Our Researchers

Focusing on the molecular events that induce haemopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to commit and differentiate towards the B and T lymphocyte lineages.

Research interests are in the area of organic synthesis and methodology, particularly in the area of catalysis.

Research goals are to improve outcomes for individuals with pancreatic cancer through the development of early detection and novel therapeutic strategies based on molecular phenotyping and the delineation and implementation of biomarkers that facilitate clinical decision-making.

CENTRE LEAD

Research in the Sutherland group focuses on the development and understanding of new organic reactions with particular emphasis on using transition metal catalysis to create new chiral molecules.

The role of the inhibitory kappaB kinases (IKKs) in the regulation of both Nuclear Factor kappaB (NFkappaB)-dependent and -independent transcription in mediating inflammatory-based responses relevant to infection, regulation of immunity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Glioblastoma is the commonest and most aggressive primary brain tumour and is often refractory to conventional cancer treatments. The ultimate aim of our research group is to improve outcomes for patients with these tumours by overcoming their inherent resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Drug discovery, molecular structure simulation, machine learning and prediction, data analysis, and web-enabled science and collaboration tools.

Investigating mechanisms of central nervous system disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and ways to reduce treatment related toxicity in this condition.

- Design and development of novel tumour-targeted anti-cancer nanomedicines

- Design and development of novel nanomedicines able to reach the brain after intravenous administration, with the ultimate aim to facilitate drug and gene delivery to brain tumours

Intrathoracic malignancies including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Programmes centred around hit and lead identification on disease targets and mechanisms, particularly in diseases of ageing.

The oncogene-induced alterations selectively required by cancer cells to maintain viability.

Control of cell polarity in prostate cancer, part the role played by ARF GTPases and the cell surface protein Podocalyxin.

The development and implementation of stratified medicine through molecular phenotyping using both tissue- and genomic-based assays.

IGFBP-5, which is highly expressed during development and plays a fundamental role in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the embryo.

Regulation of autophagy by the mTORC1-ULK pathway.

Facilitating the translation of existing cancer research into cancer treatments, and enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer drugs, potentially through a combinatorial therapeutic approach.

Preclinical PET/MRI imaging of cancer using specific probes that allows non-invasive longitudinal assessment of biological processes, such as tumour metabolism, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, hypoxia and receptor dynamics.

The chemistry and biology of nucleotides, nucleic acids and nucleic acid binding molecules.

Studying quiescent leukaemic stem cells in order to find ways to overcome resistance to chemotherapy in CML.

Study of the developmental pathways involved in normal and aberrant haemopoietic stem cells.

The significance of the FGF and ERK5 signalling pathways in prostate cancer.

Rab-coupling protein (RCP)-mediated receptor trafficking in breast cancer progression.

Treatment of ovarian cancer.

Understanding how aberrant signalling drives both bladder and prostate carcinogenesis.

Using transgenic models of pancreatic cancer to  determine how potential anti-cancer agents might best be evaluated in subsequent clinical trials.

CENTRE LEAD

Our research focuses mainly on:
(a) Investigating the importance of mutations found in human pancreatic tumours using mouse models.
(b) Profiling different genetic subsets of pancreatic cancer to better understand the disease and identify specific targets for therapy.
(c) Preclinical trials of targeted therapies in clinically and genetically relevant pancreatic cancer mouse models.

The contribution of Rab-regulated integrin trafficking to cancer cell migration.

Mammary gland development of the mouse as a model system for mammary neoplasia.

Investigation of signal transduction mechanisms associated with the development and progression of breast, colorectal, renal and prostate cancer.

The main research interest of the Prunet group is the synthesis of biologically active natural products, especially anticancer agents, and the development of new synthetic methodologies in organic chemistry. We are also working on new methods for conjugating small-molecule drugs with biocompatible polymers for drug delivery.

Targeting cancer-specific metabolic alterations.

The role of RUNX2 in metastatic breast and prostate cancer.

The study of normal and malignant haematopoiesis.

Pathology of gastro-intestinal and liver disease, especially cancer.

Translational research focused on novel blood, imaging and physical biomarkers of pleural malignancy, particularly Mesothelioma, and Lung Cancer. Our imaging research is centred around Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Clinical trial portfolio includes studies in diagnostics, imaging, intra-pleural therapy and pleurodesis. Additional areas of interest include Interventional Pulmonology.

The control and mechanisms of actin assembly in various normal and cancer cells.

The abnormalities of stem cell self-renewal and bone marrow microenvironment that develop in myeloid leukaemias.

Characterising how Rho GTPase signalling pathways contribute to cancer.

Research within the group is split into two distinct areas. The development of practical synthetic methodology and the preparation of tool compounds of biological relevance. Our approach to discovery in each of these areas is driven by mechanistic knowledge and understanding.

Upper GI surgery and pancreaticobiliary disease.

The molecular mechanisms by which lysolipid receptors regulate cell biology.

Use of novel inducible models of intestinal tumourigenesis to study the functions of specific tumour suppressor genes.

CENTRE LEAD

The Adams lab is interested in the epigenetics of ageing and cancer. In particular, we are interested in age-associated epigenetic changes that predispose to cancer.

We develop mitochondria-targeted probes for understanding the role of this metabolic and signalling hub in cancer. The probes include sensors, fluorophores and photo-activated and ROS-activated prodrugs.

Optimising the use of chemotherapy in prostate cancer.

Research in the Liskamp group is directed towards the creation of molecules that can be used to obtain insights into diseases such as infections and cancer, which may also lead to new approaches for their treatment.

Pharmacology of drugs in cancer.

The development and utility of novel PET/SPECT radiopharmaceuticals in both clinical and preclinical research studies.

Using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and quantitative proteomics to study the complex molecular mechanisms regulating endothelial cells during angiogenesis.

Cancer drug discovery, in particular to identify small molecule inhibitors for the treatment of prostate cancer.

The molecular mechanisms by which sphingosine 1-phosphate affects cell function in health and disease.

The molecular and cellular changes that occur during mammary gland development and how these are deregulated in breast cancer.

The role of autophagy in disease persistence and drug resistance in CML.