Type-2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) mediated calcium release controls the contraction of cardiac myocytes and the excitability of neurons. Consequently, inappropriate activation of RyR2 leads to disease, such as arrhythmias and Alzheimer’s disease. Prof Jones will describe his published and unpublished research examining the pathophysiological regulation of RyR2 in the heart and brain. This spans from single protein super-resolution microscopy, through real time calcium imaging, to in vivo analysis in animal models, and characterisation in human tissue. He will also present data on how targeting RyR2 might offer new treatments for arrhythmias and Alzheimer’s disease.

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

Pete Jones is a Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Otago (NZ) and co-director of the University of Otago HeartOtago Research Theme. He obtained his PhD from the University of Leeds (UK) in 2004 and then went on to postdoctoral training in Calgary (Canada). He took up his current position in 2010. His principal research focuses on intracellular calcium in cardiac myocytes and neurons. His research is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society Marsden fund, the Heart Foundation of NZ and New Zealand Neurological Foundation.