Cell Biology
Understanding every stage of a tumour through discovery science.

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.
Research Groups
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Balasubramanian Group
Chemical biology
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Carroll Group
Nuclear receptor transcription
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Creixell Group
Cancer signalling and therapeutics
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Gilbertson Group
Cellular and molecular origins of cancer
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Jackson Group
Maintenance of genome stability
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Narita Group
Cellular senescence and tumour suppressors
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Winton Group
Stem cell biology of the intestine
Impact
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Next generation DNA sequencing
The development of Next Generation Sequencing technology has reduced the time and cost of sequencing DNA.
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Transforming cancer treatment with Olaparib
Olaparib has significantly impacted patient outcomes, with over 140,000 patients treated, reducing disease progression and death by up to 66%.
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Related News
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Isabel Esain Garcia awarded PhD Thesis Prize
3rd December 2024
The Prize is awarded annually to a student who has undertaken an outstanding research project to the highest standards during the course of their PhD study at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.
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Quest for Cures: Glioblastoma research receives £1.5 million from The Brain Tumour Charity
31st July 2024
The Creixell Group has been awarded a £1.5 million ‘Quest for Cures’ grant from The Brain Tumour Charity for research aimed at improving treatments for glioblastoma.
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Dr Tim Halim receives £3.3 million Wellcome Discovery Award
3rd April 2024
The Wellcome Discovery Award provides funding for established researchers to pursue bold and creative research ideas.
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