Research
I am a structural mechanobiologist and combine structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics and mechanobiology to define the role of how physical and mechanical forces are sensed through cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion complexes to control cellular processes. I have developed an international reputation for my work on the protein talin, and our work has defined talin as a major mechanosensitive signalling hub. More recently we have discovered that talin has “molecular memory” and so provides organisms with a way to store data, through persistent alterations in protein conformation. This has led to me proposing The MeshCODE Theory which describes a mechanical basis of memory. My research vision is to connect mechanical computation at the single molecule and biochemical level, to the systems level processing in each cell, and to link these levels of explanation, to the computational, neuronal and organismal levels of information-processing. To deliver on this vision I establish novel, fruitful links across disciplines to enable me to realise my ambition of defining the mechanical basis of information-processing in the brain. This work is leading to new insights into the causes of Alzheimer's Disease and a rare type of childhood epilepsy.
Furthermore, our research has identified that talin has shock absorbing properties and we are harnessing this special property of mechanosensitive proteins in a new class of Talin Shock Absorbing Materials (TSAM) which we are translating into new defence and consumer products.
Research grants
Talin dependent mechanical imprinting as driver for cardiac disease progression
BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION (UK)
March 2024 - August 2026