Molecular Cancer

Overview

Research in Manchester is exploring the fundamental molecular mechanisms that are most frequently compromised during the development of cancer. Major emphasis is placed on understanding how cell signalling and cell cycle regulatory networks are subverted during the early events of carcinogenesis. In model organisms, we are investigating tumour evolution by exploring the molecular mechanisms the control how cancer cells manipulate the tissue micro-environment during cancer progression. In studying these processes, members of the Molecular Cancer group are building the knowledge that is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Research group leader: Dr Cathy Tournier

Principal investigators

Members

About us

The Molecular Cancer group has two CR-UK Senior Fellows, Prof Stephen Taylor and Dr Janni Petersen.

Prof Stephen Taylor was recently elected to Academia Europaea.

 
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
Molecular Cancer image.
 

Recent publications

Effect of SMURF2 Targeting on Susceptibility to MEK Inhibitors in Melanoma.

Smith, M., Ferguson, J., Arozarena, I., Hayward, R., Marais, R., Chapman, A., Hurlstone, A. & Wellbrock, C.

J Natl Cancer Inst (2013) 105, 33-46. PMID:23250956

A Genome-Wide RNAi Screen Reveals MAP Kinase Phosphatases as Key ERK Pathway Regulators during Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation.

Yang, S., Kalkan, T., Morrisroe, C., Smith, A. & Sharrocks, A.

PLoS Genet (2012) 8(12):e1003112. PMID:23271975

Cytoskeletal protein filamin A is a nucleolar protein that suppresses ribosomal RNA gene transcription.

Wensheng Deng, Cesar Lopez-Camacho, Jen-Yang Tang, Daniel Mendoza-Villanueva, Apolinar Maya-Mendoza, Dean A. Jackson, and Paul Shore.

PNAS (2012) 109 1524-9. PMID: 22307607

The spindle assembly checkpoint.

Lara-Gonzalez, P., Westhorpe, F. & Taylor, S.

Curr Biol (2012), 22 R966-80. PMID:23174302

Dynamic Analysis of Stochastic Transcription Cycles.

Harper C, Finkenstadt, B, Woodcock, DJ, Friedrichsen, S, Semprini, S, Ashall, L, Spiller, DG, Mullins, JJ, Rand, DA, Davis, JRE, White, MRH.

PLoS Biology (2011) 9(4):e1000607. PMID: 21532732

 

Recent grants

Alan Whitmarsh and Gino Poulin were recently awarded a BBSRC project grant to study a novel ageing-related pathway regulating ROS homeostasis.

Professors Mike White and Dean Jackson were awarded a £5M sLOLA from the BBSRC to study NF-Kβ signalling.

A team including Professors Dean Jackson and Mike White was secured a €12M Systems Medicine grant from the EU.

Adam Hurlstone was recently awarded a CR-UK project grant to identify pharmacological targets suitable for combinatorial use in melanoma treatment.

Adam Hurlstone was recently awarded an ERC Starter Grant to novel drug targets for melanoma treatment.