Smooth Muscle Research Centre (SMRC)
A leading European centre for smooth muscle physiology and electrophysiology research at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Smooth Muscle Research Centre (SMRC)
Founded in 2005, the Smooth Muscle Research Centre at DkIT is the largest European grouping focused on the physiology and electrophysiology of smooth muscle. Our work uniquely centres on the cellular mechanisms that control smooth muscle function in health and disease, helping identify new therapeutic targets and pathways for treatment.
Our mission is to advance our understanding of smooth muscle function in health and disease by performing research which is focused on uncovering the fundamental mechanisms of contraction and relaxation, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of ion channels in cellular activity.
Academic Collaborations
Clinical Collaborations
We are delighted to collaborate with clinical partners Dublin Neurological Institute and Pathology at Beaumont Hospital, ensuring our smooth muscle research is informed by clinical expertise and real-world healthcare challenges.
Research Outputs & Academic Impact
90+ International publications
Since 2005 we've appeared in 90+ peer-reviewed journals, including PNAS, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, The British Journal of Pharmacology, The American Journal of Physiology, The European Journal of Pharmacology, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Cell Calcium, Function and more.
Teaching Researchers
All SMRC researchers are involved in teaching within the School of Health and Science.
US Patents
Granted US patent for anthraquinone compounds and their uses (US Patent No. 9,877,940, January 2018).
Mix of Undergraduate and PhD Students
We work with Undergraduate students on specific lab projects and PhD students.