RESEARCH PROFILE
- 2008 RAE Result: The Division returned with the MRC Centre for Developmental Biology and the Wolfson Centre for Age Related Disease, in Unit of Assessment 15. We were in the top decile in the country and 55 per cent of the staff were rated world leading or internationally excellent.
- 2008 Research income: £8.3m.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics £3.98m.
- St John's Institute of Dermatology £1.45m.
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology: £2.87m.
- Current number of academic staff: 27.
- Current number of research students: 53.
- Recent publications: See the Division of Genetics & Molecular Medicine website for details.
- Current research projects: See the Division of Genetics & Molecular Medicine website for details.
- Joint PhDs are available with Hong Kong University.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Past students have gone on to further careers in medical research, academia and industry, both in this country and abroad.
Head of group/division
Professor Gillian Bates
Duration
Expected to be three or four years FT. Registration normally October, although students may commence at any time.
Location
Guy's Campus: Medical & Molecular Genetics and St John's Institute of Dermatology,
St Thomas' Campus: Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Medicine
Closing date
Named studentships will have a closing date stipulated on the advertisement. Self-funded students should apply at least three months before their proposed starting date and should provide a curriculum vitae, information on the research projects they wish to undertake, information about their research experience and details of how they plan to fund themselves.
Intake
Approximately 3-4 students per year in each department.
Fees
CONTACTS
Contact information
For advertised PhD studentships apply as indicated in the advert. For self-funded studentships apply directly to the relevant PI at least 3 months before you wish to start.
Email
Website
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION
The Division consists of three Departments, all of which focus on investigation of the molecular basis of human disease, and how such knowledge can be applied to improved diagnosis and therapy.
The Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics aims to identify genes, their functions, and variants, implicated in both Mendelian and complex common disorders. Current studies use new-generation high-througput DNA sequencing and genotyping technology to identify genetic variants associated with common inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and to find causal mutations in a range of rare and severe genetic syndromes. There is also a strong cancer genetics group studying the molecular origins of breast cancer, leukaemia and oesophageal cancer. Further substantial research programmes exist in neurogenetics, including basic and translational aspects of Huntington disease, while other work explores epigenetic effects such as imprinting, the control of gene expression, and epistatic interactions between genes. Several research groups are involved in development of statistical approaches to whole genome association studies and the integration of emerging biological databases with genomic studies. The Department has close links with our NHS Department of Clinical Genetics and its associated diagnostic laboratories, which provide genetic services to a large patient base in the south-east of England.
The Department has state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, including a core Genomics facility, which, in partnership with our Biomedical Research Centre, has 4 new-generation DNA sequencers and microarray facilities. There is also a substantial computing infrastructure for bioinformatics, and an imaging laboratory for confocal and laser dissection microscopy.
The research strategy of St John's Institute of Dermatology seeks to improve the diagnosis and management of severe skin diseases through a better understanding of the basic pathogenetic mechanisms that cause and sustain these conditions. It targets four key areas: cutaneous oncology, genetic skin disorders, inflammatory and autoimmune skin disorders, and photomedicine. Research methods extend from molecular genetic analysis to therapeutic intervention studies. Work in progress embraces both collaborations within King's College London and external collaborations world-wide. The close relationship between scientists, clinicians and clinical resources allows for shared knowledge, flow of patient material (eg skin biopsies, blood samples) to the laboratories and dissemination of scientific knowledge to clinicians, fostering an atmosphere of science-based clinical practice and translational research. Members of the department belong to an MRC cooperative group (FRET/FLIM microscopy in cell migration). Research facilities within St John's are designed to enable translational human skin biological research and include cell biology (including cell transfection), immuno-labelling and photomicroscopic facilities, molecular genetic facilities and in vivo sampling techniques (phototesting, skin biopsy, DNA sampling), with appropriate storage techniques. The department is situated in 850m2 of new laboratories, together with appropriate facilities, on the Guy's Campus, adjoining the Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics.
The Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology (DTR), headed by Professor Tim Spector, is one of the largest twin databases in the world, with a total of 10,000 twins, with the most detailed phenotype information on twins available worldwide, allowing collaborative work with a range of scientists from different specialities and disease areas. The UK Twin Registry has been responsible for demonstrating the genetic heritability of a number of diseases that were believed to be caused by age and environment alone. The DTR has also set up a unique cohort of 1003 aging women followed for 18 years (the Chingford study), which produced valuable data on the natural history and progression of age-related and musculoskeletal diseases. The DTR is participating in a number of FP6 and FP7 EU projects and is the coordinator of an EU project involving seven other institutions looking at the genetics of clotting and strokes; it is also coordinating an FP7 project which includes nine other partners and is looking at Translational Research in Europe Applied Technologies for Osteoarthritis. The principal focus of research is on complex genetic traits, the main categories being in the area of aging, CVD, metabolic syndrome, and eyes.
An exciting opportunity to apply new molecular and genetic findings to diagnosis and treatment has arisen through the award of £58 million funding over the next 5 years to the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Guy's and St Thomas' and King's College London by the National Institute for Health Research. Our Division will lead the Translational Genetics and Cutaneous Medicine themes in the new BRC. We are also an integral part of the GRIID (Genetics, Rheumatology, Infection, Immunity and Dermatology) Clinical Academic Group in King's Health Partners and the Genetics Programme in the King's Biosciences Institute.
Staff interests associated with the research programme and its research groups
Dermatology
Interests:
My research interests include the effects of UVR on immune function, DNA photodamage and its repair, risk factors for skin cancer, UVR-induced oxidative damage and the role of antioxidants, photosensitization (with Dr Robert Sarkany and Dr Susan Walker), endogenous and exogenous photoprotection and how the skin adapts to repeated low dose UVR exposure. I have a long-standing interest in action spectroscopy (wavelength dependence of photobiology effects) and the public health implications.
Tel:
020 7188 6367
Fax:
020 7188 8050
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Interests:
My main research interest is therapeutics, especially in relationship to inflammatory skin disease, and includes drug development (phase II-IV clinical trials), pharmacogenetics and drug toxicity (severe adverse drug reactions). Clinical research is conducted through the Skin Therapy Research Unit.
Tel:
020 7188 6410
Fax:
020 7188 8050
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Interests:
Psoriasis: analysis of molecular and immunological pathways of chronic inflammation; studies dissecting the molecular pathways of chronic inflammation in psoriasis using tissue samples' in vitro studies, and state-of-the-art in vivo models; genomic analysis of psoriasis tissue; investigation of the functional role of dendritic cells, conventional T cells and unconventional T cells in psoriasis; development of novel drug targets and testing in the clinic. Melanoma: analysis of molecular and immunological pathways in melanoma - studies on immune activation and immune escape in melanoma patients; dendritic cell targeting of tumour antigens; molecular analysis of melanoma tissues and cell lines; novel approaches to immunotherapy and molecular therapy of melanoma, including definition of biomarkers and mechanism-of-action studies.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/schools/medicine/depts/dermatology/research/nestle/Tel:
020 7188 8086
Fax:
020 7188 8050
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Interests:
Molecular basis of inherited skin disorders: discovering genes for specific diseases, understanding disease mechanisms and determining relevance to diseased and healthy skin; translational research therapies - developing new gene, protein, cell and drug therapies for patients with inherited skin diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa (inherited skin fragility); prenatal diagnosis - development of preimplantation genetic haplotyping for severe inherited skin diseases
Tel:
020 7188 6409
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020 7188 8050
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Interests:
My main research interests concern inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris, but primarily relate to psoriasis. In this disease, my interests extend from genetic discovery, through pharmacogenetics and disease mechanisms, such as immunology, to clinical research.
Tel:
020 7188 6412
Fax:
020 7188 8050
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Interests:
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma; molecular characterisation of skin infiltrates; tumour specific antigens; immunisation.
Tel:
020 7188 6410
Fax:
020 7188 8050
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020 7188 8050
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Medical & Molecular Genetics
Interests:
My research focus is the development and application of statistical methods in human genetics, to identify and characterise genes contributing to common, complex disorders. Current research includes genome-wide association studies and disease risk prediction using genetic and environmental factors.
Tel:
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020 7188 2585
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Interests:
- Investigation of the genetic basis of susceptibility to common, complex disorders, including the inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and cancer.
- The role of genetic instability in susceptibility to acute myeloid leukaemia.
Tel:
020 7188 3713
Fax:
020 7188 2585
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Website:
Interests:
I am interested in the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), which is one of the commonest forms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). APL is characterised by the t(15;17)(q22;q21) chromosomal translocation which fuses the genes encoding PML and Retinoic Acid Receptor Alpha (RARA). APL is of particular interest, being the first form of leukaemia in which therapies (ie all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide) that specifically target the underlying molecular lesion, and which have led to dramatic improvements in outcome of this disease, were introduced into clinical practice.
My research focuses particularly upon characterizing the mechanisms underlying formation of the t(15;17) chromosomal translocation which represents a critical step in leukaemogenesis, defining the progenitors in which this occurs, and the role of deregulation of the PML protein in leukaemic transformation. The laboratory also acts as the National Reference Centre for Molecular Diagnosis of APL, providing a minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring service to direct patient treatment.
Tel:
020 7188 2579
Fax:
020 7188 2585
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Interests:
Tel:
02071852375
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Tel:
020 7188 2861
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Interests:
Much of my work centres on the genetics of breast cancer (especially where this is of an early onset, familial nature), and adopts several approaches:
A molecular analysis of the BRCA1 gene, which confers susceptibility to breast cancer in a proportion of women. This involves the investigation of the structure and expression of the gene product (including its role in sporadic breast and ovarian cancer), its regulation, and its behaviour as a tumour suppressor, and studies of transgenic mice with altered BRCA1 genes. Collaborative investigations of the structure of the RING finger domain of BRCA1 are also under way.
The analysis of further genes implicated in the genesis of breast cancer, which exist in close proximity to BRCA1. Molecular analysis of the function, expression and regulation of these genes is gradually disentangling their complex relationship with BRCA1.
A sib-pair genome search, which aims to identify regions of the genome containing further genes predisposing to breast cancer, is being undertaken with Professor Cathryn Lewis.
I also have an interest in the PML/RARA translocation underlying Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia, and with Professor David Grimwade am investigating the regulation of PML, and the structure of its RING finger domain.
Tel:
020 7188 3713
Fax:
020 7188 2585
Email:
Website:
Interests:
I have a long-standing interest in the genetics of psoriasis, a common inflammatory skin disorder that is inherited as a multifactorial trait. My research is aimed at characterizing genes that confer susceptibility to the disease, using both genetic (e.g. association studies) and functional tools (e.g. cell -based assays).
Tel:
020 7188 8079
Fax:
020 7188 2585
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Interests:
The use of mouse models to understand the molecular basis of Huntington's disease and to develop therapeutic approaches. Specific interests: molecular chaperones; heat shock factor 1; proteolysis of huntingtin; histone deacetylase inhibitors; HDAC4; stem cell models.
Tel:
020 7188 3722
Fax:
020 7188 2585
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Interests:
Tissue-specific and ubiquitious genetic control elements with a long-range chromatin remodelling capability and their use in gene therapy especially lentiviral vectors, generation of animal models of human disease and other biotechnology applications.
Tel:
020 7188 3708
Fax:
020 7188 2585
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Interests:
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Interests:
My interests lie in the development of new methods for the analysis of genetic data, with various fields of application ranging from medicine to forensics to genetic history. Of particular interest to me is the analysis of large-scale association data, either via genomewide SNP chips or via Next Generation Sequencing. I also work on population genetic questions arising from these genomewide data, such as the ability to query one's biogeographic origins based on one's DNA alone. Other research include data integration, gene-gene and genome-genome interaction, forensics, expression QTLs and selection.
Tel:
020 7188 2601
Fax:
020 7188 2585
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Interests:
Tel:
020 7188 3705
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Interests:
DNA carries heritable information and genes guide development to adulthood. The discovery of epigenetics, changes in gene expression not encoded for by DNA sequence, has added another layer of complexity to our understanding of inheritance. One class of genes under epigenetic control includes imprinted genes. Mammals inherit two copies of most genes, one from their mother and one from their father and they are normally both active. However, for a small number of imprinted genes in mammals, only one is active, either the maternal or the paternal copy. Imprinted genes are typically involved in embryonic growth and development and in post-natal growth, viability and behavior. The aims of this group include learning about transcriptional control mechanisms and the roles of imprinted genes in mammalian development and human disease. This group has developed bioinformatics tools for the analysis of genomic sequence and epigenetic features of imprinting in mammals and plants. We are interested particularly in a group of imprinted retrogenes derived from the X chromosome, both the mode of gene regulation and evolution in the genome. While a wealth of data demonstrate epigenetic mechanisms can regulate transcription initiation, we have shown for the first time that epigenetic modifications can influence the choice of alternative polyadenylation sites used in the process of transcriptional termination. This has implications for transcriptome diversity and tissue specific gene regulation and is likely to be a widespread mechanism.
Disease related work in the laboratory focuses on identifying DNA methylation defects in a series of growth-related diseases using microarrays and deep sequecing approaches and a gene imprinted specificlly in the developing heart is under molecular and developmental analysis.
Tel:
020 7188 3714
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020 7188 2585
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Tel:
020 7188 3715
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Interests:
Investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary arterial disease; functional characterization of TGF-beta; cell signaling in vascular cells; identification of candidate susceptibility genes in the common skin disease psoriasis; genome-wide linkage analysis in familial cluster headache; functional characterization of human developmental disease genes, identified through homozygosity mapping in a range of autosomal recessive disorders; management of the National Autozygosity Mapping Resource (NAMR). Identification of major and minor susceptibility genes for psoriasis, using genome-wide linkage analysis, SNP-based approaches, construction and refinement of susceptibility haplotypes (with ProfessorJonathan Barker); functional role of psoriasis susceptibility genes (with ProfessorAdrian Hayday/Professor Frank Nestle); candidate gene approach to susceptibility gene identification in atopic dermatitis (with Professor Jonathan Barker). Identification of susceptibility loci in psoriasis.
Tel:
020 7188 7993
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020 7188 2585
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Tel:
020 7188 9072
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0207188431
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02071880021
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Twin Studies
Interests:
My main research interest at present is uncovering the genetic factors contributing to susceptibility of osteoarthritis of the knee and the hip. A major clinical application of this will be to understand genetic variants that can predict a patient's risk of developing severe disease leading to the need of a joing arthroplasty. I am also working in mechanisms and biomrkers of ageing, such as telomere length and somatic mitochondrial mutations (heteroplasmy)
Tel:
020 7188 6775
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Interests:
As a clinical consultant ophthalmologist, my interests are in the genetic epidemiology of common eye diseases such as myopia, cataract and glaucoma, using twin studies to model the heritability of these traits and modern high-throughput genotyping technology such as genome-wide association scans which we have on over 5000 twin subjects in the Department of Twin Research.
Tel:
020 7188 8543
Fax:
020 7188 6718
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Interests:
I am a Wellcome Trust Intermediate Clinical Fellow with funding to study the genetic epidemiology of degenerative disc disease (DDD). This ties in well with my clinical interests of DDD and osteoporosis of the spine (Consultant Rheumatologist St Thomas' Hospital). I am using genome wide scans to identify novel genetic loci in DDD, combining forces with several large groups round the world to increase sample size. I am collecting DNA from patients in the clinic so that I can replicate the findings from the worldwide population samples in the sample of clinical cases.
Tel:
020 7188 6765
Fax:
020 7188 6718
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Interests:
I use the UK twins registry (TWINSUK) of 10,000 twins to pursue gene discovery in the common complex traits and diseases via genetic epidemiology. I study a wide variety of diseases from back pain to anxiety, snoring to sexuality. Our group focus on age related diseases such as CVD, metabolic traits, locomotor problems such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, cognitive function and eye disorders.We have genomewide scans and expression data on large numbers of the twins.
Tel:
020 7188 6765
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ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A first class or 2:1 first degree in an appropriate subject, or the overseas equivalent is normally required, although an exception may be made if the applicant has a good MSc with a merit or above.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Studentships will be advertised in New Scientist Study, Nature Jobs, findaphd.com, the College’s Health Schools Studentships website or on jobs.ac.uk.
Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by at least two academics. Proposed research projects must be approved by the School Postgraduate Research Committee before an offer can be made.
Those applying for the joint PhD are encouraged to contact an academic at King's to develop research links with the partner institution.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
No information required.
FUNDING
A small number of studentships for specific named projects, funded either by external funding agencies such as the research councils (eg MRC), or charitable bodies, are usually available (and will be advertised on the College's website, in the journals New Scientist and/or Nature, or on
http://www.jobs.ac.uk ). These usually provide a stipend and the payment of tuition fees at the home/EU rate. Self-funded students may also apply to study a particular research project.
Student profiles
Genetics & Molecular Medicine (Research Division) MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with HKU
I chose King’s because I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate student. What I found particularly attractive about studying at King’s are the facilities available to postgraduate students. There are lots of free training opportunities that are useful.
At the academic level, I found the level of supervision very useful. Not only do I meet frequently with my supervisor but we fill out monitoring reports. The reports are very useful for discussing progress with my supervisor and making sure that I'm heading in the right direction.
I was awarded the Overseas Research Students Awards Scholarship and the King’s Graduate student awards. These awards cover my tuition fees for the course of the three years. This has helped me considerably as I am an international student.
I plan to stay in academia. After completing my studies, I will apply for a post-doctoral fellowship. I am sure the skills and experience that I obtain throughout the course of my PhD will be invaluable for the future.
Genetics & Molecular Medicine (Research Division) MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with HKU
Having completed my undergraduate degree in Genetics, I was keen to take my studies further and undertake a PhD. King’s College was at the top of my list because of its worldwide reputation for both teaching and research.
I was awarded a PhD studentship at the College, funded by the BBSRC, which has enabled me to work at the forefront of scientific research in a stimulating and supportive environment. In addition, I have attended an international conference, funded by the College where I was able to present my current data. There is also a wide range of very good courses available to all graduate students to aid development and to gain valuable transferable skills.
As well as my academic studies, I am a member of the KCLMS badminton team and play against other universities in and around London. I have also had a great time playing ultimate frisbee, which I would never have done unless it was offered at King’s. Whatever your interests, there will be a club or society out there for you to get involved with. Living in London is a fantastic experience, there is never a dull moment and you will never run out of places to go or things to see. It may be expensive, but the London weighting on the studentships makes it very affordable.
King’s has given me the perfect training and personal skills in order to compete for any top research job throughout the world. I intend to continue my research career, starting with a job in Europe. I would recommend King’s College to anyone looking to advance their career in scientific research.
Genetics & Molecular Medicine (Research Division) MPhil/PhD, option of joint PhD with HKU
The genetic epidemiology research group of the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics is well-established, with many experienced and knowledgeable researchers who are a joy to work with. I am funded by two very supportive bodies (MRC and the Generation Trust) so I can fully concentrate on my research.
The department is located at Guy's Campus which has excellent transport links. It is convenient both for external speakers and for students to attend outside seminars. Moreover, the renowned Borough Market is just five minutes' walk away - the smell of fresh and natural foods are a fabulous way to de-stress! The New Hunt's House library is now open 24 hours which gives more flexibility to students.
London is a cosmopolitan place where you can enjoy all sorts of different activities and most of the places can be visited free of charge. Get the young persons rail card and the student Oyster card once you have started the programme. This saves you money on transport. Before applying for any part-time job, it's a good idea to check how many hours your sponsorship allows you to work.
I still have two years to complete my PhD and do not have future plans as yet. I truly believe however, that with the high reputation of King's graduates and the extensive network with the health industries, there will be many opportunities for me to pursue. If anyone is considering studying in London, I highly recommend King's.