Dr Ioannis Smyrnias
About
Biography
I completed my PhD studies under the supervision of Drs M. Bootman and L. Roderick at the University of Cambridge. My thesis described the hormonal regulation of calcium signalling and contractility in adult cardiomyocytes.
I then undertook my postdoctoral research at King’s College London in Prof Ajay Shah’s lab. During this period, I investigated the protective role of the NRF2 transcription factor in the overloaded heart. Additionally, I explored the significance of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) during cardiac stress. This research led to the first publication that described the protective role of the ATF5-dependent UPRmt activation in a pressure-overloaded murine and human heart.
In 2020, I joined the University of Surrey as a lecturer in cardiovascular sciences. Our research centers on understanding the mechanisms that maintain mitochondrial homeostasis in the stressed heart. We have a specific focus on the signalling events that regulate the cardioprotective effects of the mitochondrial stress response during adverse conditions. Our goal is to identify novel therapeutic strategies against heart disease and other conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.
ResearchResearch interests
Our research program is focused on the cellular mechanisms underpinning the mitochondrial response to stress and cardioprotection. Our work investigates mitochondrial quality control (MQC) mechanisms, namely the mitochondrial stress response (ISR-UPRmt) and mitophagy, particularly their regulation through transcription factor signalling (e.g. ATF5, NRF2), the mitochondrial phosphatase PGAM5, and more, and how these pathways influence mitochondrial function and cell survival under stress conditions. Additionally, our research explores the interplay between MQC pathways and the formation of stress granules (SGs), providing insights into cellular adaptations during mitochondrial dysfunction.
The lab is supported by several grants and studentships (e.g. BHF, MRC, Physiological Society, Royal Society). Currently, our projects are supported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF project grant) and the MRC (Capital Equipment award), providing necessary funds to study how cardiomyocytes and the heart respond to stress. Furthermore, the lab proudly hosts PhD students, working on projects exploring the role of SGs within the ISR/UPRmt axis, and the links between cardiac arrhythmias and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Research interests
Our research program is focused on the cellular mechanisms underpinning the mitochondrial response to stress and cardioprotection. Our work investigates mitochondrial quality control (MQC) mechanisms, namely the mitochondrial stress response (ISR-UPRmt) and mitophagy, particularly their regulation through transcription factor signalling (e.g. ATF5, NRF2), the mitochondrial phosphatase PGAM5, and more, and how these pathways influence mitochondrial function and cell survival under stress conditions. Additionally, our research explores the interplay between MQC pathways and the formation of stress granules (SGs), providing insights into cellular adaptations during mitochondrial dysfunction.
The lab is supported by several grants and studentships (e.g. BHF, MRC, Physiological Society, Royal Society). Currently, our projects are supported by the British Heart Foundation (BHF project grant) and the MRC (Capital Equipment award), providing necessary funds to study how cardiomyocytes and the heart respond to stress. Furthermore, the lab proudly hosts PhD students, working on projects exploring the role of SGs within the ISR/UPRmt axis, and the links between cardiac arrhythmias and mitochondrial dysfunction.