Overview
I have a considerable track record in cancer research, with a particular interest in the molecular biology of how the disease progresses. My research focusses on how prostate cancer cells respond to testosterone, and how they can circumvent this pathway.
Biography
Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative
- Studying microRNA and androgen signalling in prostate cancer.
- Studying novel antiandrogens for prostate cancer treatment.
I am a senior research fellow and group leader at the Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative. My current research focusses upon prostate cancer and the role of androgen signalling. Currently I am studying how androgen receptor cofactors and corepressors influence androgen action and contribute to androgen independence in late stage prostate cancer. Using bioluminescent models and cell lines, I also collaborate with the Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, to evaluate novel anti-androgen drug compounds.
A second avenue of research includes the study of microRNAs in the development of prostate cancer and in the transition from normal to malignant and invasive tissue. Of additional interest is the possibility of using microRNAs as both potential therapies in their own right, and as potential biomarkers of prostate cancer disease and progression, especially for clinical decision making to differentiate those with, potentially, aggressive disease.
Honours and awards
CRUK Cardiff Centre development fund award for the project: “Evaluating novel antiandrogens for Prostate Cancer Treatment”.2015-2016
Professional memberships
Member of the British Association of Cancer Research (BACR).
Academic positions
Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative
- Studying microRNA and androgen signalling in prostate cancer.
- Studying novel antiandrogens for prostate cancer treatment.
Imperial College London (UK), Department of Cancer
- November 2004-2013: MRC funded Postdoc in the laboratory of Dr Charlotte Bevan: I developed unique animal models to visualise the activity of the androgen receptor in the living mouse.
- Prostate Cancer Charity funded position: The study and development of novel microRNA-antagonists to inhibit the activity of androgen receptor in prostate cancer and to enhance the activity of current clinically used prostate cancer therapies.
University of Oxford, Department of Biochemistry
- January 2001-November 2004: I identified and highlighted key mechanisms in the detection of single-stranded DNA in cells damaged by ionising radiation, with relevance to radiotherapy of solid tumours.
Speaking engagements
CCUK Conference Cardiff, 2015. Invited speaker.
CCUK Conference, Beijing, 2014. Invited speaker.
University of Bedford, 2014. Invited speaker.
