Dr Vikas Kaura

Profile

This MRC funded clinical research training fellowship aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the phenotypic diversity in RYR1-associated malignant hyperthermia (MH). I initially decided to pursue a career in research by undertaking a BSc in Biochemistry with a year in research at Imperial College London. Whilst investigating the effects of neurosteroids on the serotonin system, I realised my ambition was to combine my basic science training with a clinical experience, as this would allow me to translate the knowledge from the bench to the bedside and back again.

After completing my BSc, I studied on the accelerated medical course at the University of Southampton and have since pursued a clinical academic career. During this time, I have tried to gain a diverse experience in both my clinical and academic training through an Academic Foundation Programme in the northern deanery, followed by an Academic Clinical Fellowship in anaesthesia in Yorkshire. I have also been actively involved in several clinical and basic science-based research projects within various laboratories. The major focus of my work is the modulation of ion channels and how these relate to health and disease. My current project will address the fundamental need to understand how the genetic differences seen in patients with MH, affect the entry and regulation systems of calcium in skeletal myocytes.

Research interests

Malignant Hyperthermia.

Ion Channels (including TRP, RyR1, GABAA).

Research through Collaborative Trainee Research Networks in Anaesthesia. 

Qualifications

• BSc and ARCS
• BM
• MSc
• FRCA
• PhD

Professional memberships

• Royal College of Anaesthetists
• Anaesthetic Research Society
• British Pharmacological Society
• General Medical Council

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's