Dr Fiona Murray

Biography

I moved to the University of Aberdeen from the University of California, San Diego, where I initially did my postdoctoral training with Professor Paul Insel in the Department of Pharmacology before joining the Department of Medicine as junior faculty.

The overall goal of my research is to examine the role of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) signalling in disease, in particular the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and B- and T-cell lymphomas, to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Model systems studied include cultured human lymphoma, pulmonary artery smooth muscle and pulmonary artery endothelial cells and models of disease. Current research focuses on the role of G protein-coupled receptors, in particular GPR75, which we believe could be a novel target and possible circulating biomarker for pulmonary arterial hypertension. In addition, we have an interest in re-purposing PDE1 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension.Current research focuses on the role of G protein-coupled receptors, in particular GPR75, which we believe could be a novel target and possible circulating biomarker for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Prizes and Awards

AHA CPCC Cournand & Comroe Young Investigator Award Finalist,

TiP’s Young Pharmacologist of the Year Finalist,

ASPET/Molecular Pharmacology Division Postdoctoral Winner,

APS respiratory section Hermann Rahn Award

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): United States Patent 7846664

G-protein coupled receptor-associated diagnosis and drug targets: United States Patent 10107816

Research Overview

The overall goal of my research is to examine the role of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) signalling in disease, in particular the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and  B- and T-cell lymphomas, to uncover novel therapeutic targets.  Model systems studied include cultured human lymphoma, pulmonary artery smooth muscle and pulmonary artery endothelial cells and models of disease.

Current Research

My current research focuses on the role of G protein-coupled receptors, in particular GPR75, that we believe could be a novel target and possible circulating biomarker for pulmonary arterial hypertension.  In addition I have an interest in re-purposing PDE1 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension. 

Knowledge Exchange

SHMU radio and science demonstrations at summer community fairs, local preschools (Scott et al., Primary School Children can Take the Lead in Teaching Anatomy and Physiology to their Peers, HAPS, 2020) and Physiology Friday, Doors open day (University of Aberdeen). University of Aberdeen YouTube channel. LUNGEVITY: research driven activity for schools, community groups and open days to increase understanding of the role of the lung and highlight the effects of disease and smoking.

Collaborations

Elasmogen to develop antibodies for the treatment of age-related-macular-degeneration.

European Lead Factory (GPR75-screen).

Consultant for Enthorin 

Funding and Grants

A NOVEL G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR TARGET FOR METABOLIC SYNDROME. 02/02/21-01/02/22, TENOVUS SCOTLAND

REPURPOSING OF A SELECTIVE PHOSPHODIESTERASE 1 INHIBITOR FOR LEUKAEMIA AND LYMPHOMA. 1/5/21 – 30/4/22, FRIENDS OF ANCHOR

GPR75: A NOVEL DRUG TARGET AND BIOMARKER FOR AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION Crane, I. J., Collinson, J. M. & Murray, F. 3/09/19 → 2/09/20, TENOVUS SCOTLAND

EXPLOITING THE BODY'S ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKAEMIA Vickers, M. A., Murray, F. & Pertwee, R. 1/10/18 → 30/09/19 £14,648, FRIENDS OF ANCHOR

REPURPOSING OF A SELECTIVE PHOSPHODIESTERASE 1 INHIBITOR FOR PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION Murray, F. 1/04/18 → 31/03/19, NHS GRAMPIAN

UNCOVERING THE PHARMACOLOGY OF GPR75: ROLE IN PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. Murray, F. 1/03/17 → 1/07/19,  WELLCOME TRUST

Teaching Responsibilities

Course-coordinator - BM3501(Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology)

Course-coordinator - MT5024/MT5524 (Molecular Pharmacology)

Lecturer - PA4005 (Molecular Pharmacology)

Lecturer - SM3002 (Frontiers of Biomedical Sciences)

Lecturer - BM5003 (Cardiovascular Health and Disease)

Non-course Teaching Responsibilities

Lab supervisor for undergraduates and postgraduates