My lab is broadly focussed on the physiology of the vertebrate cardiovascular system.  We utilise a variety of animal models to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cardiovascular disease, with a special focus on cardiac conditions that involve oxygen deprivation (hypoxia).  In particular, our team is very interested in fetal hypoxia, and the mechanisms that lead to the programming of cardiovascular disease during early development.

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In addition to studying cellular function in hypoxia-sensitive mammals, we utilise a comparative approach by considering species that have naturally evolved hypoxia tolerance.  Remarkably, some ectothermic organisms, such as freshwater turtles, have successfully exploited hypoxic environments and can survive in the complete absence of oxygen for hours, days and even months.  The fact that the hearts of these species continue to beat without oxygen has far reaching, clinical implications.  Studying them may lead to the development of novel drug targets for the treatment of human oxygen-related diseases of the heart.  

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Our research is generously supported by The British Heart Foundation and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council