Research: Therapy and diagnostics

About our research

Our research aims to aid the development of novel therapies and diagnostics.

Chemists and biologists within the centre work together with industries to develop biomarkers for diagnostics and key chemicals targeting molecular mechanisms important in various diseases including cancers, inflammatory disorders and dementia.

Chemoproteomic techniques to identify novel drug targets

We work on developing chemical tools to understand protein-protein interactions using chemical biological techniques.

For example, we have been involved in developing chemical probes that work as inhibitors and antagonists for modulating various specific epigenetic process in cells. These can be used to alter specific lymphocytes important in inflammation and cancer.

We are also developing drugs to regulate ubiquitins; these could be important in neurodegenerative diseases.

Synthetic routes to identify bioactive natural products

We work on developing novel synthetic routes to the core structures of naturally occurring bioactive molecules as scaffolds in drug discovery.

We mainly focus on alkaloids and have a special interest in spirocyclic targets.

We have also pioneered novel applications of transaminase biocatalysts to efficiently access stereodefined alkaloid scaffolds. In addition, we work closely with other members of the Centre for Bioscience to develop drugs for various targets, especially those that can disrupt anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry

We are designing and synthesising small molecules to interact with a range of biological targets.

For example, we are targeting kinases involved in chronic myeloid leukaemia and developing a substrate reduction therapy for a childhood pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy.

We are also interested in producing alkaline earth metal catalysts and developing novel cross-coupling methods to join inert partners together to produce stereoenriched compounds.

Biosensors

Working alongside industry partners, we are developing test at home biosensors for biomarkers to allow for remote testing of inflammatory disease and sepsis.

We are developing technologies to detect immune markers with a level of accuracy beyond any currently available alternatives.

Human microfragmented adipose tissue

We are developing the extraction and use of human microfragmented adipose tissue that contains stem cells. This is done through enzyme-free technology, using a device called Lipogems®.

Upon injection into various tissues, we have shown this induces long-lasting anti-inflammatory activity that we currently think is mediated by a long-term survival of the stem cells that releases cytokines involved in inflammatory processes.

Identifying novel drug targets and developing better therapies for disorders of uterine function

Understanding the physiological basis of uterine contraction and its relaxation is key to determining how we can better regulate its activity in reproductive-related disorders such as:

• preterm birth
• dysfunctional labour
• postpartum haemorrhage
• infertility

Our aim is to identify more promising therapeutic targets and develop alternative treatment strategies to improve the outcomes of pregnancies for women and babies.

We are keen to:

• understand more about signalling mechanisms by the closely related neuropeptides, oxytocin and vasopressin in the uterus, and how modifications to their chemical structure can affect their function in the human myometrium
• develop ex vivo human tissue models as bioassays for testing novel therapies, including nanomedicines and other medicinal compounds, to control human uterine contraction
• collaborate with clinicians and scientists with interests in the application of technology to diagnose and treat reproductive health disorders