
Mr Mitchell Mercer
Biography
I hold a BSc in Human Biology and an MSc in Clinical Anatomy, both from Queen’s University Belfast. My doctoral research investigates the regulation of smooth muscle contractility in the mouse corpus cavernosum, with a focus on erectile physiology. In particular, I study the roles of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) and the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv7., using molecular, electrophysiological, and pharmacological approaches. The aim of this work is to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying normal erectile function and to identify potential therapeutic targets for erectile dysfunction.
Qualifications & Awards
BSc (Hons) Human Biology, Queen's University Belfast
Msc Clinical Anatomy, Queen's University Belfast
AWARDS:
• Best Poster Prize (2023) 2nd International Kv7 Channels Symposium, Naples, Italy.
• Runner-up Poster Prize (2024) Command and Control: Unveiling the Regulation of Smooth Muscle Function, Dundalk, Ireland.
• Best Oral Communication (2024) DkIT Research Day, DkIT, Ireland.
Research & Interests
Mercer, M., Hollywood, M. A., Sergeant, G. P., & Thornbury, K. D. (2025). KV7 channels modulate tension and calcium signaling in mouse corpus cavernosum. American journal of physiology. Cell physiology, 328(3), C729–C742. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00980.2024
Lim, X. R., Mercer, M., Harraz, O. F., Hollywood, M. A., Sergeant, G. P., & Thornbury, K. D. (2024). Evidence of an excitatory purinergic innervation in mouse corpus cavernosum smooth muscle. The journal of sexual medicine, qdae107. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae107
Publications
The publications listed below represent my 1 most recent works as recorded on ORCiD
American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology
1 March 2025
DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00980.2024
Type: Journal article