VASCULAR DISEASE is the major cause of death and morbidity in humans in the western world. Our goal is to explore the pathophysiology of vascular diseases and to develop novel therapeutics. Our primary emphasis is on arterial vessel walls with a focus on endothelial and smooth muscle cell biology. Using molecular and cellular biology techniques, in combination with functional genomics and proteomics strategies, the Vascular Biology Research Group in DCU is focusing on the following specific areas of research:
- Vascular disease and diabetes
- Vascular genomics and proteomics
Our overall goal is to understand how the vascular system responds to physiological and pathological changes. Understanding these processes will provide new insight into novel therapeutic approaches including tissue engineering, vascular replacement therapy and gene therapy to treat vascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke and artherosclerosis.
Legend: Expression of differentiation markers, myosin (top), phospholamban (middle) and osteopontin (bottom) in mammalian smooth muscle cells. Courtesy of Capadona et al. (1999) Exp Cell Res 250: 174-186.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this web site is, to the best of our knowledge, true and accurate at the time of publication, and is solely for informational purposes. Dublin City University accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising as a result of use or reliance on this information.
Please e-mail comments to: phil.cummins@dcu.ie
