Medicine and Dentistry
Annexin biology In particular: we conduct research into the role of annexins in glucocorticoid action; research on the identification and characterisation of the annexin receptor and its ability to modulate cell activation in various models of experimental inflammation; the role of annexin1 in T cell activation, and in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Endogenous anti-inflammatory effectors (resolution of inflammation) Work on annexin and glucocorticoid biology has extended into analyses of other endogenous anti-inflammatory pathways. There is investigation into the biology of galectins in vascular inflammation. Research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms activated by melanocortin peptides as another exciting area for innovative anti-inflammatory drug discovery. And finally, studying antiinflammatory actions of nuclear receptor agonists in vascular inflammation. Latent cytokines Bone and Joint’s primary research focus is the development and targeting of latent cytokines and other therapeutic compounds. This includes a study of the application of latent cytokines to treat unstable plaques in atherosclerosis, and an investigation into signalling pathways in T cells with particular regard to the contribution of lipid rafts. Translational research and stem cells in inflammatory disease research looks at developing a translational immunological research focusing upon analysis of the signalling defects in both T and B cells of patients with SLE. Specific areas of collaborative research interest include the regulation of cell adhesion by glucocorticoids, engineering of fusion proteins consisting of a human synovium-specific homing peptide and an anti-inflammatory cytokine for the targeted therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and the use of mesenchymal progenitor cells for joint tissue repair.
Student profile: Neil Dufton, PhD in Inflammation and Immunology “My tutor at Bath was a former friend and colleague of Professor Flower and both undertook their PhD research with John Vane who set up the William Harvey Institute. “I came for an interview and was immediately struck by the enthusiasm for both my project and the progression of science in the department. “I am currently getting to grips with a huge number of new techniques ranging from molecular biology, in vitro immunology and in vivo pharmacology so there is plenty to keep me out of trouble. “I have two very dynamic Professors, Perretti and Flower, as my supervisors who are always open for discussion, often leading to a raft of new ideas for both current and future work. The group is always willing to help by either providing technical expertise or just bouncing ideas that may relate to their field of investigation. “Charterhouse Square green is a great place to spend your lunch break when the sun is shining, and with three barbecues available for general use you will often see people gathering on a summer evening. The William Harvey has a good social scene with curry nights, barbecues and a marquee ball in the summer. There is also an annual five-a-side football tournament that often leads to some amusing rivalries between labs. “I enjoyed convincing fifteen colleagues predominantly from my department to take part in a four-mile charity space hop around London City for Red Nose Day. It was a great day all round, especially seeing the professors on hoppers before we embarked round London, and we managed to raise more than £2,500.” www.smd.qmul.ac.uk 103