Yr Athro Dipak Ramji

Dirprwy Gyfarwyddwr, Ysgol y Biowyddorau, Caerdydd

Ysgol y Biowyddorau

: ramji@cardiff.ac.uk
: +44 (0)29 2087 6753
Fax:: +44 (0)29 2087 4116
: Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, Adeilad Syr Martin Evans, Rhodfa'r Amgueddfa, Caerdydd, CF10 3AX

: Ar gael fel goruchwyliwr ôl-raddedig

My research interests focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the changes in key cellular processes during inflammatory disorders with the goal of identifying new therapeutic/preventative targets/avenues. My research employs a combination of cell culture and mouse model systems coupled with molecular, biochemical, immunological and pharmacological approaches. Specific focus is on understanding how key factors associated with inflammatory disorders, such as cytokines and lipid metabolites, regulate macrophage processes and gene expression during atherosclerosis and the acute-phase response. In particular, we are elucidating the pathways leading from the interaction of such factors with their receptors, through the signalling cascades, to the control of gene expression in the nucleus and the subsequent regulation of cellular processes. More recently, the mechanisms underlying the protective actions of nutraceuticals in atherosclerosis and key cellular processes associated with this disease are being investigated. Previous and current research has been funded by grants from the British Heart Foundation, Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, MRC, EU and Industry.

Roles

Deputy Head of Cardiff School of Biosciences
Member of Biological Standards Committee at Cardiff University
Member of Race Equality Steering Group: Research Sub-Committee at Cardiff University
External Examiner for BSc Bioscience Programme at University of Limerick
External Examiner for MSc in Translational Cardiovascular Medicine at University of Bristol

Interested in joining my lab as a self-funded post-graduate student or a postdoc/fellow? Please contact me by email.

I did my BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and PhD on Dictyostelium development at University of Leeds. This was followed by postdoctoral research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratories (Heidelberg) and Istituto di Ricerche di Biologia Molecolare "P. Angeletti" (Rome) on the molecular mechanisms underlying liver-specific gene expression during inflammation. I was recipient of fellowships from the Royal Society, EMBL, University of Rome and the EU. I moved to Cardiff University as a Lecturer in August 1992. I was promoted to a Senior Lecturer in 2003, to a Reader in 2006 and to a Personal Chair in 2017.

2023

Takala, R., Ramji, D. P. and Choy, E. 2023. The beneficial effects of pine nuts and its major fatty acid, pinolenic acid, on inflammation and metabolic perturbations in inflammatory disorders. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24(2), article number: 1171. (10.3390/ijms24021171)

2022

Zabetakis, I. et al. eds. 2022. Functional Foods and their Implications for Health Promotion. [Functional Foods and their Implications for Health Promotion]. Elsevier.
Takala, R. et al. 2022. Pinolenic acid exhibits Anti-inflammatory and Anti-atherogenic effects in Peripheral blood- derived Monocytes from patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Scientific Reports 12, article number: 8807. (10.1038/s41598-022-12763-8)
Takala, R., Ramji, D. P., Andrews, R., Zhou, Y., Burston, J. and Choy, E. 2022. Anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of pinolenic acid in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology 61(3), pp. 992-1004. (10.1093/rheumatology/keab467)
Ramji, D. P. ed. 2022. Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols. [Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols]. Methods in Molecular Biology. New York: Humana Press. (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7)
Chan, Y., Alotibi, R., Alahmadi, A. and Ramji, D. P. 2022. Monitoring cellularity and expression of key in atherosclerotic plaques. In: Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology Springer, pp. 497-506., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_30)
Chan, Y., Alahmadi, A., Alotibi, R. and Ramji, D. P. 2022. Evaluation of plaque burden and in atherosclerotic plaques. In: Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology Springer, pp. 481-496., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_29)
Chan, Y. and Ramji, D. P. 2022. Probing inflammasome activation in atherosclerosis. In: Ramji, D. ed. Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology New York, NY: Springer, pp. 313-331., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_20)
Chan, Y. and Ramji, D. P. 2022. Investigation of mitochondrial bioenergetic profile and dysfunction in atherosclerosis. In: Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology New York, NY: Springer, (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_19)
Alahmadi, A. and Ramji, D. P. 2022. Monitoring modified lipoprotein uptake and macropinocytosis associated with macrophage foam cell formation. In: Ramji, D. ed. Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology New York, NY: Springer, pp. 247-255., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_14)
Ramji, D. P., Chan, Y., Alahmadi, A., Alotibi, R. and Alshehri, N. 2022. Survey of approaches for investigation of atherosclerosis in vivo. In: Ramji, D. ed. Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology New York, NY: Springer, pp. 57-72., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_4)
Ramji, D. P., Ismail, A., Chen, J., Alradi, F. and Al Alawi, S. 2022. Survey of in vitro model systems for Investigation of key cellular processes associated with atherosclerosis. In: Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. New York, NY: Springer, pp. 39-56., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_3)
Chan, Y. and Ramji, D. P. 2022. Key roles of inflammation in atherosclerosis: mediators involved in orchestrating the inflammatory response and its resolution in the disease along with therapeutic avenues targeting inflammation. In: Ramji, D. ed. Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology New York, NY: Springer, pp. 21-37., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_2)
Chan, Y. and Ramji, D. P. 2022. Atherosclerosis: pathogenesis and key cellular processes, current and emerging therapies, key challenges, and future research directions. In: Ramji, D. ed. Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols., Vol. 2419. Methods in Molecular Biology New York, NY: Springer, pp. 3-19., (10.1007/978-1-0716-1924-7_1)

2018

Moss, J., Williams, J. and Ramji, D. 2018. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents for atherosclerosis. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease 1864(5. A.), pp. 1562-1572. (10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.02.006)

2017

Moss, J. and Ramji, D. 2017. Cytokines in Atherosclerosis. In: Foti, M. and Locati, M. eds. Cytokine Effector Functions in Tissues. Academic Press, pp. 109-118.
Gallagher, H., Moss, J., Williams, J., Davies, T., Al-Ahmadi, W., O'Morain, V. and Ramji, D. 2017. Nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of Atherosclerosis. Cardiology 137(S1), pp. 264. (10.1159/000477751)
Michael, D. R. et al. 2017. The anti-cholesterolaemic effect of a consortium of probiotics: An acute study in C57BL/6J mice. Scientific Reports 7, article number: 2883. (10.1038/s41598-017-02889-5)

2016

Salter, R. C., Foka, P., Davies, T. S., Gallagher, H., Michael, D. R., Ashlin, T. G. and Ramji, D. P. 2016. The role of mitogen-activated protein kinases and sterol receptor coactivator-1 in TGF-β-regulated expression of genes implicated in macrophage cholesterol uptake. Scientific Reports 6, article number: 34368. (10.1038/srep34368)
Moss, J. W. E. and Ramji, D. P. 2016. Nutraceutical therapies for atherosclerosis. Nature Reviews Cardiology 13(9), pp. 513-532. (10.1038/nrcardio.2016.103)
Moss, J. and Ramji, D. P. 2016. Cytokines: roles in atherosclerosis disease progression and potential therapeutic targets. Future Medicinal Chemistry 8(11), pp. 1317-1330. (10.4155/fmc-2016-0072)
Davies, T., Gallagher, H., Moss, J. W. E., Jaffar, F., Al-Ahmadi, W., Harris, F. and Ramji, D. 2016. The action of Nutraceuticals on key macrophage processes associated with Atherosclerosis. Cardiology 134(S1), pp. 314-314. (10.1159/000447505)
Ramji, D., Davies, T., Gallagher, H., Moss, J., Faizah, J. and Al-Ahmadi, W. 2016. Cytkines in atherosclerosis: molecular mechanisms underlying their actions and promising therapeutic targets [Abstract]. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology 7(6), pp. 52-52.
Ramji, D., Davies, T., Gallagher, H., Moss, J., Faizah, J. and Al-Ahmadi, W. 2016. Nutraceuticals as preventative and therapeutic agents in atherosclerosis. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology 7(6), pp. 31-31. (10.4172/2155-9880.C1.029)
Michael, D. R., Moss, J. W. E., Calvente, D. L., Garaiova, I., Plummer, S. F. and Ramji, D. 2016. Lactobacillus plantarum CUL66 can impact cholesterol homeostasis in Caco-2 enterocytes. Beneficial Microbes 7(3), pp. 443-451. (10.3920/BM2015.0146)
Moss, J. W. E., Davies, T. S., Garaiova, I., Plummer, S. F., Michael, D. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2016. A unique combination of nutritionally active ingredients can prevent several key processes associated with atherosclerosis in vitro. PLoS ONE 11(3), article number: e0151057. (10.1371/journal.pone.0151057)

2015

Ramji, D. P. and Davies, T. S. 2015. Cytokines in atherosclerosis: key players in all stages of disease and promising therapeutic targets. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews 26(6), pp. 673-685. (10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.04.003)
Huwait, E. A., Singh, N. N., Michael, D. R., Davies, T., Moss, J. W. E. and Ramji, D. P. 2015. Protein Kinase C is involved in the induction of ATP-Binding cassette transporter A1 expression by liver X receptor/retinoid X receptor agonist in human macrophages. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 116(9), pp. 2032-2038. (10.1002/jcb.25157)
Moss, J. and Ramji, D. P. 2015. Interferon-γ: Promising therapeutic target in atherosclerosis. World Journal of Experimental Medicine 5(3), pp. 154-159. (10.5493/wjem.v5.i3.154)
Buckley, M. and Ramji, D. P. 2015. The influence of dysfunctional signaling and lipid homeostasis in mediating the inflammatory responses during atherosclerosis. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease 1852(7), pp. 1498-1510. (10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.04.011)
Michael, D. R., Davies, T., Laubertová, L., Gallagher, H. and Ramji, D. P. 2015. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathway is involved in the control of modified low-density lipoprotein uptake by human macrophages. Lipids 50(3), pp. 253-260. (10.1007/s11745-015-3993-0)
Davies, T. S., Gallagher, H., Jaafar, F., Moss, J. W., Hughes, T. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2015. Interferon gamma signalling in atherosclerosis: pro-atherogenic actions and therapeutic approaches. Cardiology 131, pp. 292-292.

2014

Willis, G. R. et al. 2014. Young women with polycystic ovary syndrome have raised levels of circulating annexin V-positive platelet microparticles. Human Reproduction 29(12), pp. 2756-2763. (10.1093/humrep/deu281)
Davies, T. S., Li, N., McLaren, J., Hughes, T. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2014. Pro- therogenic actions of interferon-gamma on macrophages in atherosclerosis. Cardiology 128(S1), pp. 278-278. (10.1159/000365062)
Ashlin, T. G., Buckley, M., Salter, R. C., Johnson, J. L., Kwan, A. P. L. and Ramji, D. 2014. The anti-atherogenic cytokine interleukin-33 inhibits the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-1,-4 and-5 in human macrophages: Requirement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathways. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 46, pp. 113-123. (10.1016/j.biocel.2013.11.008)

2013

Michael, D. R., Ashlin, T. G., Davies, C. S., Gallagher, H., Stoneman, T. W., Buckley, M. and Ramji, D. P. 2013. Differential regulation of macropinocytosis in macrophages by cytokines: Implications for foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Cytokine 64(1), pp. 357-361. (10.1016/j.cyto.2013.05.016)
Ashlin, T. G., Kwan, A. P. L. and Ramji, D. P. 2013. Regulation of ADAMTS-1, -4 and -5 expression in human macrophages: differential regulation by key cytokines implicated in atherosclerosis and novel synergism between TL1A and IL-17. Cytokine 64(1), pp. 234-242. (10.1016/j.cyto.2013.06.315)

2012

Michael, D. R., Salter, R. C. and Ramji, D. P. 2012. TGF-β inhibits the uptake of modified low density lipoprotein by human macrophages through a Smad-dependent pathway: A dominant role for Smad-2. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease 1822(10), pp. 1608-1616. (10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.06.002)
Michael, D. R., Ashlin, T. G., Buckley, M. and Ramji, D. P. 2012. Liver X receptors, atherosclerosis and inflammation. Current Atherosclerosis Reports 14(3), pp. 284-293. (10.1007/s11883-012-0239-y)
Michael, D. R., Ashlin, T. G., Buckley, M. and Ramji, D. P. 2012. Macrophages, lipid metabolism and gene expression in atherogenesis: a therapeutic target of the future?. Clinical Lipidology 7(1), pp. 37-48. (10.2217/clp.11.73)

2011

McLaren, J. E., Michael, D. R., Guschina, I., Harwood, J. L. and Ramji, D. P. 2011. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid regulate modified LDL uptake and macropinocytosis in human macrophages. Lipids 46(11), pp. 1053-1061.
McLaren, J. E., Michael, D. R., Ashlin, T. G. and Ramji, D. P. 2011. Cytokines, macrophage lipid metabolism and foam cells: implications for cardiovascular disease therapy. Progress in Lipid Research 50(4), pp. 331-347. (10.1016/j.plipres.2011.04.002)
Salter, R. et al. 2011. The expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 in human macrophages is inhibited by the anti-atherogenic cytokine transforming growth factor-β and requires Smads, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Jun. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 43(5), pp. 805-811. (10.1016/j.biocel.2011.02.005)
Huwait, E., Greenow, K. R., Singh, N. and Ramji, D. P. 2011. A novel role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the liver X receptor-mediated induction of macrophage gene expression. Cellular Signalling 23(3), pp. 542-549. (10.1016/j.cellsig.2010.11.002)
Li, N., Salter, R. C. and Ramji, D. P. 2011. Molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibition of IFN-γ-induced, STAT1-mediated gene transcription in human macrophages by simvastatin and agonists of PPARs and LXRs. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 112(2), pp. 675-683. (10.1002/jcb.22976)

2010

McLaren, J. E. et al. 2010. In vitro promotion of macrophage foam cell formation by Death Receptor 3 and its ligand TL1A. Immunology 131(1), pp. 103-103.
Li, N., McLaren, J. E., Michael, D. R., Clement, M., Fielding, C. A. and Ramji, D. P. 2010. ERK is integral to the IFN-γ-mediated activation of STAT1, the expression of key genes implicated in atherosclerosis, and the uptake of modified lipoproteins by human macrophages. The Journal of Immunology 185(5), pp. 3041-3048. (10.4049/jimmunol.1000993)
McLaren, J. E. et al. 2010. IL-33 reduces macrophage foam cell formation. The Journal of Immunology 185(2), pp. 1222-1229. (10.4049/jimmunol.1000520)
McLaren, J. E. et al. 2010. The TNF-like protein 1A-death receptor 3 pathway promotes macrophage foam cell formation in vitro. Journal of Immunology 184(10), pp. 5827-5834. (10.4049/jimmunol.0903782)
Salter, R. C., Ashlin, T. G., Kwan, A. P. L. and Ramji, D. P. 2010. ADAMTS proteases: key roles in atherosclerosis?. Journal of Molecular Medicine 88(12), pp. 1203-1211. (10.1007/s00109-010-0654-x)
Ali, S., Singh, N. N., Yildirim, H. and Ramji, D. P. 2010. Requirement for nuclear factor kappa B signalling in the interleukin-1-induced expression of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-delta gene in hepatocytes. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 42(1), pp. 113-119. (10.1016/j.biocel.2009.09.018)

2009

McLaren, J. E. and Ramji, D. P. 2009. Interferon gamma: A master regulator of atherosclerosis. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews 20(2), pp. 125-135. (10.1016/j.cytogfr.2008.11.003)
Ramji, D. P. 2009. Growth hormone-releasing peptides, CD36, and stimulation of cholesterol efflux: cyclooxygenase-2 is the link. Cardiovascular Research 83(3), pp. 419-420. (10.1093/cvr/cvp195)
Foka, P., Singh, N. N., Salter, R. C. and Ramji, D. P. 2009. The tumour necrosis factor-a-mediated suppression of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-a gene transcription in hepatocytes involves inhibition of autoregulation. International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 41(5), pp. 1189-1197. (10.1016/j.biocel.2008.10.024)

2008

Singh, N. N., Salter, R. C. and Ramji, D. P. 2008. Molecular mechanisms underlying transforming growth factor-beta-induced expression of the apolipoprotein E gene [Abstract]. Atherosclerosis Supplements 9(1), pp. 21. (10.1016/S1567-5688(08)70078-3)
Ramji, D. P., Singh, N. N., Li, N., Salter, R. C., Harvey, E. J. and Foka, P. 2008. Cytokine signalling in macrophages and the expression of key genes implicated in atherosclerosis [Abstract]. Atherosclerosis Supplements 9(1), pp. 53. (10.1016/S1567-5688(08)70209-5)
Harris, S. M., Harvey, E. J., Hughes, T. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2008. The interferon-γ-mediated inhibition of lipoprotein lipase gene transcription in macrophages involves casein kinase 2- and phosphoinositide-3-kinase-mediated regulation of transcription factors Sp1 and Sp3. Cellular Signalling 20(12), pp. 2296-2301. (10.1016/j.cellsig.2008.08.016)
Singh, N. N. and Ramji, D. P. 2008. Protein kinase CK2, an important regulator of the inflammatory response?. Journal of Molecular Medicine 86(8), pp. 887-897. (10.1007/s00109-008-0352-0)

2007

Singh, N. N. et al. 2007. Signaling pathways underlying cytokine regulated expression of key genes in macrophages implicated in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis Supplements 8(1), pp. 4-4.
Harvey, E. J., Li, N. and Ramji, D. . P. 2007. Critical role for casein kinase 2 and phosphoinositide-3-kinase in the interferon- -induced expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and other key genes implicated in atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 27(4), pp. 806-812. (10.1161/01.ATV.0000258867.79411.96)

2006

Monslow, J. et al. 2006. Sp1 and Sp3 mediate constitutive transcription of the human hyaluronan synthase 2 gene. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 281(26), pp. 18043-18050. (10.1074/jbc.M510467200)
Foka, P. et al. 2006. Signalling pathways underlying transforming growth factor-beta regulated expression of key genes implicated in the control of foam cell formation. Atherosclerosis Supplements 7(3), pp. 237-237.
Kockar, F., Yildirim, H. and Ramji, D. P. 2006. Molecular characterisation and comparative analysis of the human C/EBP delta promoter to mammalian homologues. FEBS Letters 273, pp. 334-334.
Singh, N. N., Ramji, D. P., Foka, P., Irvine, S. A. and Arnaoutakis, K. 2006. Transforming growth factor-b-regulated expression of genes in macrophages implicated in the control of cholesterol homoeostasis. Biochemical Society Transactions 34(6), pp. 1141-1141. (10.1042/BST0341141)
Singh, N. N. and Ramji, D. P. 2006. The role of transforming growth factor-β in atherosclerosis. Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews 17(6), pp. 487-499. (10.1016/j.cytogfr.2006.09.002)
Singh, N. N. and Ramji, D. P. 2006. Transforming growth factor-β-induced expression of the apolipoprotein e gene requires c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 kinase, and casein kinase 2. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 26(6), pp. 1323-1329. (10.1161/01.ATV.0000220383.19192.55)
Irvine, S. A., Martin, J., Hughes, T. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2006. Lipoprotein lipase is expressed by glomerular mesangial cells. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 38(1), pp. 12-16. (10.1016/j.biocel.2005.07.008)

2005

Harvey, E. J. and Ramji, D. P. 2005. Up-regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 receptor (CCR2) in macrophages by the pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 25(5), pp. E64-E64.
Foka, P. et al. 2005. Molecular mechanisms involved in the cytokine-regulated expression of genes in macrophages implicated in foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 25(5), pp. E71-E71.
Irvine, S. A., Foka, P., Rogers, S. A., Mead, J. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2005. A critical role for the Sp1-binding sites in the transforming growth factor-β-mediated inhibition of lipoprotein lipase gene expression in macrophages. Nucleic Acids Research, pp. 1423-1434. (10.1093/nar/gki280)
Harvey, E. J. and Ramji, D. P. 2005. Interferon-γ and atherosclerosis: pro- or anti-atherogenic?. Cardiovascular Research 67(1), pp. 11-20. (10.1016/j.cardiores.2005.04.019)
Greenow, K., Pearce, N. J. and Ramji, D. . P. 2005. The key role of apolipoprotein E in atherosclerosis. Journal of Molecular Medicine 83(5), pp. 329-342. (10.1007/s00109-004-0631-3)

2004

Greenow, K. R., Pearce, N. and Ramji, D. P. 2004. A critical role for the phosphoinositide-3-kinase signal transduction pathway in the activation of apolipoprotein E gene expression. Atherosclerosis Supplements 5(1), pp. 25-25. (10.1016/S1567-5688(04)90110-4)
Foka, P., Irvine, S. and Ramji, D. P. 2004. Regulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha gene transcription by interleukin-6. Atherosclerosis Supplements 5(1), pp. 31-31.
Irvine, S. A., Foka, P. and Ramji, D. P. 2004. Transcriptional regulation of macrophage lipoprotein lipase gene expression by transforming growth factor-beta. Atherosclerosis Supplements 5(1), pp. 31-32. (10.1016/S1567-5688(04)90137-2)
Ramji, D. P. et al. 2004. Signal transduction pathways and transcriptional control mechanisms involved in the cytokine-mediated, regulation of key genes in macrophages implicated in foam cell formation and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis Supplements 5(1), pp. 29-30.

2003

Foka, P., Irvine, S. A., Kockar, F. T. and Ramji, D. P. 2003. Interleukin-6 represses the transcription of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α in hepatoma cells by inhibiting its ability to autoactivate the proximal promoter region. Nucleic Acids Research, pp. 6722-6732. (10.1093/nar/gkg861)
Ramji, D. P., Hughes, T. R., Irvine, S. A., Mead, J. R., Foka, P., Evans, S. and Harvey, E. 2003. Novel pathways for cytokine-mediated regulation of macrophage lipoprotein lipase gene expression. Atherosclerosis Supplements 4(2), pp. 62-62. (10.1016/S1567-5688(03)90263-7)
Mead, J. R., Hughes, T. R., Irvine, S. A., Singh, N. N. and Ramji, D. P. 2003. Interferon-γ stimulates the expression of the inducible cAMP early repressor in macrophages through the activation of casein kinase 2: A Potentially novel pathway for interferon-γ-mediated inhibition of gene transcription. Journal of Biological Chemistry, pp. 17741-17751. (10.1074/jbc.M301602200)

2002

Ramji, D. P. and Foka, P. 2002. CCAAT/Enhancer binding proteins: structure, function and regulation. Biochemical Journal 365, pp. 561-575. (10.1042/BJ20020508)
Mead, J. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2002. The pivotal role of lipoprotein lipase in atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular Research 55(2), pp. 261-269. (10.1016/S0008-6363(02)00405-4)
Hughes, T. R., Tengku-Muhammad, T. S., Irvine, S. A. and Ramji, D. P. 2002. A novel role of Sp1 and Sp3 in the interferon- -mediated suppression of macrophage lipoprotein lipase gene transcription. Journal of Biological Chemistry 277(13), pp. 11097-11106. (10.1074/jbc.M106774200)
Mead, J., Irvine, S. and Ramji, D. P. 2002. Lipoprotein lipase: structure, function, regulation, and role in disease. Journal of Molecular Medicine 80(12), pp. 753-769. (10.1007/s00109-002-0384-9)

2001

Kockar, F. T., Foka, P., Hughes, T. R., Kousteni, S. and Ramji, D. P. 2001. Analysis of the Xenopus laevis CCAAT-enhancer binding protein α gene promoter demonstrates species-specific differences in the mechanisms for both auto-activation and regulation by Sp1. Nucleic Acids Research 29(2), pp. 362-372. (10.1093/nar/29.2.362)
Foka, P., Kousteni, S. and Ramji, D. P. 2001. Molecular characterization of the xenopus CCAAT-enhancer binding protein β gene promoter. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 285(2), pp. 430-436. (10.1006/bbrc.2001.5203)

2000

Tengku-Muhammad, T. S., Hughes, T. R., Ranki, H., Cryer, A. and Ramji, D. P. 2000. Differential regulation of macrophage ccaat- enhancer binding protein isoforms by lipopolysaccharide and cytokines. Cytokine 12(9), pp. 1430-1436. (10.1006/cyto.2000.0711)
Granger, R. L., Hughes, T. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2000. Gene, stimulus and cell-type specific regulation of activator protein-1 in mesangial cells by lipopolysaccharide and cytokines. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Gene Structure and Expression 1492(1), pp. 100-107. (10.1016/S0167-4781(00)00089-0)
Granger, R. L., Hughes, T. R. and Ramji, D. P. 2000. Stimulus- and cell-type-specific regulation of CCAAT-enhancer binding protein isoforms in glomerular mesangial cells by lipopolysaccharide and cytokines. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Molecular Basis of Disease 1501(2-3), pp. 171-179. (10.1016/S0925-4439(00)00016-8)
Tengku-Muhammad, T. S., Hughes, T. R., Foka, P., Cryer, A. and Ramji, D. P. 2000. Cytokine-mediated differential regulation of macrophage activator protein-1 genes. Cytokine 12(6), pp. 720-726. (10.1006/cyto.1999.0620)
Davies, G. E., Sabatakos, G., Cryer, A. and Ramji, D. P. 2000. The ovine CCAAT-enhancer binding protein δ gene: cloning, characterization, and species-specific autoregulation. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 271(2), pp. 346-352. (10.1006/bbrc.2000.2630)

1999

Mead, J. R., Cryer, A. and Ramji, D. P. 1999. Lipoprotein lipase, a key role in atherosclerosis?. FEBS Letters 462(1-2), pp. 1-6. (10.1016/S0014-5793(99)01495-7)
Kousteni, S., Tura-Kockar, F. and Ramji, D. P. 1999. Sequence and expression analysis of a novel Xenopus laevis cDNA that encodes a protein similar to bacterial and chloroplast ribosomal protein L24. Gene 235(1-2), pp. 13-18. (10.1016/S0378-1119(99)00221-8)
Tengku-Muhammad, T. S., Hughes, T., Cryer, A. and Ramji, D. P. 1999. Involvement of both the tyrosine kinase and the phosphatidylinositol-3 ' kinase signal transduction pathways in the regulation of lipoprotein lipase expression in J774.2 macrophages by cytokines and lipopolysaccharide. Cytokine 11(7), pp. 463-468. (10.1006/cyto.1998.0460)
Tengku-Muhammad, T. S., Hughes, T. R., Cryer, A. and Ramji, D. . P. 1999. Synergism between lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma in the regulation of lipoprotein lipase in macrophages. Cytokine 11(6), pp. 408-415. (10.1006/cyto.1998.0447)

1998

Sabatakos, G., Kousteni, S., Cryer, A. and Ramji, D. P. 1998. Rapid communication: Nucleotide sequence of ovine C/EBP epsilon gene. Journal of Animal Science 76(11), pp. 2953-2954.
Kousteni, S., Kockar, F. T., Sweeney, G. E. and Ramji, D. P. 1998. Characterisation and developmental regulation of the Xenopus laevis CCAAT-enhancer binding protein β gene. Mechanisms of Development 77(2), pp. 143-148. (10.1016/S0925-4773(98)00128-2)

1997

Kousteni, S., Tura, F., Sweeney, G. E. and Ramji, D. P. 1997. Sequence and expression analysis of a Xenopus laevis cDNA which encodes a homologue of mammalian 14-3-3 zeta protein. Gene 190(2), pp. 279-285. (10.1016/S0378-1119(97)00013-9)

The overall aim of research in my laboratory is to understand how cytokines and other disease-associated factors regulate key cellular processes during inflammatory disorders with the goal of identifying new therapeutic/preventative targets/avenues. In particular, we are elucidating the pathways leading from the interaction of such factors with their receptors, through the intracellular signalling cascades, to the control of gene expression in the nucleus and the subsequent regulation of cellular processes. Research uses a combination of cell culture and mouse model systems coupled with molecular, biochemical, immunological and pharmacological approaches. Previous and current research has been funded by grants from the British Heart Foundation, Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, MRC, EU and Industry. Our research is focused on three major areas:

Regulation of macrophage processes during atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis and its complications, such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident, are responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other disease. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder of medium and large arteries (Figure 1) orchestrated by cytokines. Macrophages play a prominent role in the pathogenesis of this disease with their uncontrolled uptake of atherogenic lipoproteins and subsequent transformation into foam cells representing a critical early step in atherogenesis (Figure 2). A major focus of research in my laboratory is devoted to understanding the molecular mechanisms by which cytokines regulate key macrophage processes during atherosclerosis. Specific focus is on the actions of interferon-gamma, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-33.

Nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

Current pharmaceutical therapies against atherosclerosis are associated with considerable residual risk for cardiovascular disease together with other issues such as side effects and patient-dependent efficacy. In addition, many drug discovery programs have failed to find alternatives. Nutraceuticals represent promising agents either for the prevention of atherosclerosis or treatment of the disease in conjunction with pharmaceutical agents (see Figure 3). However, this requires an in-depth understanding of their mechanisms of actions and ultimately large clinical trials to test their efficacy. We are investigating the anti-atherogenic actions of several nutraceuticals, including dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, hydroxytyrosol, catechin, phytosterols and probiotics.

Regulation of transcription factors belonging to the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family

The C/EBP family plays a key role in the control of cellular growth and differentiation, and the pathogenesis of several diseases. The regulation of these factors during both physiological and pathophysiological conditions has hitherto been poorly understood. The regulation of the C/EBP family during inflammation in the liver (acute phase response) was the focus of my post-doctoral research and has been continued at Cardiff. In addition, the studies have been extended to cytokine-regulated expression of the C/EBP family in several other inflammatory disorders.

Previous and Current External Activities

Expert Evaluator and Panel Member for Horizon 2020 (2015); BBSRC Pool of Experts (2009-2010); member of the MRC Advisory Board (2004-2005); and Panel member of IRCSET (Ireland) Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme Assessment Committee(2007-2008; Chair in 2008).
Scientific Advisory Board of the International Academy of Cardiology.
Science Committee Member for the 16th Euro Fed Lipid Congress, Belfast 2018.
Organising Committee Member for Annual Conference on Atherosclerosis & Clinical Cardiology, Philadelphia (2016) and 13th International Conference on Pathology and Molecular Diagnosis, San Diego (2017).
Editorial Board Member of 16 International Journals.
External Examiner for BSc in Biochemistry at Kings College London (2016-2020) and BSc in Biological Sciences at University of Reading (2015-2019). Previous External Examiner for BSc in Biological Sciences at University of Huddersfield (2013-2017) and taught MSc programmes at Sheffield Hallam University (2006-2011).
Track Chair, Session Chair and Poster Evaluator at many International Conferences.
Extensive engagement activities for the British Heart Foundation (e.g. BHF Supporter’s Conference).

Collaborations

Prof. Foo Liew (FRS), University of Glasgow
Prof. Thomas Decker, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Vienna
Prof. Shinji Takai, Osaka Medical School
Profs. Sammy Boussiba and Inna Khozin-Goldberg, Ben-Gurion University
Drs. Frank Flider and Riccardo LoCascio, Arcadia Biosciences
Drs. Daryn Michael, Tom Davies and Sue Plummer, Cultech Ltd
Dr. Rob Winwood, DSM Nutraceuticals
Dr Jason Johnson, Bristol Heart Institute
Prof. Jonathan Napier and Dr. Olga Sayanova, Rothamsted Research
Dr. Nigel Pearce, GlaxoSmithKline
Dr. Ahmed Ali, International Gums & Oils Limited
Prof. Gavin Wilkinson, and Drs Timothy Hughes, John Martin, Tim Bowen, Eddie Wang, Ian Humphreys and Anne-Catherine Raby, School of Medicine, Cardiff
Dr Xiaoqing Wei, School of Dentistry, Cardiff
Prof. John Harwood and Drs Alvin Kwan and Neil Rodrigues and Irina Guschina

Group members

Dr. Jessica Williams
Miss Hayley Gallagher
Mr Joe Moss
Miss Wajdan Al-Ahmadi
Mrs Faizah Binti Jaafar
Mr Alex Joseph
Mrs Victoria O’Morain
Mrs Alaa Ismail
Mrs Rabaa Takala
Miss Yee-Hung Chan
Miss Alaa Alahmadi
Mres Reem Alotibi
Miss Jing Chen
Mr Sulaiman Al Alawi
Mr Fahad Alradi

Meysydd arbenigol

Proffiliau allanol

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