Cancer Oxford University

Professor Skirmantas Kriaucionis aims to to elucidate the molecular function of DNA modifications in normal cells and cancer. Although all cells in our body have the same genome, they look different and perform different functions. Epigenetic modifications such as methylations ensure which sets of genes are expressed in specific cells and how this specificity is inherited. Cancer cells show particular epigenetic abnormalities which can be targeted for cancer therapies. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Dr Ross Chapman studies the molecular events triggered by DNA damage detection, and why defects in these events lead to immune deficiency and cancer in humans. GENOME INTEGRITY

Whilst controlled DNA breaks allow for our vast repertoire of antibodies, DNA damage happening out of context can lead to cancer or predisposition to cancer. Recent developments in personalised medicine exploit the DNA repair weaknesses of cancer cells to selectively kill them. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms can help develop innovative and targeted therapies. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Misfolded proteins can either create the loss of a cellular function, or escape degradation, causing aggregation diseases. Dr John Christianson's research focusses on ER-associated degradation, which is responsible for clearing non-functional and orphan translation products. These processes play a central role in inherited diseases such a cystic fibrosis and various forms of cancer. Dr Christianson's long term goal is to identify novel points of interventions for cancer therapies. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Professor Robert Gilbert's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying membrane pore formation and cell adhesion. Switching mechanisms within our cells are in part responsible for their development. MicroRNAs control a whole set of proteins associated with stem cell biology, particularly cancer stem cells. Targeting these components raises the potential for new anti-cancer therapeutics, which work by switching off protein production rather than inhibiting them later. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Melanoma or skin cancer is one of the fastest rising cancer types. When identified early, melanoma is relatively easy to cure, but once it starts to metastasise, it becomes very difficult to treat. DEREGULATION OF TRANSCRIPTION

The interface between signal transduction and transcription regulation coordinates gene expression. Deregulation of transcription is a key factor in cancer. Professor Colin Goding studies how a precise programme of transcription regulation is achieved, particularly in the transition between normal and cancer stem cells, and the parallels with normal stem cell populations. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Transcription is a tightly regulated process, where chemical modifications initiate the duplication of genetic material. This epigenetic process is often dysregulated in cancer, but it can be targeted with small molecule inhibitors. EPIGENETIC SIGNALLING

Professor Panagis Filippakopoulos is interested in the molecular mechanisms of transcription, where the formation of non-covalent protein complexes is mediated by post-translational modifications. Dysfunction in this epigenetic signalling process is linked to disease, particularly cancer. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/