James Bell group
Cardiac Disease Mechanisms
This team seeks to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms which drive heart diseases. We examine the underlying causes and pathological consequences of cardiac rhythm and relaxation irregularities (arrhythmias and diastolic dysfunction respectively) and heart attacks (myocardial infarction), and how these may differ in men and women. The overall goal is to validate novel molecular targets that advance sex-specific preventative therapies for aged and obese populations at risk of developing heart disease.
The Division has two primary research themes:
- The pathological influence of ‘heart fat’ as an emerging mediator of heart disease.
- The role of sex and sex steroids in determining heart health,
We use our extensive expertise in in vivo, ex vivo, in vitro and molecular methodologies to undertake this research. Our work is further supported by ongoing pre-clinical and clinical collaborations developed both nationally (University of Melbourne, Macquarie University) and internationally (University of Birmingham, UK).
Research areas
We have recently demonstrated the detrimental effect of heart fat on surrounding heart muscle and function. Our research has begun to identify the chemicals released from the heart fat, and understand the impact they have on heart rhythm.
Our team is investigating the link between heart fat and the ability of the heart to relax. Poor relaxation (diastolic dysfunction) disrupts heart function and can lead to cardiac failure and death. Critically, there are no effective therapies available for this condition. Using our knowledge of the effect of heart fat on heart rhythm, we hope to understand how this also affects muscle cell relaxation and changes in heart structure that lead to ‘stiffening’ of the heart.
Our team is investigating the link between heart fat and the ability of the heart to relax. Poor relaxation (diastolic dysfunction) disrupts heart function and can lead to cardiac failure and death. Critically, there are no effective therapies available for this condition. Using our knowledge of the effect of heart fat on heart rhythm, we hope to understand how this also affects muscle cell relaxation and changes in heart structure that lead to ‘stiffening’ of the heart.
Meet the team
Group leader
- Dr James Bell
PhD researcher
- Sarah Hayes
Honours researcher
- Hamish Lindstrom