Cellular & Molecular Cardiology Lab

Our research investigates the mechanisms of heart failure in the hope of identifying new targets of therapeutic value. We have a particular interest in diabetes-associated heart failure – a condition with no specific treatment strategy. Heart abnormalities in diabetic patients are distinctive from those observed in non-diabetes. Our pre-clinical work focuses on novel molecular pathways involving selective autophagy processes such as glycophagy and glucose management in diabetic heart muscle cells.

Diabetes prevalence has been linked with excess dietary intake of fructose, and our studies suggest that fructose sugar may be a key instigator of heart damage in diabetes. Very little is known about fructose metabolism in heart muscle cells and our studies are examining the intracellular fructose damage pathways and testing novel intervention strategies.

Our investigations include assessment of heart function at the ‘whole organ’ and ‘single cell’ cardiomyocyte level. We link functional outcomes to molecular signalling measurements and use gene manipulation techniques to interrogate the proposed mechanisms.

We have a number of research projects ‘on the go’ in the lab and many exciting opportunities for research students. Get in touch with us to find out more.