Plasmalogens are a specialised class of ether phospholipids that play critical roles in membrane integrity, lipid metabolism, and cellular resilience. Reduced plasmalogen levels are consistently observed in ageing and major cardiometabolic disorders, suggesting a central role in disease pathogenesis.
Our research program investigates the therapeutic potential of plasmalogen supplementation as a scalable and translational strategy to prevent and treat cardiometabolic disease. By integrating lipidomics and preclinical models, we aim to define how restoring plasmalogen levels can improve metabolic health, enhance immune function, and suppress disease progression. In parallel, we are developing next generation plasmalogen precursors with improved bioavailability and efficacy.
Key research areas include:
- Early-life immunometabolism
We investigate the role of plasmalogens in early-life immune development. This work aims to define how ether lipids shape immune cell metabolism, development, and function during critical early-life windows, and whether targeted supplementation strategies can support optimal immune maturation. - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
We examine the role of plasmalogen deficiency in hepatic lipid accumulation and metabolic dysfunction, and evaluate whether supplementation can reduce liver fat, improve lipid handling, and attenuate disease progression. - Cardiovascular disease
We investigate how plasmalogen biology influences atherosclerosis and cardiac injury using advanced preclinical models of cardiometabolic disease. In particular, we examine whether enhancing plasmalogen levels can reduce tissue damage following ischaemia-reperfusion injury and modulate plaque stability. This work aims to define mechanisms linking plasmalogen metabolism to inflammation, oxidative stress, immune cell activity, and mitochondrial function, and to evaluate whether plasmalogen-based interventions can improve cardiovascular outcomes. - Immunosenescence
Age-related decline in immune function is associated with reduced plasmalogen levels. We explore how plasmalogen supplementation can restore immune cell function, enhance vaccine responses, and improve immune resilience in ageing and high-risk populations.
