Research Areas

Vascular Ageing

Our research on Vascular Ageing focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive age-related changes in blood vessels through animal models. We investigate how factors such as calorie restriction and epigenetic modifications contribute to the stiffening and dysfunction of vessels and vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. 

Ageing and Age-related diseases

In regards to Ageing and Age-Related Diseases we explore the biological processes that drive ageing on a molecular level and how they correlate with disease processes. We utilize molecular techniques and animal models to better understand how ageing occurs and contributes to disease development.

Calorie Restriction

Our research on Calorie Restriction examines what changes reducing caloric intake without malnutrition induces on a cellular and molecular level. We study the effects of calorie restriction on gene expression and signalling pathways, and the correlations with a wide variety of parameters such as vascular health, gut microbiome, nervous system and tumor development.

Aptamers

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides with specific tertiary structures that can bind with high specificity to a variety of biological targets, such as proteins, cells, and small molecules. We explore their potential in creating controlled drug release systems and biosensors for disease detection.

Targeted Drug Delivery

Our research on Targeted Drug Delivery aims to enhance the precision and efficacy of treatments by directing therapeutic agents specifically to diseased tissues or cells while minimizing side effects on healthy areas. We focus on developing advanced delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles and aptamers.

Biosensors

We work on creating biosensor platforms involving aptamers, probes and nanoparticles for many applications, including disease diagnostics and rapid detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms. 

Cancer Biology

Our research in Cancer Biology focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive cancer development. We study key processes such as cell signalling, gene expression, epigenetics and factors such as calorie restriction that contribute to or prevent the emergence of cancer.