Achievements in research:

Over the preceding 10 years our work has been focused on exploring mechanisms of blood brain barrier breakdown, which is one of the underlying pathological processes of MS. We have identified and characterised novel signalling pathways operating in the endothelial cells, that form the blood vessel wall, which facilitate the recruitment of aggressive white blood cells causing damage to the brain and retina. With this information we are designing novel therapeutic approaches whereby inhibitory drugs are targeted to such critical pathways resulting in a reduction in white blood cell recruitment and attenuation of the disease process. Such work has resulted in the evaluation of drugs, such as statins (commonly used as cholesterol-lowering drugs) and prenyl transferase inhibitors (anti-cancer drugs), on endothelial cell function and neuroinflammatory disease. Work from our laboratory has played a significant part in demonstrating the potential of statins for the treatment of brain and retinal autoimmune disease and have highlighted the role of the endothelial cell in this process.  

Current research interests (both MSS funded and other):

A major research focus of my laboratory is to gain a greater understanding of the role vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of brain and retinal inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and posterior uveitis. My aim is to achieve a greater insight into the fundamental biological principles underlying the endothelial cell response to an inflammatory episode. This will enable us to identify potential therapeutic targets which can then be tested experimentally. Our understanding of these cellular mechanisms, however, remains superficial and ongoing research continues to identify other signalling networks that can equally be targeted through pharmacological intervention.  

Why MS research?

As a vascular biologist with an interest in brain vasculature I became fascinated by the possible role the vascular endothelium may play in the pathogenesis of MS. This has led to 16 years of research investigating the so called blood brain barrier in the context of MS. As I have understood more about the disease the more committed I have become to make sure that my laboratory work can be translated into clinical application. I am convinced that it is only through understanding the biological mechanisms underpinning MS that we can make truly momentous advances in this field. 

What (in your opinion) does the future hold for MS Research?

I believe we are at an interesting time in MS research. We are gaining a greater understanding of the disease and new ideas for treatment are emerging all the time. From my own research, and despite recent set-backs, I predict that new combination therapies will arise that will add significantly to the therapeutic armoury.