Research themes

We use model organisms and in vitro approaches to explore a wide range of processes pertinent to cell biology. Many of the groups have an interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and cell fate determination in the context of development. We also study processes regulating cell division and polarisation, immunity, and cell senescence, as well as developing and applying proteomic approaches for cell biological purposes.

Chromosomal and RNA Biology

Our research investigates the dynamic regulation of genetic information in the form of DNA and RNA. Using advanced imaging, genomics, and biochemistry we define fundamental mechanisms for chromosome maintenance and behaviour, nuclear organisation, chromatin structure, transcription and RNA metabolism. Our studies embrace classical model systems from bacteria, viruses and yeast through to flies and mammals.

Infection and Disease Processes

Our research focuses on major human pathogens and their interactions with their human hosts. Using structural, biochemical and biophysical methods to characterize host-parasite interactions, we apply the knowledge we gain to guide development of improved vaccines and therapeutics. We study a wide range of different diseases that affect millions of people worldwide, including malaria, sleeping sickness, and viral infections such as dengue and influenza.

Microbiology and Systems Biology

We aim to uncover how eukaryotes and bacteria carry out fundamental processes in order to survive. Our interests span the molecular mechanisms of proteins and their interaction networks all the way to cell-cell communication in microbes. Specific areas of interest include bacterial DNA repair, signalling, motility, transport and intercellular competition and yeast cell cycle and metabolic control. We explain these processes using a combination of experimental, modelling, computational and mathematical tools, at scales ranging from atomic resolution to whole cells and cell populations. We also develop synthetic biology approaches to enhance and exploit biological functions.

Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics

We are interested in exploring the relationship between structure and function in proteins and other macromolecules using a range of methods such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, and biophysical and computational approaches. A particular focus within this theme is on understanding the structure, biophysics and function of membrane proteins, important in health and disease, including their behaviour in a physiologically relevant context.

Research themes

Research themes

Our 45 different research groups are organised into five key themes - Cell Biology, Development and Genetics; Chromosomal and RNA Biology; Infection and Disease Processes; Microbiology and Systems Biology; and Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics.