CELL-CYCLE

We will use a combination of high-tech experimental and theoretical tools to tackle this problem. In order to achieve this goal, an interdisciplinary team of biochemists, cell biologists and modellers will be assembled. Understanding the principles of cell cycle controls in mammalian cells is vital to the understanding of human disease. For example, in cancer, cells lose control of the cell cycle and replicate repeatedly, forming a tumour. By understanding how the cell cycle is controlled, we can develop new ways to restore cell cycle control to cancer cells and stop them replicating out of control. In contrast, if the cellular reproduction of stem cells in the body is compromised, renewal of differentiated cells is retarded which is one of the reasons underlying the ageing process. Since many emerging stem cell therapies rely on the precise control of cell replication this field will also benefit from our research.

Primary location: United Kingdom