Understanding how neuropeptides influence pulmonary vascular function

Pulmonary hypertension is a disease of high blood pressure in the lungs, which leads to increased right ventricular afterload, remodelling and eventually heart failure. There are a number of selective vasodilators that are used to lower the blood pressure in the lungs but these ultimately do not reverse the remodelling of the vascular and ventricular architecture. There are a number of neuropeptides released from nerve endings in perivascular areas that can modulate vascular tone. Some of these also have promising interactions with pathways that control oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. We have a range of projects aimed at better understanding how certain neuropeptides may be harnessed for improving cardiopulmonary health. The methodology used in this project includes in vitro models (i.e. cell culture, isolated tissue experiments) and pre-clinical in vivo models (i.e. blood pressure, echocardiography). To investigate the mechanisms underpinning effects, RNA and protein analysis (i.e. RNA sequencing, proteomics) will be performed and endocrinology and histology analysis will be undertaken. This project could be tailored for short or long duration projects and individual preferences.