Thomas Andrew Qvistgaard Jepps

Thomas Andrew Qvistgaard Jepps is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, where he leads research on vascular physiology with a focus on circulation, kidney, and lung systems. He also holds a Guest Researcher position in the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology within the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology section.

Dr. Jepps received his BSc (Hons.) in Biomedical Sciences from St. George's University of London (2005-2008), followed by a PhD from the same institution funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (2009-2013). His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at the University of Copenhagen and prestigious fellowships including a Marie Curie Independent Research Fellowship and a Carlsberg Foundation Research Fellowship.

His research program centers on understanding vascular ion channel regulation, particularly potassium channels, and their role in hypertension and vascular diseases. Dr. Jepps investigates two primary areas: KCNE ancillary subunits and microtubules in smooth muscle cells, with additional projects on smooth muscle proliferation in atherosclerosis, novel ion channels in angiogenesis, and functional sympatholysis mechanisms. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including isometric tension recordings, electrophysiology, immunostaining, proximity ligation assays, and molecular biology approaches.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on vascular tone regulation, with particular emphasis on microtubule function in hypertension, potassium channel modulation by novel compounds, and translational research connecting basic mechanisms to clinical applications such as colchicine for hypertension treatment and understanding drug-induced hypotension.

Scientific Recognition:

• Selected for the 68th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2018)
• Multiple best presentation awards at international symposia (2009-2014)
• Widdicombe Prize in Physiology from St. George's University of London (2009)
• Regular invitations to present at international conferences and departmental seminars

Dr. Jepps has supervised 2 ERASMUS students, 9 bachelor's project students, and 3 Master's students. His research is supported by significant grants including the Carlsberg Foundation Research Fellowship (1,178,053DKK), Lundbeck Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (700,000DKK), and a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (€199,809). He has organized numerous scientific events including the First International Kv7 Channels Symposium and Cardiovascular Seminar Series at the University of Copenhagen.

His laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions including Prof. Geoffrey Abbott at UC Irvine (KCNE subunits), Prof. Christian Aalkjær at Aarhus University (microtubules in arteries), and Prof. Anthony Heagerty at the University of Manchester (colchicine for hypertension treatment).