معرفی
Professor Orina Belton is a distinguished academic at University College Dublin (UCD), where she serves as Professor of Pharmacology in the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science. She has held this position since 2018, following progressive academic appointments at UCD including Associate Professor (2016-2018), Senior Lecturer (2014-2016), and Lecturer (2007-2013) in Pharmacology. Her research is conducted through the Conway Institute at UCD's Belfield campus in Dublin 4.
Dr. Belton's educational background includes a BSc from NUI Galway and a PhD from University College Dublin. Her academic journey began with postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) from 1995-1999, followed by postdoctoral research at RCSI from 1999-2003.
Professor Belton's research program focuses on two primary areas of cardiovascular disease. Her main research interest investigates the fundamental mechanisms governing atherosclerosis regression, utilizing a novel model involving conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in apoE knockout mice. She employs comprehensive "omic" approaches to identify key genes and pathways involved in plaque regression. Her secondary research area examines macrovascular complications of diabetes, particularly how hypoglycemic drugs affect cardiovascular disease progression in type 2 diabetes patients. This work combines clinical data with molecular analysis of patient plaques and human macrophages.
Analysis of Professor Belton's recent publications reveals a strong focus on inflammation resolution in cardiovascular disease, with particular emphasis on macrophage biology, microRNA regulation, and novel therapeutic approaches for atherosclerosis. Her work demonstrates increasing sophistication in molecular techniques, moving from phenotypic observations to network analysis and identification of central regulatory genes. The research bridges basic science with clinical applications, often utilizing both murine models and human tissue samples to validate findings.
- SMMS Teacher of the Year Award (2015)
- SMMS Teacher of the Year Award (2014)
- SMMS Teacher of the Year Award (2011)
Professor Belton actively supervises PhD students and has coordinated numerous advanced pharmacology modules including Research Skills, Research Techniques, Advanced Cardiovascular Pharmacology, and Drug Action in Body Systems. Her research has been supported by multiple funding agencies including Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Health Research Board, European Federation for the Study of Diabetes, and Wellcome Trust. Current and past grants include work on macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue and the Functional Food Centre project.
Her laboratory work centers on mechanisms of atherosclerosis regression, with particular focus on how conjugated linoleic acid modulates monocyte/macrophage function. The research team employs a range of techniques from in vivo models to cellular and molecular analysis, including proteomics, RNA-seq, and functional assays examining monocyte-endothelial interactions, integrin regulation, adhesion, migration, and foam cell formation.
