Field: Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Host: University of Bristol
Funder: British Heart Foundation
Fellowship Title: Investigating G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR) Function in Platelets and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Preserve Cardiovascular Integrity
Dr Oluwatosin Ojo is a biomedical scientist whose research focuses on cardiovascular research. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Reading, an MSc in Public Health from Queen Mary University of London, an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Ibadan, and a BSc in Biochemistry from Lagos State University.
Her doctoral research investigated the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by ferritin at lysosomal pH and its potential role in the development of atherosclerosis. This work advanced understanding of the cellular processes that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in experimental research, data analysis, scientific communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is also passionate about education and mentoring, having supported undergraduate students through academic mentoring programmes at the University of Reading during her doctoral extension scheme and Postdoctoral research.
Following a career break, Oluwatosin has returned to academic research through a Daphne Jackson Fellowship. The fellowship provides an opportunity to build on her established expertise in cardiovascular science while developing new skills and collaborations within a world-leading research environment. Her work aims to further improve understanding of the mechanisms that drive cardiovascular diseases, ultimately contributing to research that supports better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart and circulatory condition.
Her research fellowship investigates how G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a major family of cell signalling proteins and targets of many medicines, regulate the functions of platelets and vascular smooth muscle cells to maintain cardiovascular health.
By exploring the molecular mechanisms that control GPCR signalling in these cells, she aims to identify pathways that contribute to thrombosis and vascular dysfunction while preserving normal haemostasis. Her work will improve our understanding of cardiovascular biology and may reveal new therapeutic targets for safer treatments of heart attacks, stroke, and other vascular diseases.
