Molecular mechanisms that regulate cell development and differentiation
In parallel with studies of cancer cells, we are investigating basic molecular mechanisms that control cell development, differentiation and function. We employ diverse model organisms from humans to mice, fish frogs and fruit flies in order to study the function and regulation of the genome.
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Epigenetics and genome function
Epigenetics and genome function
We use genome-wide approaches to study the roles of epigenetic modifications within chromatin. These tools are employed by many of our research groups who share common interests. We are investigating the roles of histone modifications and the enzymes that modify histones. We also use genome-wide epigenetic profiling as a tool to define regulatory networks within cells.
Key researchers
| Researcher | Research Group |
|---|---|
| Paul Badenhorst | Drosophila development and epigenetics |
| Constanze Bonifer | Epigenetics and gene regulation in blood cells |
| Peter Cockerill | Epigenetics and gene regulation in blood cells |
| Carmel McConville | Gene expression in neuronal cancer |
| Bryan Turner | Regulation of histone modifications |
The regulation of stem cell development
The regulation of stem cell development
Stem cells differentiate progressively from primitive embryonic stem cells to stem cells (ES cells) committed to different lineages that ultimately give rise to all the various differentiated tissues. We are studying the molecular pathways that control the development of ES cells to mature lineages such as blood cells. We are also investigating the roles of specific genes such as the RUNX, AP-1 and MYB families of transcription factors in these processes.
Key researchers
| Researcher | Research Group |
|---|---|
| Constanze Bonifer | Epigenetics and gene regulation in blood cells |
| Jonathon Frampton | Blood stem cells and leukaemia |
| Paloma Garcia | The role of MYB proteins in blood cells |
| Rui Monteiro |
TGFb signalling in haematopoiesis and endothelial biology |
Chromatin programming and transcription regulation in Zebrafish
Chromatin programming and transcription regulation in Zebrafish
We are investigating the regulation of differential gene expression during vertebrate embryo development and comparative/functional genomic analysis of cis-regulatory elements. We use high throughput approaches to study transcriptional regulators in the zebrafish embryo model system.
Key researchers
| Researcher | Research Group |
|---|---|
| Rui Monteiro | TGFb signalling in haematopoiesis and endothelial biology |
| Ferenc Mueller | Gene regulation and development in zebrafish |
The roles of ATP dependent chromatin remodelling enzymes in drosophila
The roles of ATP dependent chromatin remodelling enzymes in drosophila
We are using drosophila blood cell development as a model system for studying the functions of chromatin remodellers in blood cell development.
Key researcher
| Researcher | Research Group |
|---|---|
| Paul Badenhorst | Drosophila development and epigenetics |
The establishment and maintenance of memory T cells
The establishment and maintenance of memory T cells
We are using genome-wide epigenetic and transcriptional profiling to define the molecular basis of acquired immunity that represents the fundamental basis of our response to infections and vaccination.
Key researcher
| Researcher | Research Group |
|---|---|
| Peter Cockerill | Epigenetics and gene regulation in blood cells |
Autophagy
Autophagy
Autophagy is an intracellular degradation pathway essential for cell survival. We are studying the regulation and therapeutic application of autophagy in human cellular platforms using human embryonic stem cells and disease-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Key researcher
| Researcher | Research Group |
|---|---|
| Sovan Sarkar | Autophagy in health and disease |
The roles of inherited mutations in rare diseases
The roles of inherited mutations in rare diseases
Our research has defined specific mutations and molecular pathways that are disrupted in specific inherited diseases that lead to diabetes and many other disorders. The diseases we investigate include Wolfram Syndrome, Wolcott Rollison syndrome, and Alstrom Syndrome, as well as lysosomal storage disorders. This research is brought together under the umbrella of the Centre for Rare Disease Studies (CRDS) Birmingham.
Key researchers
| Researcher | Research Group |
|---|---|
| Tim Barrett | Paediatric genetics and rare diseases |
| Richard Tuxworth | Lysosomal storage diseases |