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Surawee Chuaiphichai
BSc (Hons), DPhil
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Surawee Chuaiphichai is a postdoctoral research fellow in Professor Keith Channon's laboratory within the RDM Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, based at the Centre for Human Genetics. He was awarded a British Heart Foundation 4-year DPhil studentship at the University of Oxford, where he completed his DPhil in Professor Keith Channon's lab, investigating the role of endothelial cell Gch1 and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis in vascular health and disease.
Over the years, Dr Chuaiphichai's research has provided crucial insights into the role of endothelial cell BH4 in vascular function, hypertension, and pregnancy-related complications. His findings highlight the potential therapeutic applications of 5-methyl-(6S)-tetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) supplementation in cardiovascular and pregnancy-related disorders. His research spans multiple areas, including nitric oxide metabolism, vascular remodelling, and therapeutic interventions.
1. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), Endothelial Function, and Hypertension
Dr Chuaiphichai has extensively investigated the role of BH4, an essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthase, in endothelial function. His studies have demonstrated that BH4 deficiency in endothelial cells leads to impaired vasodilation and increased vascular resistance, contributing to hypertension and vascular remodelling. Notably, his work with endothelial cell-specific GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH1) knockout mice has provided direct evidence of BH4's crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis.
2. BH4 in Pregnancy and Gestational Hypertension
In his investigation of BH4's role during pregnancy, Dr Chuaiphichai discovered that endothelial BH4 deficiency in pregnant mice resulted in elevated blood pressure and restricted fetal growth, both of which were associated with abnormal placental artery remodelling. Importantly, dietary supplementation with 5-MTHF was found to mitigate these adverse effects, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for managing gestational hypertension and preventing preeclampsia in humans.
Key publications
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Endothelial GTPCH (GTP Cyclohydrolase 1) and Tetrahydrobiopterin Regulate Gestational Blood Pressure, Uteroplacental Remodeling, and Fetal Growth.
Chuaiphichai S. et al, (2021), Hypertension
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Endothelial cell vasodilator dysfunction mediates progressive pregnancy-induced hypertension in endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin deficient mice.
Chuaiphichai S. et al, (2023), Vascul Pharmacol, 150
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Endothelial Cell Tetrahydrobiopterin Modulates Sensitivity to Ang (Angiotensin) II-Induced Vascular Remodeling, Blood Pressure, and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
Chuaiphichai S. et al, (2018), Hypertension, 72, 128 - 138
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A key role for tetrahydrobiopterin-dependent endothelial NOS regulation in resistance arteries: studies in endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin-deficient mice.
Chuaiphichai S. et al, (2017), Br J Pharmacol, 174, 657 - 671
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Cell-autonomous role of endothelial GTP cyclohydrolase 1 and tetrahydrobiopterin in blood pressure regulation.
Chuaiphichai S. et al, (2014), Hypertension, 64, 530 - 540
Recent publications
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Novel Role of 5-Methyl-(6S)-Tetrahydrofolate in Mediating Endothelial Cell Tetrahydrobiopterin in Pregnancy and Implications for Gestational Hypertension.
Dickinson Y. et al, (2024), Hypertension
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Cardiomyocyte tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis regulates fatty acid metabolism and susceptibility to ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Chu SM. et al, (2023), Exp Physiol, 108, 874 - 890
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Endothelial cell-specific roles for tetrahydrobiopterin in myocardial function, cardiac hypertrophy, and response to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Chuaiphichai S. et al, (2023), Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 324, H430 - H442
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PHACTR1 modulates vascular compliance but not endothelial function: a translational study.
Wood A. et al, (2023), Cardiovasc Res, 119, 599 - 610
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Endothelial cell vasodilator dysfunction mediates progressive pregnancy-induced hypertension in endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin deficient mice.
Chuaiphichai S. et al, (2023), Vascul Pharmacol, 150