David O. Bates

David O. Bates is Professor of Vascular Biology in the Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells at the University of Nottingham's School of Medicine. His research focuses on vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), particularly their alternative splicing mechanisms and roles in physiological regulation and disease processes.

Professor Bates' work spans multiple disciplines including vascular biology, cancer research, and diabetic complications. His laboratory investigates how VEGF splicing variants, particularly the anti-angiogenic VEGF-A₁₆₅b isoform, function as homeostatic regulators in healthy tissues. His team has demonstrated VEGF's critical roles in maintaining blood volume and pressure, interstitial volume, renal and lung function, immunity, and nervous system signaling. Current research examines how dysregulation of VEGF splicing contributes to pathological conditions including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, neuropathic pain, and vascular permeability disorders.

Analysis of Professor Bates' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on therapeutic targeting of the SRPK1-VEGF-A splicing pathway. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms of alternative splicing to translational applications in diabetic eye disease, peripheral vascular disease, and arthritis. Several of his recent studies focus on developing topical treatments for diabetic macular edema with high retinal bioavailability and minimal systemic exposure.

Professor Bates has made significant contributions to understanding the physiological roles of VEGF beyond its well-known angiogenic functions. His work has demonstrated VEGF's homeostatic functions in healthy adult tissues and how disturbances in VEGF signaling contribute to disease processes. This research has important implications for developing targeted therapies that preserve VEGF's beneficial homeostatic functions while inhibiting its pathological effects.

His research program includes collaborations across multiple institutions and disciplines, reflecting the broad relevance of VEGF biology to numerous physiological systems and disease processes. Professor Bates serves as a corresponding author on numerous high-impact publications and continues to advance our understanding of vascular biology through innovative research approaches.