understanding of the relationship between DNA damage and cell division, termed checkpoint control. This work utilises genetic, biochemical and cell biology approaches to study the function of the relevant proteins.
Dr Karen Wright and Dr Rachel Rigby’s research is focused on understanding the physiology of the gastrointestinal epithelium as well as pathological conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. Dr Wright’s research interests span the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the cannabinoid system in gastrointestinal epithelium and the translational aspects of realising the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and colorectal cancer. She is currently developing a new model of intestinal tissue culture in partnership with physicians, surgeons and pathologists at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Dr. Rigby’s research interests lie in understanding the mechanisms of intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) renewal and repair, focusing on the role of Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 3 in controlling IEC homeostasis. She is currently investigating how bacterial signals may be linked to the dysregulation of IEC repair seen in inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. . In collaboration with Dr Sue Broughton, she is also developing models of IEC barrier regulation in Drosophila in order to study age-related changes in IEC function in vivo. Dr Parkin also has an interest in the role of ADAMs proteases in relation to cell proliferation and differentiation.
Microbiology The microbiological research activities of the Division are aimed at a better understanding of the cell biology of protozoan parasites and yeast. In addition to its application to medical parasitology our work also exploits microorganisms as models for understanding human cellular function.
Professor Roger Pickup, Professor Paul Bates, Dr Paul McKean, Dr Jackie Parry, Dr Michael Ginger, Dr Steve Roberts and Dr Karen Grant.
Professor Paul Bates, Dr Paul McKean, Dr Karen Grant and Dr Michael Ginger are part of an expanding molecular parasitology group within BLS. Professor Bates’ research concerns haemoflagellate parasites responsible for the
neglected tropical diseases leishmaniasis (oriental sore, Kala azar) and trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness and Chagas disease). Professor Bates is particularly interested in the development of tools to control these diseases (drugs and vaccines), the life cycle biology of Leishmania including the mechanism of transmission by the sand fly vector, and the molecular biology of phlebotomine sand flies. Dr McKean’s research primarily involves the African trypanosome T. brucei, which is a pathogen of major veterinary and medical importance in Sub-Saharan Africa. His studies are principally focused upon gaining a greater understanding of cell division processes in this flagellated protozoan parasite with the aim of indentifying new chemotherapeutic approaches for controlling sleeping sickness. However, T. brucei is also a good model for studying the assembly of the eukaryotic cilium/flagellum and work in the McKean laboratory is providing new insight into a range of inherited human diseases characterised by defective cilia; the human ciliopathies. Dr Grant also works on T. brucei and, Leishmania and works at the interface between biology and chemistry. The aim of research carried out in Dr Grant’s laboratory is to translate advances in basic biological knowledge into the development of novel drugs against these major pathogens. Dr Ginger also works on trypanosmatid parasites and is interested in how these organisms modulate metabolic activities in order to complete their complex life cycle within the nutritionally different environments encountered in the mammalian host and the insect vector.
Other members of the microbiology grouping are engaged in various aspects of research involving both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Professor Pickup works in the field of ‘Environment and Human Health’ and is interested in the role of non-tubercular mycobacteria in human disease and environmental routes through which humans are exposed to these bacterial pathogens. Current research is examining the role of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in Crohn’s disease, and possibly in irritable bowel syndrome, particularly with respect to environmental cycling and human exposure. Dr Parry studies the interactions between bacteria and protozoa (particularly amoebae). She is examining the reasons why some ingested bacteria are digested while others are not. Un-digested bacteria can either be excreted or they can use
School of Health and Medicine 107
Biomedical and Life Sciences
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