Chromosome Biology and the Cell Cycle
We carry out research to understand:
- cell division and chromosome segregation
- chromosome replication and repair
- the control of gene expression
- how defects in these processes underlie disease
We encourage translation of our fundamental research towards application in healthcare and biotechnology. We have research strengths in:
- cancer
- reproductive biology
- arthritis
- microbiology
Research Impact
Cancer is one focus area in our theme. Many of our members are part of the Newcastle Centre for Cancer. This centre of excellence brings together all cancer researchers and clinicians in Newcastle. This multidisciplinary approach accelerates new discoveries and therapies.
Our researchers have discovered many genetic abnormalities that improve diagnosis of leukaemia. This has led to changes in the therapy given to patients. We have identified kinases that control cell division. We have developed inhibitors of cell cycle kinases that serve as leads for drug development. We participated in the development of the PARP inhibitor drug Rubraca. This has now been licenced for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
We conduct leading research in meiosis. Newcastle is one of the few UK centres with access to human oocytes for research purposes. This has facilitated the introduction of oocyte manipulation as a mitochondrial disease therapy. Moving this innovation into the clinic required changes to UK fertility legislation. Theme member Mary Herbert played a significant role in changing these laws.
Researchers in the theme hold programme, project and personal awards from major funders. These include Wellcome, BBSRC, MRC, Horizon2020, Cancer Research UK, Prostate Cancer UK, and Blood Cancer UK. We provide a dynamic and supportive environment for career development at all stages. We are particularly proud of our early career fellows. They hold career development awards from the MRC, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome and Versus Arthritis.
We aim to communicate the importance of our work to other scientists and to the public. We work with local schools through the “Leading Edge” project and host students on work experience. We have taken part in the “Cell Detectives” events organised by our core facilities. These fun and engaging sessions allow us to introduce cell division to non-scientists.
Follow our theme on twitter @cbcc_ncl for news and updates.
All life requires that cells can divide to form daughter cells. We study how normal cells carry out cell division. We investigate how defective cell division contributes to cancer, infertility and birth defects. We aim to find ways to prevent cell division to develop new cancer therapies and antibiotics.
Eukaryotic cell division
We want to understand how cells divide and segregate their chromosomes and mitochondria during mitosis and meiosis. To do this, we use mammalian cells, worms and yeast, as well as molecular and structural approaches.
Contacts
- David Elliott
- Jane Endicott
- Mary Herbert
- Jonathan Higgins
- Jun-Yong Huang
- Mark Levasseur
- David Lydall
- Suzanne Madgwick
- Tom Nicholls
- Josana Rodriguez
Bacterial cell division
We study how bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis accomplish replication and cell division. We are interested in how they can be targeted to develop antibiotics.
Contacts
Most cancer cells have chromosome abnormalities. We study the origins and consequences of these abnormalities. Our research emphasis is on blood cancer.
Aneuploidy
We are interested in why and how cancer cells have the wrong number of chromosomes.
Contacts
Chromosome aberrations
We are interested in the causes and consequences of chromosome aberrations in cancer. These include translocations, rearrangements, gene fusions and mis-regulated genes.
Contacts
As we age, DNA suffers damage that can influence cell behaviour. This damage can cause cancer or be transmitted to our offspring. We study how this damage is acquired and how our cells respond to it. Our aim is to exploit this response to develop new therapies.
Contacts
Gene expression and cell function are not only determined by the sequence of our DNA. They are also influenced by how DNA is packaged in chromatin and by epigenetic modifications. We study these functions in health, ageing, and diseases such as prostate cancer and arthritis.
Gene expression and epigenetics
We study how non-genetic factors influence gene expression and differentiation.
Contacts
- Tim Cheek
- Kelly Coffey
- Jonathan Coxhead
- David Elliott
- Luke Gaughan
- Aneta Mikulasova
- Louise Reynard
- Sarah Rice
- Daniel Rico
- Craig Robson
- Ruchi Shukla
- David Young
Chromatin and transcription
Changes in chromatin structure influence transcription and allow cell division. We are interested in the molecular mechanisms that alter chromatin structure. We study these processes in mammals, yeast and bacteria.
Contacts
RNA plays a fundamental role in gene expression. RNAs can function as messenger molecules or as components of ribosomes where proteins are made. We study how messenger and ribosomal RNAs are made and utilised in cells.
Contacts
Research Culture
We supervise over 40 PhD students within our theme. We provide research-led teaching in chromosome biology and the cell cycle at all levels, leading on the MRes module 'Chromosome Biology and Cell Cycle Control in Health and Disease'.
The majority of our undergraduate teaching is on courses in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Science.
Education Lead (taught): Mark Levasseur
Education Lead (research): Tim Cheek
We provide a dynamic and supportive environment for career development at all stages. We organise mentorship and personalised career advice including for fellowship applications.
ECR Lead: Lisa Russell
We promote the values of EDI in everything we do.
EDI Leads: Josana Rodriguez and Daniel Rico