Cell Biology

We aim to understand every aspect of how tumours develop and grow.

By studying each stage of the tumour lifecycle, we uncover important information that helps us develop new ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. 

The Gilbertson Group recently discovered that the ability for cancer to spread, or metastasise, is not just a feature of cancer cells. They found that normal cells can also spread when a specific protein, NALCN, is missing. This finding shows that the spread of cells is a basic property that can be switched on in cancer and opens new avenues for potential drug targets.  

The Carroll Group discovered that a protein called STAT3 can make breast cancer cells spread by taking over hormone-regulated genes, making these cancers harder to treat with standard hormone therapies. The Winton Group explores how small changes in colon cells can lead to larger areas of mutation. They found that even when tissue looks normal, certain mutations can spread quickly. The Balasubramanian team looks at special DNA structures called G-quadruplexes that are common in cancer genes and can boost cancer growth.  

The Jackson Group focuses on DNA damage and repair. Through a spin-out company, they have developed the cancer drug Olaparib, a type of PARP inhibitor. Olaparib, marketed as Lynparza, has treated more than 140,000 patients with ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers to date.  

By understanding how tumours work at every level, we can create better strategies to treat patients, bringing us closer to a world free from the fear of cancer.