The main aim of Thomas's research is to improve the treatment of patients who suffer from cardiovascular conditions, by improving our understanding of the roles played by signalling systems in cardiovascular disease, and by identifying pharmacological targets for new drugs. His research is particularly significant in the area of combining basic and translational research to improve the prediction and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Aiming to find new therapeutic strategies, he follows the strategy of molecular investigation, followed by evaluation in experimental models, and finally establishing proof-of-concept in humans.
Anne-Marie specialises in the biochemistry of heart failure. Her research focuses on ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart), which is a major risk factor in heart failure in the western world. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that cardiac hypertrophy results in impaired contractile function and an enhanced susceptibility to heart attacks. The mechanisms underlying these effects are not clearly understood.
Dr Sandra Jones
Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences
Sandra specialises in the effects of ageing on the heart, including:
- changes in whole heart and cellular function with age, from the perspectives of normal physiology and also pathophysiology
- in vivo functional measurements via telemetry, including heart rate and blood pressure
- associated changes in protein expression and regulatory systems responsible for producing the age-associated changes in phenotype
- changes in ionic regulation with age leading to predisposition to arrhythmias, and other disorders of excitation, contraction and conduction within the heart