معرفی
Professor James Leiper is an Honorary Professor in the School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow, where he leads research at the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences and the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre. His work focuses on translating basic science findings into applications for human health and disease, with particular emphasis on nitric oxide signaling pathways.
Originally trained in molecular biology at the MRC Clinical Research Centre, Professor Leiper developed his interest in cardiovascular physiology while working with Professor Patrick Vallance in the Centre for Clinical Pharmacology at UCL. He continued this research as a Programme Leader at the MRC Laboratory for Medical Sciences before joining the University of Glasgow in 2017.
Professor Leiper's research centers on understanding the mechanisms that regulate nitric oxide (NO) signaling in health and disease. His laboratory investigates how endogenously produced inhibitors of NO synthesis, particularly through the ADMA/DDAH pathway, might be harnessed therapeutically. His work spans cardiovascular, immune, and central nervous systems, with applications to conditions including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and the cardiovascular collapse seen in septic shock. Rather than directly targeting NO (which has had limited therapeutic success), his research focuses on endogenous regulatory pathways that might facilitate more appropriate regulation of NO production.
His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on nitric oxide signaling pathways, with particular attention to asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). His work spans multiple disciplines including vascular biology, cardiovascular physiology, and translational medicine, with applications to conditions such as septic shock, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and vascular contributions to dementia.
Professor Leiper has secured significant research funding from major organizations including the Medical Research Council (MRC), British Heart Foundation (BHF), and Wellcome Trust, totaling millions of pounds for his research on nitric oxide signaling pathways. His research group has been supported by substantial grants including an MRC Intramural Research Programme Funding award of £2.8 million and multiple British Heart Foundation project grants.
Professor Leiper has supervised numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers through various funding mechanisms including BHF PhD studentships, MRC Chain Florey Fellowships, and the BHF ICTEM 4-year PhD training scheme. To facilitate translation of his understanding of nitric oxide signaling for healthcare benefit, he established a biotech company backed by venture capital funding to perform clinical trials of new drugs for the treatment of septic shock. His research group collaborates extensively with clinical researchers across multiple disciplines to advance understanding of cardiovascular diseases and their treatment.
