signalling regulation both in physiological and pathological conditions. It will lead to a better mechanistic understanding of hypertrophic and arrhythmic disorders, culminating in the development of more effective therapeutic interventions. We employ cutting-edge techniques encompassing genetic manipulation technologies and multi-scale electrophysiological, optogenetic, and molecular approaches.
Lei Group | Cardiac Signalling Group
The release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is of fundamental importance in cell biology, initiating and regulating a wide variety of cellular functions including muscle contraction, fertilisation, cell division and neurotransmitter release. The focus of our laboratory is the study of intracellularly located ion-channels, particularly in regard to cardiac physiology and disease.
Sitsapesan Group | Intracellular Ion Channels and Ca²⁺ Release
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.
Tammaro Group | Molecular and Systems Pharmacology of Vascular Ion Channels
Chemotherapy can cause heart failure in cancer survivors. We are interested in the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, specifically the role of mitochondrial metabolism in the pathophysiology of ensuing heart failure.
Timm Group | Cardio-oncology and metabolism

Research Themes