Our research is aimed at understanding the mechanisms that regulate adhesion and migration in adherent cells. Adhesion is essential for development and homeostasis but also drives pathological states such as cancer, fibrosis and inflammation. Using 3D model systems, molecular biology and advanced microscopy approaches, we analyse how receptors convert signals from the extracellular environment to control cell behaviour. Our goal is to then translate this information into defining new targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer, skin disease and lung inflammation.
Current PhD students
People
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Assistant (Engineer)
PhD Student
Senior Research Associate
Dean of Research Excellence Frameworks
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Projects
Receptor signals driving cancer progression
We are studying adhesion and growth factor receptor organisation, signalling and crosstalk mechanisms that drive cancer cell proliferation and invasion. We also study how cells respond to external mechanical changes during tumorigenesis, and how this is converted to changes in the F-actin cytoskeleton to promote invasive behaviour.
Receptor signalling regulating fibrotic disease
We are interested in understanding how membrane receptors contribute to both mechanical and chemical sensing in connective tissue, and how this process becomes dysregulated in lung and skin fibrosis. We study novel genes identified in patients with fibrotic disease to elucidate new pathways for potential therapeutic intervention.
Epithelial receptor signals controlling skin homeostasis
In collaboration with clinical dermatology groups at King’s, we study novel genes identified in patients with skin fragility to determine how they contribute to epithelial cell adhesion and migration.
Publications
Previous group members
Previous Group Members
- Irina Jahin
- Salwa Alhamada
- Sofia Endzhievskaya
- Magdalene Michael
- Willow Hight-Warburton
- Virginia Llopis-Hernandez
- Karin Pfisterer
- Grace Chan
- Tom Hayday
- Yonis Bare
- Penny Morton
- Brooke Lumicisi
- Jake Howden
- Julia Deathridge
- Sweta Raghavan
- Rosie Pike
- Asier Jayo
- Karl Kemp-O'Brien
- Giulia Villari
- Dan Worth
- Sam King
- Patricia Costa
- Rumena Begum
- Tim Scales
- Charlotte Farmer
People
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Research Assistant (Engineer)
PhD Student
Senior Research Associate
Dean of Research Excellence Frameworks
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Projects
Receptor signals driving cancer progression
We are studying adhesion and growth factor receptor organisation, signalling and crosstalk mechanisms that drive cancer cell proliferation and invasion. We also study how cells respond to external mechanical changes during tumorigenesis, and how this is converted to changes in the F-actin cytoskeleton to promote invasive behaviour.
Receptor signalling regulating fibrotic disease
We are interested in understanding how membrane receptors contribute to both mechanical and chemical sensing in connective tissue, and how this process becomes dysregulated in lung and skin fibrosis. We study novel genes identified in patients with fibrotic disease to elucidate new pathways for potential therapeutic intervention.
Epithelial receptor signals controlling skin homeostasis
In collaboration with clinical dermatology groups at King’s, we study novel genes identified in patients with skin fragility to determine how they contribute to epithelial cell adhesion and migration.
Publications
Previous group members
Previous Group Members
- Irina Jahin
- Salwa Alhamada
- Sofia Endzhievskaya
- Magdalene Michael
- Willow Hight-Warburton
- Virginia Llopis-Hernandez
- Karin Pfisterer
- Grace Chan
- Tom Hayday
- Yonis Bare
- Penny Morton
- Brooke Lumicisi
- Jake Howden
- Julia Deathridge
- Sweta Raghavan
- Rosie Pike
- Asier Jayo
- Karl Kemp-O'Brien
- Giulia Villari
- Dan Worth
- Sam King
- Patricia Costa
- Rumena Begum
- Tim Scales
- Charlotte Farmer
Our Partners
Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council
Breast Cancer Campaign