Ann Walker

Professor Ann Walker is a leading academic in cardiovascular genomics at University College London (UCL), affiliated with the Institute of Cardiovascular Science and the Population Science & Experimental Medicine department. With a PhD from the University of London (1987) and a BSc from the University of Bath (1982), her work bridges genetic research and clinical applications.

• Education: PhD (University of London, 1987), BSc (University of Bath, 1982)

Her research focuses on the genetic regulation of cardiovascular disease, particularly the role of iron metabolism through the HFE gene and its implications for LDL-C levels. She investigates how iron influences gene expression via microRNAs and epigenetic mechanisms, collaborating with institutions like the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Edinburgh, and Bristol. Her work has significant implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in Mendelian randomization studies, iron overload disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis), and lipidomic profiling in Crohn's disease. Her studies connect genetic variants to clinical outcomes, including ischaemic stroke and liver fibrosis.

As Director of Education at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, she leads the Cardiovascular Science MSc program and teaches modules in cardiovascular science and clinical sciences. She supervises PhD, MSc, and iBSc research projects and serves as a personal tutor.

Professor Walker contributes to genetic testing databases at Anthony Nolan Laboratories and Royal Free Hospital, focusing on HFE mutations and iron-related phenotypes. Her affiliations include the Anthony Nolan/University College London collaboration network.