Projects per year
Personal profile
Research Interests
Research Overview:
All blood vessels in the body are lined by a single layer of cells called the endothelium. The cells that make up this layer (endothelial cells) have many important functions, such as controlling blood flow and blood clotting. These cells are the front line in cardiovascular health, and are involved in most human diseases. For example, endothelial cells allow cancer tumours to grow, and they malfunction in Alzheimer’ disease. The driving focus of my research is to define how endothelial cells work, and so identify new targets for disease treatment and prevention. Broadly, my research contributions cover the following:
1. Vascular discovery science infrastructure
I have developed an extensive portfolio of methodologies, hardware, and software to probe blood vessel function. These include novel microscopes for blood vessel imaging, open-source pressure myography, advanced calcium imaging techniques, and signal processing software.
These tools provide new ways to explore blood vessel behaviour and will accelerate the convergence of vascular discovery science and medicine.
2. Vascular discovery science
Using the above techniques, I provide new insights into blood vessel behaviour. For example, I established that the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, is a physiological regulator of blood flow. I demonstrated that mitochondria are required for endothelial function. By applying my tools to animal models of disease, my work is beginning to reveal the molecular and physiological mechanisms that give rise to vascular dysfunction.
These discoveries inform novel therapeutic strategies to treat blood vessel dysfunction in cardiovascular disease.
3. Open-source physiology
I am driven by a desire to improve research through Open Science - the free sharing of publications, datasets, and software/hardware. To promote Open Science in physiology, I developed the VasoTracker platform (www.vasotracker.com) to freely distribute open-source tools arising from my research. I also contribute to the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology (bit.ly/3qax6xG )
Open-source physiology will increase the accessibility, usability and reproducibility of vascular research.
Teaching Interests
Final-year Biomolecular Sciences Research Projects – I manage and coordinate final-year research projects in the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS). This role involves the coordination of over 40 members of academic staff and 200+ students. I deliver a number of workshops on topics such as critical review, written and oral presentation, effective communication and report structuring.
Cardiovascular Pharmacology - I lecture on Cardiovascular Pharmacology throughout the Biomolecular Sciences degree programmes in SIPBS.
Academic / Professional qualifications
- Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
- PGCert in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education (University of Strathclyde)
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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A multicellular endothelial signalling web coordinates vascular function and is impaired in hypertension
McCarron, J. (Principal Investigator), Buckley, C. (Co-investigator) & Wilson, C. (Co-investigator)
19/01/21 → 18/01/26
Project: Research
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Mitochondrial amplification of local calcium entry and vascular contraction in hypertension
McCarron, J. (Principal Investigator), Buckley, C. (Co-investigator), Chalmers, S. (Co-investigator) & Wilson, C. (Co-investigator)
3/04/20 → 8/01/24
Project: Research
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Mitochondria regulate inositol triphosphate‐mediated Ca 2+ release triggered by voltage‐dependent Ca 2+ entry in resistance arteries: Ca2+ entry activates IP3 receptors in smooth muscle
Zhang, X., Buckley, C., Lee, M. D., Chalmers, S., Wilson, C. & McCarron, J. G., 15 May 2025, In: The Journal of Physiology. 603, 10, p. 2959-2978 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus) -
Increased TRPV4 channel expression enhances and impairs blood vessel function in hypertension
Zhang, X., Buckley, C., Lee, M. D., Salaun, C., MacDonald, M., Wilson, C. & McCarron, J. G., 1 Jan 2025, In: Hypertension. 82, 1, p. 57-68 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile4 Citations (Scopus)6 Downloads (Pure)
Thesis
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Large-scale imaging of endothelial calcium from inside intact atreries
Wilson, C. (Author), 22 Apr 2015Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis
Prizes
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American Association of Anatomists (AAA) Best Poster Award
Wilson, C. (Recipient), 2015
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Activities
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Command and Control: Unveiling the Regulation of Smooth Muscle Function
Wilson, C. (Organiser), Lee, M. D. (Organiser), Pritchard, H. (Organiser) & Drumm, B. (Organiser)
2024 → …Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organiser of major conference