Research
As a clinical and basic science researcher, my research activities revolve around investigating the mechanisms and development of pain, with the goal of finding targeted treatments.
Housed in the lab of Professor Goebel, my research spans both clinical research into widespread pain and wet lab-based investigations using a translational approach.
A significant focus of my current Versus Arthritis funded PhD work is the exploration of autoimmune aspects in widespread pain disorders. To this end, my current project is employing advanced techniques to interrogate the peripheral neuroinflammatory changes occurring in the peripheral nervous system, specifically the dorsal root ganglion. Specifically, I am utilising cutting-edge technologies such as mass cytometry (CyTOF) and the PLAYR (Proximity Ligation Assay for RNA) assay. Mass cytometry allows for the simultaneous analysis of a vast number of cellular parameters, providing a comprehensive view of the immune cell landscape in my samples. The PLAYR assay, on the other hand, enables the detection and quantification of specific RNA transcripts, shedding light on the gene expression profiles of the cells under investigation. Through these powerful tools, I am meticulously mapping the peripheral neuroinflammatory changes that may underlie the development and persistence of widespread pain disorders. By examining the interplay between the nervous system and the immune system, I hope to uncover novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
My clinical research efforts complement my wet lab investigations, as I work to translate my findings from the bench to the bedside. I collaborate closely with clinicians to gather data from patients suffering from widespread pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and Long COVID Syndrome. These clinical studies provide valuable insights into the real-world manifestations of the disease processes I am studying in the lab.
The integration of my clinical and basic science research allows me to take a comprehensive approach to understanding the pathophysiology of widespread pain disorders. By bridging the manifest gap between bench and bedside, I aim to identify novel biomarkers and develop targeted treatment strategies that can alleviate the burden of these debilitating conditions.
My work in the lab of Professor Goebel is marked by a deep commitment to scientific rigor and a passion for advancing the field of pain research. I look to use innovative and cutting-edge technologies through my collaborative efforts with academics and clinicians, to work towards the understanding and managing pain disorders I see in clinic, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients suffering from these complex and often-misunderstood conditions.
My long term goals are to understand the development of widespread pain from other preceding pain conditions in a hope to interrupt this process.
Research collaborations
David Andersson
Autoimmune Antibodies in Fibromyalgia
Kings College London
PhD
Paddy Mallon
Painful Long Covid Auto Immunity
University of Dublin
Widespread pain in long covid syndrome
Geoff Woods
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Fibromyalgia
University of Cambridge
Genetic changes in fibromyalgia
Rachael Bashford Rogers
B Cell Changes in Fibromyalgia
University of Oxford
Using B cell repertoire sequencing to identify the changes in fibromyalgia
Joseph Slupsky
Mass Cytometry in the the DRG
Interrogation of immune processes in fibromyalgia