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Nicola Smart - Development & Cell Biology - 'Developmental insights for cardiac regeneration'
We investigate mechanisms of embryonic heart formation to inform novel strategies to promote regeneration of the adult mammalian heart, for example after myocardial infarction. We have a particular interest in stimulating new coronary vessel growth and in the role of the outer layer epicardium in promoting neovascularisation and regeneration. Following injury, there is a partial recapitulation of embryonic processes that drive coronary vessel growth, yet fundamental differences in the regulatory pathways limit the efficacy of the adult response. Comparative analyses allow us to identify key mechanisms that may be targeted in the adult mammalian heart to enhance repair. Our research in murine models is complemented with the use of human iPSC-derived models of coronary vascular development. Due to their fundamental role in heart development, epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs) have emerged as a tractable progenitor population with potential to regenerate myocardium and coronary vasculature. Mobilisation of EPDCs into the adult myocardium requires the identification of “embryonic” stimuli that promote epicardial activation and mesenchymal transformation. Ongoing research therefore investigates the mechanisms controlling the transition from active (embryonic) to quiescent (adult) state, as well as the signalling pathways through which the embryonic epicardium stimulates expansion of the coronary vasculature.
Duncan Sparrow - Cardiac Sciences / Development & Cell Biology / Metabolism & Endocrinology - 'How does maternal diabetes cause congenital heart disease?'
Congenital heart disease (CHD), where a baby’s heart does not form properly in the womb, is the most common birth defect, affecting 1% of all babies. Even with the advent of modern surgical correction techniques, it is the major cause of infant mortality and morbidity, requiring lifelong medical treatment. However, we do not always know why it happens. One-third of cases result from a genetic fault, but in the other two-thirds of cases the cause is less clear. Some of the latter result from the embryo being exposed to an abnormal environment in the womb in early pregnancy. This project will investigate the effects of one particular, highly prevalent environmental factor (maternal diabetes) on embryonic development using a mouse model system. Both type I and type II diabetes in humans can cause a suite of birth defects including severe CHD. However, little is known of how maternal diabetes effects embryonic heart development. We have created a mouse model that recapitulates the CHD seen in humans. This project will use a combination of morphological and molecular methods to discover how this factor causes CHD.
The Don Mason Facility of Flow Cytometry
The Facility offers access to state-of-the-art flow cytometers and provides a bespoke cell sorting service, as well as comprehensive support on panel design, flow data analysis and cell sorting.
How to apply
Visit this page for our entry criteria and what you need to make an application, alongside some further resources to support you.
How to apply
Visit this page for our entry criteria and what you need to make an application, alongside some further resources to support you.
Upcoming Public Event: Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre Open Day
The Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre (OPDC) team are inviting members of the public to the OPDC Open Day on Monday 5 June 2023, 10am – 3pm.
Past Meetings
Previous conferences and symposia attended by Professor Ana Domingos
Anti-Racism Resources March 2023: Intersectionality of Privilege
We are all marginalised or privileged by the intersection of multiple aspects of our personal characteristics and identities such as class, religion, ethnicity, etc. Learn more about how acknowledging and understanding our own privilege helps us to be considerate about how we, and society in general, treat those that are different to us.
External Career Development Fellowship Applicants
The Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford (DPAG) is a stimulating and supportive environment in which Early Career Researchers can establish their research independence as externally funded fellows.
Emma Hodgkins, Administrative Assistant
Emma first joined DPAG on reception in Spring 2020 acting as the first point of contact for the department handling a wide variety of enquiries. This year, she has taken on the role of Administrative Assistant, a brand new role within DPAG, which is now fundamental to the smooth running of the work of the department’s Facilities team.
Anti-Racism Resources October 2022: Diversity in a Meritocracy
We have already learned why diversity is important for performance and innovation. Here we explore how a focus on potential, rather than status, and an acknowledgement of privilege and bias, can support a meritocracy and lead to inclusive practices.
Science in the Park
26 July 2022, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, University Parks, Oxford
Anti-Racism Resources May 2022: Diversity Makes Better Science
Learn more about the benefits of diverse teams and how to improve diversity in the workplace.