Core Research Areas
Cardiovascular Physiology
Dr T. Ruane O' Hora and Dr Farouk Markos
Invivo cadiovascular physiology & pharmacology with a focus on endothelium and vascular function.
These areas of studies are undertaken at a basic scientific level but all impact, to a greater or lesser degree, on the cardiovascular system and its regulation and may contribute to understanding the progression of a range of cardiac and vascular diseases. Thus, these areas of research are poised to take advantage of post-genomic era and to open up investigations in translational research.
Respiratory Physiology
Professor O Halloran's primary research interest is the control of breathing in health and disease. His research group utilise experimental models of common human respiratory diseases such as COPD and sleep apnoea to explore the physiological and pathophysiological effects of hypoxia on the respiratory system.
Gastrointestinal Physiology
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterised by debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain bloating and altered bowel habit and affects 10-20% of the world’s population. As current therapeutic strategies are limited by side effects and safety issues, new avenues of research in this field are highly desirable.
Genome manipulation technologies
The genome manipulation technologies of zinc finger nucleases and virus vectors in the study of the genetic disorders cystic fibrosis and cystinosis.
Cell & Molecular Physiology
The composition and function of intracellular calcium channel complexes, particularly in the contexts of cardiovascular disease, myopathies and cancer.
The roles that metabotropic glutamatergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor signalling play in modulating function within central neurones and in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Down Syndrome primarily using electrophysiological and calcium imaging techniques
The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of salt reabsorption in the kidney.
Ion channels involved in detecting skin temperature and other stimuli, and their roles in sensory perception and pain
Neurophysiology
The roles that metabotropic glutamatergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor signalling play in modulating function within central neurones and in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Down Syndrome primarily using electrophysiological and calcium imaging techniques.
Ion channels involved in detecting skin temperature and other stimuli, and their roles in sensory perception and pain.