Dr Samantha Borland
| Biography | In 2011, I graduated from the University of Manchester having completed a BSc in Pharmacology & Physiology with Industrial Experience. I continued my studies at the University of Manchester, and undertook the 4-year British Heart Foundation PhD programme in Cardiovascular Medicine, investigating the role of syndecan 4 in vascular calcification under the supervision of Professor Ann Canfield. I completed my PhD in 2015 and went on to work as a Post-doctoral researcher with Professor Canfield, where I examined the role of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) signalling in vascular calcification. From this work, I developed a personal interest in the role of PKC and TGF-β signalling in vascular calcification, and was subsequently awarded a Project grant from the British Heart Foundation to continue this exciting research. In 2024, I joined the University of Salford as a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences. |
|---|---|
| Research Interests | Vascular calcification is correlated with declining renal function and hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease, and in turn, calcification can exacerbate hypertension and lead to heart failure. Currently, no treatments for vascular calcification exist. My research seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating vascular calcification, and to identify novel therapies to prevent or delay its progression. Current projects seek to understand the role of the PKCα/TGF-β signalling pathway in vascular calcification, and whether re-purposing anti-cancer drugs or drugs from natural compounds could provide novel treatments for vascular calcification. To do this, my lab uses a range of techniques including: Cell & ex vivo culture, Western blotting, qPCR, X-ray micro computed tomography, Histology, Immunohistochemistry, image analysis. Keywords: Vascular calcification, Vascular smooth muscle cells, Atherosclerosis, TGF-β, Protein kinase C |
| Teaching and Learning | I teach across all levels including Human Physiology, Human Systems Physiology, Animal Physiology, Novel Therapeutics, Inflammation & Cardiovascular Disorders, Biomedical Skills, and Translational Research Skills. Outside of the laboratory I have a keen interest in widening participation activities, and I have organised Cardiovascular Science workshops at several local schools and community festivals. |
| PhD Supervision Availability | Yes |
| PhD Topics | My lab seeks to understand the cellular basis of vascular disease. Please contact me for a conversation around specific projects or to discuss you own ideas. |