Professor Hugh Watkins
BHF Field Marshal Earl
Alexander Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine
John Radcliffe Hospital, University of
Oxford
BHF Centre of Research Excellence
Professor Watkins is a clinical cardiologist and
laboratory scientist whose work has given us the tools to find
people with life-threatening inherited heart
conditions, through genetic screening schemes.
Causes of cardiomyopathy
Professor Watkins’ team are revealing how abnormalities
in the mechanical apparatus that enable each heart
cell to contract cause an inherited heart condition,
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These
studies help to increase our understanding of the basic regulation
of how the heart pumps.
Genetics of coronary heart disease
Professor Watkins is leading one of the largest studies
worldwide to identify genes that increase the risk of early
coronary heart disease. Genes for risk factors such as high blood
pressure are being analysed in the DNA collected from very many
families.
Other research groups in the department:
Gene transfer
Using techniques to deliver specific genes to specific tissues.
Studies in cell culture, in model systems and in donated human
tissue are exploring the value of gene transfer as an
investigational tool and, potentially, as a therapeutic strategy to
improve blood vessel health.
Nitric oxide
The Oxford team are studying how an important biological
signal, nitric oxide, acts to increase the electrical current
of the heart’s natural pacemaker. Importantly Nitric oxide may also
increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms in heart
failure.
