What we do
Research in the Cardio Respiratory Interface Section encompasses physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system and lung plus their associated diseases. Our expertise includes molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, microscopy, pharmacology and clinical medicine. Our broader interests extend to muscle wasting, cancer, HIV, pulmonary hypertension, chronic cardiopulmonary diseases and drug discovery.
Why it is important
Our research identifies mechanisms of physiology and disease whilst providing key approaches that underpin the study of heart and lung disease through interdisciplinary collaboration within the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI) and via cross-Faculty, national and international collaborators.
Impact of our research
We study biological and pathological processes at the fundamental molecular and cellular level, to understand normal physiological function, disease processes and the therapeutic effects of drug-like molecules. We use a variety of model systems and also human or patient resources. Much of our research will have longer term benefits for human health, and some is aimed at rapidly impacting patients.
Summary of current research
- Cardiothoracic Pharmacology - Mitchell, Kirkby
- Cell-Cell Adhesion Signalling - Braga
- Iron Homeostasis - Quinlan
- Lung development and disease - Dean, Griffths, Hind
- Matrix-Activated Receptors - Leitinger
- Muscle wasting in disease - Kemp, Griffths
- Platelet Biology - Emerson
- Pulmonary Hypertension - Burke-Gaffney, Wort
Connections
- We host the Facility for Imaging by Light Microscopy (FILM) providing state-of the-art microscopy facilities and training which are available to all Imperial scientists.
Our researchers
Professor Vania M M Braga
Professor Vania M M Braga
Professor of Cellular Signalling
Dr Anne Burke-Gaffney
Dr Anne Burke-Gaffney
Lecturer
Professor Peter Collins
Professor Peter Collins
Professor of Clinical Cardiology
Dr Charlotte Dean
Dr Charlotte Dean
Reader in Lung Development and Disease
Professor Paul Kemp
Professor Paul Kemp
Professor of the Molecular Biology of Muscle
Dr Nicholas S Kirkby
Dr Nicholas S Kirkby
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Birgit Leitinger
Dr Birgit Leitinger
Reader in Matrix Receptor Signalling
Professor Jane A Mitchell
Professor Jane A Mitchell
Professor of Pharmacology in Critical Care Medicine
Dr Gregory J Quinlan
Dr Gregory J Quinlan
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Carolyn Webb
Dr Carolyn Webb
Research Fellow
Dr Stephen J Wort
Dr Stephen J Wort
Professor of Practice (Pulmonary Hypertension)