Dr Victoria Pell

PhD Thesis Supervisor: Dr Thomas Krieg

Title: The investigation of mitochondrial function in ischaemia/reperfusion injury through the use of metabolomics and click chemistry

Abstract: Mitochondrial dysfunction and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key component of ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

We hypothesise that during ischaemia there is a significant build-up of succinate and the generation of a maximal mitochondrial membrane potential, conditions which favour reverse electron transport through complex I during reperfusion and a large production of ROS.

My research will aim to characterise the metabolic profile of mouse cardiac tissue under various conditions in the isolated heart preparation and in vivo. It will also aim to investigate alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential in vivo through the validation and testing of a novel mitochondrial-targeted probe, MitoClick.