Centre for Vision and Vascular Science

The Centre for Vision and Vascular Science (CVVS) brings together basic and clinical scientists and encourages multidisciplinary collaboration within a structure that promotes translational outcomes.  For example, pathogenic mechanisms of key diseases are studied using a range of relevant in vitro and in vivo models.  The knowledge gained will be used to identify new target molecules and pathways in disease pathogenesis leading to novel therapeutic approaches.  Simultaneously, we will develop robust pre-clinical testing and associated imaging technology to assess disease progression and prognosis and will ultimately aim to test novel treatments in randomised controlled clinical trials.

This is exemplified in the schematic below which represents the multi-discipline scope and translational flow of research that is being conducted.  This depicts how basic science discoveries into retinal disease pathogenesis leads to identification of new therapeutic targets, which links to evaluation of efficacy and then into clinical trial.  Each area builds on established expertise and the structure encourages meaningful inter-change between disciplines.  While the direction of flow is clear, an iterative process will be adopted whereby research in key areas is improved by meaningful feedback from known outcomes (represented by small arrows).  It is recognised that meaningful partnership with biotech/pharma companies is also essential.  These partnerships, developed in conjunction with the QUB Knowledge Exploitation Unit (KEU), will advance key aspects of the progression to clinical trial.  Especially in the case of drug discovery, achieving all aspects of translation involves meaningful and productive commercial partnerships.

The CVVS three research divisions are “Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology”, “Diabetic Vascular Complications” and “Cardiovascular Remodelling”

Cardiovascular Remodelling Research Division

Division Leader:  Dr. David Grieve

The Cardiovascular Remodelling research division comprises a group of basic and clinical scientists with overlapping research interests in areas ranging from microvascular biology to tissue remodelling.  Ongoing studies are focussed on understanding the effects of cardiovascular disease on normal physiological processes and embrace a wide range of sophisticated techniques from molecular biology and cell culture to in vivo imaging and functional assessment, with a clear emphasis on translational research.  The primary aims of the group are to facilitate existing/new collaborations, clinical interaction, research outputs and strategic development. These objectives are principally addressed through engagement of its members at monthly meetings with the intention of moving forward cardiovascular research both within and outwith CVVS.

Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Research Division

Division Leader:  Mr. Colin Willoughby

The Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Division encompasses a multidisciplinary team of researchers, whose ultimate goal is to efficiently translate basic scientific findings relevant to human visual diseases into knowledge and therapies which benefit patients.  This group advances scientific knowledge in ocular cell and molecular biology and normal visual function to understand the mechanisms of ocular disease and improve the clinical management, diagnosis and prevention of vision disorders.  In our academic work the patient is central and we aim to ultimately advance clinical care, research and education in ophthalmology.  The members of this division share focussed collaborative themes linked to the pathogenesis of common eye diseases and benefit from strong clinical and scientific collaborations both locally within the Centre for Vision and Vascular Science and QUB, nationally and internationally, but vitally with the patient.

Diabetic Vascular Complications Research Division

Division Leader:  Dr. Derek P. Brazil

This group of researchers and clinicians is focussed on the molecular pathogenesis of vascular damage driving diabetes-associated complications in the eye, kidney, heart and other organs.  A broad range of cell-based and in vivo techniques is being employed to identify the molecular mechanisms of hyperglycaemia-induced loss of both micro and macro-vessel supply to tissues and organs in the diabetic patient.  The translational emphasis of the research within this division is underpinned by the association with clinical colleagues within the CVVS and engagement with clinical teams from our partner hospitals.  The monthly Diabetic Vascular Complications division meetings serve as a crucial platform for basic and clinical research expertise to interface and drive the translational research agenda within CVVS forward.