Newcastle University

Introduction

I am a postdoctoral research associate who joined the Northern Institute for Cancer Research in 2002. My main interest is in neuroblastoma research, a very aggressive childhood tumour.
Particularly the role of tumour supressor genes, including p53 pathway abnormalities and mechanisms of drug resistance in relapsed neuroblastoma.

More recently, I have been working on human embryonic stem cells as a model for understanding the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma.

Research Interests

My core research interests are:
p53/MDM2/p14ARF pathway abnormalities and mechanisms of drug resistance in relapsed neuroblastoma.
Investigating the development process of neural crest progenitors to sympathetic neurones in embryonic stem cells, as a model of neuroblastoma and other neural crest abnormalities.

Other Expertise

Whole genome analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism arrays in neuropblastoma cell lines and tumours.

Also mouse embryonic stem cell work and gene targeting in the field of mouse transgenics.

Current Work

My current project involves understanding how neuroblastoma develops using human embryonic stem cells as a model system.

Research Roles

I am a member of the Research Working Party within the university.

Postgraduate Supervision

I have been involved in the supervision of a number of staff members and students including 3 PhD students, 4 MRES students and 2 summer undergraduate student placements. I have also supervised a visiting clinician from Malaysia.

I am prepared to supervise students in the field of molecular biology and oncology, using techniques to investigate genetic abnormalities which occur in tumours, such as genetic mutations, aberrant methylation of genes, mRNA gene expression, Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation. Also, any projects relevant to the field of neuroblastoma.

Esteem Indicators

Newcastle University Medical Sciences Doctoral Thesis Prize - for outstanding thesis - 2009

My recent research paper entitled 'High Frequency of p53/MDM2/p14ARF Pathway Abnormalities in Relapsed Neuroblastoma' was a front cover headline in Clinical Cancer Research Feb 2010 and was the subject of a press release in both the local and national media.

Funding

Department of Health
2002-2007
Investigating the role of the p53/MDM2/p14ARF pathway in neuroblastoma cell lines and tumours at diagnosis and relapse.

Newcastle Healthcare Charity,
2008-2009
Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to sympathetic neurones: A model for understanding the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma

Wellcome Trust Summer Vacation Studentship - 2006
Investigation of p53 pathway abnormalities in paired neuroblastomas at diagnosis and relapse

Seminar Leader: BGM1003 (2010)

• Carr-Wilkinson J, O'Toole K, Wood KM, Challen CC, Baker AG, Board JR, Evans L, Cole M, Cheung NV, Boos J, Kohler G, Leuschner I, Pearson ADJ, Lunec J, Tweddle DA. High frequency of p53/MDM2/p14^ARF pathway abnormalities in relapsed neuroblastoma. Clinical Cancer Research 2010, 16(4), 1108-1118.
• Carr, J., Bown, N.P., Case, M.C., Hall, A.G., Lunec, J., Tweddle, D.A. High-resolution analysis of allelic imbalance in neuroblastoma cell lines by single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics 2007, 172(2), 127-138.
• Carr J, Bell E, Pearson ADJ, Kees U, Beris H, Lunec J, Tweddle DA. Increased frequency of aberrations in the p53/MDM2/p14ARF pathway in neuroblastoma cell lines established at relapse. Cancer Research 2006, 66(4), 2138-2145.
• Bell, E., Premkumar, R, Carr, J., Lu, X., Lovat, P.E., Kees, U., Lunec, J., Tweddle, D. The role of MYCN in the failure of MYCN amplified neuroblastoma cell lines to G1 arrest after DNA damage. Cell Cycle 2006,5 22 2639-2647.
• Carr, J., Challen, C., Board, J. R., Wood, K. M., Pearson, A. D. J., Lunec, J., Tweddle, D. A. Selection for p53 mutant cells by chemotherapy in high-risk neuroblastoma. British Journal of Cancer 2003, 88(Suppl. 1), S54-S54.
• Carr-Wilkinson J, Griffiths R, Elston R, Goranov B, Redfern CPF, Gamble LD, Lunec J, Tweddle DA. Outcome of the p53-mediated DNA damage response in neuroblastoma is determined by morphological subtype and MYCN expression. Cell Cycle 2011, 10(21), 3778-3787.