Endothelial Cell Biology Unit

Principal Investigators

Dr. John Walker                       Dr. Vas Ponnambalam             Prof. Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam

Central theme: Understanding, diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

The aim of ECBU is to make fundamental advances in understanding the molecular and cellular basis for vascular function and to translate such findings into diagnosis, prevention and cure of cancer, cardiovascular and peripheral arterial disease. As such, the Unit comprises a mixture of PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, clinicians and medical intercalating BSc students. We also have technical support for routine duties associated with the Unit. Currently we comprise approximately 10-12 scientists. We have an additional 2-3 final year undergraduate Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry BSc honours and ERASMUS (European exchange programme) project students who work with us in Semester 1 (October-December) each year.

The Leeds Endothelial Cell Biology Unit was born through existing collaborations between 3 Leeds scientists: Vas Ponnambalam, John Walker and Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam.  VP is a cell biologist and molecular biologist working on membrane trafficking and signalling, JW is a biochemist studying calcium fluxes and enzyme activity, SHV is a vascular surgeon with interests in therapeutic strategies for vascular disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention.Our academic appointments (and teaching duties) are in the Institute of Molecular & Cellular Biology linked to the Biochemistry programmes (VP, JHW) andthe Faculty of Medicine & Health linked to the Medicine programme (SHV).

ECBU relocated from the old laboratories in the East-West wing of Garstang Building on Mount Preston Street to the newly built Leeds Institute for Genetics, Health & Therapeutics (LIGHT) on Clarendon Way in August 2006. This translational research facility comprises 100-150 scientists and clinicians and bridges the Leeds University Faculties of Medicine and Biological Sciences to bring together biochemists, cell biologists, epidemiologists and clinicians in cardiology, vascular medicine and diabetes. The LIGHT building is connected by enclosed walkways to the adjoining Leeds University Medical School (Worsley Building), Leeds General Infirmary hospital and the various Institutes in the Faculty of Biological sciences complex.