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Department of Inflammation and Rare Diseases
Our work
Our research focuses on inflammation conditions, including amyloidosis, rheumatology and metabolism and inflammation are burgeoning areas in medical science. We collaborate across disciplines to improve our understanding of inflammatory mechanisms, driving towards breakthroughs to improve diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for patients grappling with these challenging conditions.
For amyloidosis, investigations aim to understand the abnormal accumulation of misfolded proteins leading to organ damage. We explore the novel diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and molecular pathways involved in amyloid formation. We work towards targeted treatments that address the root causes of this disorder, enhancing patient outcomes.
In rheumatology, the emphasis is on unravelling the complexities of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues, and the organ-based complications characterised by vasculopathy, excessive remodelling and fibrosis. Advances in genomics, immunology, and precision medicine contribute to personalized therapies for conditions like Raynaud's and scleroderma.
The Metabolism and Inflammation groups research investigates diagnostics and therapeutics for non-communicable diseases. Studies using epidemiology and omics (genomics and metabolomics) approaches are aimed to improve the health of low/middle-income communities by investigating the medical burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and consequence of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
Teaching
Colleagues from this department contribute to our undergraduate BSc and specialist MSc programmes, including the following.
Applied Medical Sciences BSc
Bridge the gap between science and medicine. Find out how top scientific research leads to improvements in clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Clinical and Public Health Nutrition MSc
This MSc is for anyone seeking careers in research, nutrition therapy practice, or in the clinical / nutrition industries.
Human Tissue Repair MSc/MRes
Build your specialist skills in human tissue repair after injury on our globally recognised MSc.
Respiratory Clinical Science MSc
This MSc focuses on studying the scientific and clinical basis of respiratory diseases.
Our centres
- Centre for Amyloidosis and Acute Phase Proteins
The Centre for Amyloidosis and Acute Phase Proteins comprises the NHS National Amyloidosis Centre, funded by the Department of Health, to provide diagnostic and management advisory services for the national caseload of patients with amyloidosis and hereditary periodic fever syndromes, and the Wolfson Drug Discovery Unit.
Heads of Centre
- Professor Julian Gillmore
- Professor Marianna Fontana
Principal Investigators
- Professor Philip Hawkins
- Professor Helen Lachmann
- Professor Paul Simons
- Professor Ashutosh Wechalekar
- Dr Diana Canetti
- Dr Guglielmo Verona
Associated research themes
- Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Campus
Connective tissue diseases are a spectrum of disorders characterised by inflammation, tissue damage and remodelling or excessive repair often leading to destruction and degeneration of the target organ and replacement with scar or fibrotic tissue.
Heads of Centre
- Professor David Abraham
- Professor Christopher Denton
Principal Investigators
- Professor Richard Stratton
- Professor Markella Ponticos
- Associate Professor Voon Ong
Associated research themes
- Centre of Metabolism and Inflammation
The Centre of Metabolism and Inflammation aims to investigate diagnostics and therapeutics for Non-Communicable Diseases
Heads of Centre
- Professor Mohammed Al Maadheed
- Professor Vidya Mohamed-Ali
Associated research themes