Mitochondrial dynamics in human disease

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Career overview

Dr Vas Ponnambalam received a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham, UK, from 1981 to 1984, followed by a PhD in Biochemistry from the same institution from 1988 to 1991. He was a Seebe Fund postdoctoral research fellow at Stanford University, USA, from 1988 to 1991, and subsequently worked as a Cancer Research UK Research Fellow in London, UK, from 1991 to 1995. Dr Ponnambalam served as an MRC Senior Research Fellow and Principal Investigator at the Wellcome Trust Biocentre & School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, UK, from 1995 to 2000. He joined the University of Leeds in 2000 as a Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology, became a Senior Lecturer from 2005 to 2011, and has been a Reader in Human Disease Biology since 2011. Additionally, he has been the Head of the Endothelial Cell Biology Unit at the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds since 2006. Dr Ponnambalam''s research focuses on membrane traffic and cell biology, particularly in relation to vascular biology, physiology, and human disease. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating mathematical modelling, biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology, animal biology, and clinical studies to investigate human vascular health and disease states. He has identified a key marker of the human Golgi apparatus, TGN46, which has become a standard cellular marker in various human cells and tissues. His work is characterised by collaborations with both basic science researchers and clinicians, aiming to translate basic science discoveries into medical applications. Dr Ponnambalam''s current research is funded by the British Heart Foundation, with previous support from various organisations including the Medical Research Council and The Wellcome Trust.

Research interests

Dr Ponnambalam''s research focuses on receptor-ligand regulation of cell and animal function in health and disease, particularly within the context of the mammalian vascular network. His laboratory investigates the roles of endothelial cells in various physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis, blood pressure regulation, wound healing, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Key areas of research include the regulation of endothelial function by growth factors, chemokines, and lipid particles, with a strong emphasis on understanding signal transduction mechanisms and endothelial cell responses. Specific research topics include: 1. VEGFR-VEGF Regulation of Endothelial Function: Dr Ponnambalam''s work examines how vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) activate signal transduction pathways through VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) on endothelial cells, influencing cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. A significant focus is placed on the role of ubiquitination and de-ubiquitination in controlling VEGFR2 localisation and membrane trafficking. 2. Scavenger Receptor Regulation of Vascular Function and Atherosclerosis: His research explores the function of scavenger receptors, particularly the lectin-like LOX-1 receptor, in binding oxidised low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and its implications for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases. 3. VEGF and Chemokine Regulation of Vascular and Immune Function: Dr Ponnambalam investigates the interplay between VEGFs and chemokines in modulating endothelial function and immune cell interactions during processes such as angiogenesis and inflammation. Dr Ponnambalam collaborates with various researchers within the University of Leeds and beyond, fostering a multidisciplinary approach that integrates basic science with clinical applications. His research is supported by funding from organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, Medical Research Council, and The Wellcome Trust, among others.