Postgraduate Research Student
- 2001-date: Postgraduate Research Student, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University.
- 1997-2001: B.Sc. in Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University.
- 2000: QC Scientist, Independent Micro Labs Ltd., Portlaoise.
- 1999: QC Scientist, Glanbia, Portlaoise.
Ongoing Research
- Endopeptidase
regulation in mammalian vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells
by mechanical forces
Vasoactive peptides and their associated degradative enzymes play a crucial role in regulation of vascular homeostatic mechanisms. Specifically, we are interested in the influence of mechanical or 'hemodynamic' forces (generated in blood vessels due to the pulsatile flow of blood) on the regulation of certain members of the thermolysin-like zinc metalloendopeptidase family of peptidases. In this regard, we are looking at the effects of acute and chronic exposure of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells to pulsatile shear stress and cyclic strain on the expression and activity of the related endopeptidases, thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15) and neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16), both of which are known to participate in the metabolism of endothelium-derived vasoactive peptides.
