Host: Institute of Human Development and Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences
Speakers:
Senior presenter:
Professor Garth Cooper, Professor of Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute of Human Development:
Title: “Regeneration of the heart in diabetes”
The aim of my research programme, since its inception in the early 1980s, is to develop rigorous molecular explanations for the aetiopathogenesis of ageing-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome, where there is agreed, major unmet clinical need. My work has two linked objectives: The first is to describe the molecular basis of pathogenetic processes, through quantitative analysis of the phenotypes of human diseases and relevant non-clinical models (the models must meaningfully replicate human pathogenetic disease processes). I aim to understand modifications in tissue composition through measurements of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, metals and gene transcripts, and thereby to understand the pathogenetic processes causing these changes. This work aims to generate new/improved methods of diagnosis, and for therapeutic monitoring. The second is to develop new experimental therapeutic molecules for intervention in the pathogenetic processes under study, thereby to confirm/refute hypotheses concerning their molecular basis. This route leads to new first-in-class medicines.
Junior presenter:
Dr Katharine Dibb, Lecturer, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences:
Title: “Alterations to atrial structure and function in heart failure: can dysfunction be reversed?”
My research is focused on the atria of the heart and how it functions in health and disease. Despite the prevalence of atrial diseases such as atrial fibrillation, far less is known about the atria compared to the well-studied ventricle and we are addressing this from two angles. Firstly we have identified structures in the atria that are not only important for normal contraction but whose loss in heart failure contributes to dysfunction. Current work is focused on the restoration of these structures with the overall aim being to improve function of the diseased heart via novel therapeutic targets. Our second objective is to understand how atrial structure and function is remodelled during normal ageing. This work has identified mechanisms which could increase susceptibility of the aged atria to disease.
About the research series:
The monthly Faculty Research Series events are open to all staff and students from across the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences and the University, offering an opportunity to celebrate research achievement and stimulate scientific interaction. Each month one host School or Institute from the Faculty will pair with a different School or Institute to highlight and showcase similar topics from different perspectives. The 2014 series is led by Professor David Eisner and administered from the Faculty Research Office.
Schedule:
Held on Wednesday lunchtimes, each meeting lasts an hour, including two 20-25 minute presentations – one from a junior and one from a more senior member of Faculty staff. Each presentation will be followed by a short discussion. A buffet lunch will be available from 12.30. Presentations begin at 1pm.
Registration:
Please note that places will be limited so registration is essential, please register via Eventbrite
