Liron Boyman

My research centers on the molecular physiology of the mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses within our cells that generate energy, produce heat, and make complex multicellular life possible.  While essential for sustaining life, mitochondria also play a central role in the development of a wide array of diseases, including heart disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer.

The identities and properties of mitochondrial ion transport systems and key signaling pathways are under intense investigation by a rapidly expanding field of research. These high-profile molecular discoveries reflect the tremendous interest in the energy producing organelle and the growing understanding of its role in the etiology of multiple diseases. However, the ability to use these recent molecular discoveries to better understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the mitochondria is limited. This is largely due to the lack of research tools and technologies to report on critical mitochondrial signals and processes under physiologically relevant conditions. This particular challenge is at the core of my work.

In my lab, we develop and deploy cutting-edge biophysical and high-resolution imaging techniques that allow us to study mitochondrial ion channels, transporters, and signaling pathways under conditions that closely mimic the living organism. Our goal is to understand how mitochondrial energy production is tuned across different cell types and how it changes during disease. By revealing these molecular mechanisms, we aim to contribute to the development of new treatment strategies that target mitochondrial systems and processes.

My scientific background is rooted in cardiac cell research, where mitochondria are the predominant energy source—occupying more than 30% of the cellular volume, the highest among all mammalian cells. This makes cardiomyocytes an ideal environment to study mitochondrial physiology and pathophysiology. 

In 2024, I was awarded a British Heart Foundation Intermediate Fellowship. Shortly thereafter, I relocated my research program from the University of Maryland and joined the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. As a group leader, my team investigates localized sub-cellular signaling systems that regulate mitochondrial ATP production in the heart, and how their pathological changes can lead to energetic deficits in the failing heart.