Molecular Structure and Signalling

Our research involves using a range of biochemical approaches to address underlying mechanisms and processes in a range of biological and health related areas including innate immunity, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, virology (including COVID19) and parasitology. This includes a wide range of complementary techniques and expertise in molecular biology and cellular signalling, glycobiology, and structural biology and is underpinned by a wide range of national and international collaborations and access to world-leading Central Facilities including Institute Laue Langevin (Life Sciences Group and Deuteration Laboratory), Diamond Light Source and Harwell Campus, Liverpool Technology Directorate and Midlands Innovation.

Key areas of research and techniques include the following:

Cellular and molecular pathways in cell fate decision
Development of custom next generation sequencing and bioinformatic workflows
RNA sequencing, de novo assembly and discovery of novel functional ncRNAs
Conjugative DNA transfer in gram-positive pathogens
Microbiome characterization
Biomarker discovery and characterisation
Structural biology, including x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy
Effector mechanisms in innate immunity
Characterisation of pathogen-host interactions
Structure, function and recognition properties of secreted pattern recognition receptors
Glycosaminoglycan research
Role of heparin in health and disease
Characterisation of cellular mechanotransduction pathways
Mechanical manipulation of cells and tissues