Cardiovascular Biology

NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES / Cardiovascular Disorders

Research Interests

Cell-cell and cell-environment interactions and cross-talk in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer

Description of Research

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including ischaemic heart disease and heart failure, are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with approximately 80% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The burden of CVDs in these countries is increasing rapidly due to epidemiological transitions, constrained health system capacity, and significant social and economic impacts. Addressing this challenge requires not only scientific innovation but also sustained investment in research capacity, skills development, and locally relevant knowledge in LMICs.

Our research programme aims to strengthen research capacity and support the development of future therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases in LMICs, through collaborative, development-oriented biomedical research and training. The programme focuses on generating foundational knowledge relevant to cardiac and vascular disease mechanisms, while ensuring that research skills, methodologies, and technologies are transferred to partner institutions in LMICs.

A core research theme of the laboratory is the study of cardiac and vascular regeneration, to inform the development of novel approaches to cardiac ischaemia. Using cellular and animal models of human disease and gene transfer technologies, the lab contributes to building advanced experimental expertise that can be adapted and further developed by LMIC researchers within their local research and health system contexts.

In parallel, our research activities address cancer research questions that are relevant to LMIC development challenges. As cancer incidence is rising rapidly in many LMICs, where access to advanced and costly treatments is often limited, the laboratory investigates fundamental biological and mechanical mechanisms that regulate cell proliferation. By exploring how mechanical forces influence both cardiac and cancer cells, we seek to generate knowledge that may inform more accessible and innovative therapeutic strategies in the longer term, while simultaneously strengthening scientific capacity in partner countries.

Capacity building is a central pillar of the programme. The laboratory hosts and trains researchers from LMICs through long-term placements, joint research projects, and collaborative supervision. These activities are designed to enable participating researchers to acquire advanced experimental skills, establish independent research lines, and transfer knowledge and technologies back to their home institutions.

The laboratory operates through equitable partnerships with universities and research institutions in LMICs, supporting joint research agendas and co-development of technologies relevant to local needs. Examples include collaborations on drug delivery systems with Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (South Africa) and Ain Shams University (Egypt), as well as joint work on innovative approaches to aortic aneurysms and atherosclerosis with China Medical University (China) and Taylor’s University Medical Sciences (Malaysia). These partnerships contribute to strengthening institutional research ecosystems and fostering sustainable scientific capacity in partner countries.

Through its combined focus on development-relevant research, skills transfer, and long-term institutional collaboration, the Cardiovascular Biology Lab aims to contribute to improved health outcomes and research capability in LMICs, consistent with international development cooperation objectives.

Recent Publications