Research

Current Research Activities

Genetic variability, Mutation and Evolution
From the days of fingerprinting Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys has followed his interest in human genetic diversity by developing novel methods to address fundamental questions about how our genome changes from one generation to the next. This work has implications for the evolution of our species, genetic variation between different human populations, our quest to understand the genetic basis of complex disorders, and pathological changes in DNA that can cause cancer and inherited disease. Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys is working on the development of new pedigree and single sperm methods to analyse the dynamics of heritable mutation in humans, and to understand the molecular basis and consequences of human meiotic recombination. Prof. Sir Alec Jeffreys FRS
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Professor Rhona Borts is interested in fundamental aspects of genome stability and recombination, the process by which segments of DNA are reshuffled between generations, increasing variability between individuals. Her group uses Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) as a model organism, studying mechanisms underlying recombination and the repair of damaged DNA. Professor Borts has also extended her studies to humans, where defects in DNA repair mechanisms are responsible for some forms of infertility. Prof. Rhona H. Borts
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Professor Yuri Dubrova’s interests are in the genetic risks of ionising radiation for humans from accidental or occupational exposure and radiotherapy, and also the genetically damaging effects of chemical mutagens such as anti-cancer drugs. As well as studying families from Belarus and Ukraine who were exposed to radioactive contamination after Chernobyl, and families from Kazakhstan exposed to the fallout from nuclear weapons testing, he also uses the mouse as a model organism. Prof. Yuri Dubrova
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Professor Mark Jobling has focused on the human Y chromosome, the segment of DNA that determines male sex and is passed from father to son. This unusual part of our genome can be exploited to study the histories of human populations and to understand basic properties of genetic change (mutation). There are also practical applications in understanding male infertility, and in forensic casework and studies of the links between surnames and genetics. Prof. Mark A. Jobling
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The human genome is far from static, and Dr Richard Badge’s interests are in the parts that move around-mobile DNA. Genome sequencing has revealed that a surprisingly large proportion (~45%) is derived from mobile elements. Some are still active today, and research is underway to ask how many there are, how often and in which tissues they move, and what the consequences of movement are for the function of our genes. Dr. Richard M. Badge
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Dr Ed Hollox’s work concerns the evolution and variation of human genes involved in antimicrobial activity, and the relationship of this variation with susceptibility to infectious and inflammatory disease, including psoriasis. The genes he studies also reflect the dynamic nature of the genome, displaying a recently recognised form of variation that is now known to be pervasive and important – copy number variation, where different people have different numbers of the same gene. Dr. Edward J. Hollox

As well as the Y, men carry a single X chromosome, and Dr Celia May investigates the dynamics of genetic recombination between these two chromosomes, using methods based on the analysis of singleDNA molecules. This work also addresses the mechanisms that result in the duplication or deletion of segments of our DNA, processes that underlie both inherited genetic diseases, and cancers. Dr. Celia May

Microbial Genetics, Pathogenicity and Biotechnology
When bacteria cause disease, a battle takes place between the microbe and the host that it is infecting. Professor Peter Williams's research focuses on this interaction, and in particular on the strategies of bacterial pathogens (including Salmonella, and E.coli) to gain access to the vital mineral iron, and of the host to withold it. He also has collaborations with colleagues in India aiming to identify the most deadly forms of diarrhoeal disease quickley, cheaply and easily, which have the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of diarrhoea in children in developing countries. Prof. Peter H. Williams
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Professor Julian Ketley focuses on Camplyobacter jejuni and Vibrio cholerae. The first of these is the commonest cause of acute diarrhoeal disease in the developed world, and the second is infamous as the cause of cholera. Research aims to understand at the molecular level how these diseases develop, and exploits thr recent availability of the complete genome sequences of the two microorganisms. Prof. Julian M. Ketley (Head of Department)
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Dr Chris Bayliss works on understanding the mechanistic basis for generation of mutations in tandem DNA repeat tracts of bacterial pathogens and the contributions of these hypermutable sequences to virulence, host adaptation and population structure.Dr Christopher D. Bayliss
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Dr Colin Hewitt carries out research into the allergic immunity of the human lung, and aims to understand the molecular basis of allergic reactions that follow bacterial and viral infections. He has recently become involved in a collaboration with Loughborough University to study immunity in elite athletes. Dr. Colin R.A. Hewitt
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Interested in yeast molecular biology is Dr Peter Meacock, who uses genetic analysis to understand the pathways by which vitamins B1 and B6 are synthesised and metabolised in yeasts, and thecomplex mechanism by which these pathways are regulated depending on the nutrients available to the cell. Dr. Peter A. Meacock
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Dr Julie Morrissey is interested in how another collection of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, adapt to the changes in environment they encounter during the infection process, with the aim of identifying new targets for novel anti-infective agents. Dr. Julie A. Morrissey

As well as adapting to the host environment, microbes must also adapt to competition from other microbes. Dr Raffael Schaffrath uses powerful methods of genetic analysis to dissect the molecular mechanisms governing this competition. In particular, he is interested in the battle waged through toxin secretion between the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the dairy yeast Kluyveromyces lactis. Dr Raffael Schaffrath

Human and Medical Genetics
Dr Julian Barwell is a Joint appointment with the Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine. He is a Consultant in Cancer Genetics, and is interested in sensitivity to radiotherapy in breast cancer patients. It is important to understand how treatment may itself alter the cell's ability to recognise and repair further DNA damage in different groups of patients, including those who carry mutations that predispose to breast cancer. Dr. Julian Barwell
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Dr Raymond Dalgleish is interested in genetic disorders that affect the skeleton - inherited human connective tissue disorders including osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease). He is currently pursuing work on the gentic basis of altered bone mineral density, and maintains a global database describing the known mutations in the genes that underlie these diseases. Dr. Raymond W.M. Dalgleish
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Dr Flaviano Giorgini uses yeast, fruit flies, and mammalian cells to model the molecular mechanisms and pathology of the fatal neurodegenerative disorder Huntington's disease. Although the initiating genetic trigger is known, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unresolved. Work to elucidate them may aid in the development of therapies, and may also provide insight into other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Dr. Flaviano Giorgini
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The dynamic structures at the ends of our chromosomes, known as telomeres, play key roles in cellular ageing and in limiting cell division. Dr Nicola Royle is interested in the plasticity of these structures, and their role in the development of cancers when control of cell dision is lost. Dr. Nicola J. Royle
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Dr Chris Talbot studies the genetics of various conditions including Alzheimer's disease and radiotherapy-induced tissue damage. Further projects include one to develop a novel class of drugs for Alzheimer's and one to understand the mechanism of how radiation damages DNA. Dr. Christopher Talbot

Behavioural and Development Genetics
All higher organisms and even some bacteria have a molecular mechanism that generates circadian (~24 hour) rhythms of behaviour, metabolism and physiology, allowing them to anticipate the relentless cycles of day and night that have influenced life on the planet since it began. Professor Charalambos Kyriacou studies these mechanisms from an evolutionary and molecular perspective using state-of-the-art analysis of genes, gene products, and neuroanatomy in different organisms including the fruitfly. He is also interested in the genetic basis of sexual and aggressive behaviours. Prof. Charalambos P. Kyriacou
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Allied research in Drosophila is carried out by Dr Ezio Rosato. He is particularly interested in entrainment, the phenomenon by which circadian clocks ‘learn’ to anticipate and react to predictable external cues rather than merely respond to them, including the effects of light reception by the eyes. Further projects include tidal and lunar rhythms in marine organisms. Dr. Ezio Rosato
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During development, cells follow a genetically controlled programme of differentiation into specific cell types, part of the enormously complex process through which a fertilised egg becomes a mature animal. Dr Fred Tata uses the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster, to study the molecular decision-making that goes on when cells divide. Dr. Fred A. Tata
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Dr Eran Tauber is also interested in molecular mechanisms of animal behaviour, applying the methods of molecular evolution, behavioural genetics and neurogenetics to the circadian clock system, as well as to aggression, learning and memory. Dr. Eran Tauber

Bioinformatics and Genomics

Professor Anthony Brookes is interested in technologies for the study of human genome variation, both to understand the innate complexities of this variability and to explore how gene sequence differences affect disease susceptibility. He is coordinating large-scale international databasing work in this area, and developing novel computer and laboratory methods to study genome diversity. Diseases of interest include rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
Prof. Anthony Brookes

Teaching and Learning in Genetics
Dr Chris Cane has research interests in the appication of Interactive Web 2.0 technologies to teaching in the biosciences. He is also involved with differentiated learning in higher education and the challenge of the one-year master's course. Dr. Chris Cane
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New approaches to teaching, learning and assessment in the biological sciences is the area that Dr Mark Goodwin is involved in. This also includes the preparation and evaluation of teaching materials for distance and online education through the Virtual Genetics Education Centre. Dr. Mark Goodwin (CETL Teaching Fellow)
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Dr Cas Kramer has research interests in the public understanding of science. He is also involved with the development of approaches and resources to raise public awareness of genetics and associated ethical issues, working with local communities, museums and other organisations. Dr. Cas Kramer (CETL Teaching Fellow)

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