Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB)
Our MCB group addresses challenging topics which relate to how living systems (animal and human) are organised, and function, at a molecular and cellular level. To study these areas,
we use a range of state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Our MCB is multidisciplinary and collaborative, working with academia, industry and local clinicians through the
Essex Biomedical Sciences Institute (EBSI).
Two main themes exist within our group: ‘Mechanisms of Disease’ and ‘Molecules: From Structure to Function’.
Mechanisms of disease
Disease is the state where normal cell functions are disrupted, resulting in chronic or acute health problems.
Factors such as genetic, developmental, infection, lifestyle and age contribute to the cause of disease.
Our research focuses on understanding the processes in the development of disease. By
investigating molecular mechanisms in the function of molecules and cells, we hope to identify
therapeutic opportunities for improving the treatment of disease. Our specific areas of interest are genetic and chronic diseases,
infection and immunity, and ageing.
-
Genetic and chronic diseases
Abnormalities within the genome can be passed from parent to child and there are currently no treatments for most genetic diseases.
Chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes are long lasting conditions which can be caused by genetic and/or environmental
factors. Although often treatable, they are the leading cause of mortality in the world, accounting for 63 per cent of all deaths.
We are studying the molecular events that underline these diseases in order better to understand them. This knowledge will help to diagnose
them earlier to identify the best treatment strategy, and ultimately alleviate or cure the conditions.
-
Infection and immunity
Infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa are important causes of illness and death while the spread of resistant bacteria like MRSA present
a significant healthcare challenge.
We study the molecular mechanisms which lead to infection through bacteria and protozoa to devise new ways of preventing or treating infections. We are investigating how
picornaviruses (which cause infections ranging from the common cold to fatal paralysis) interact with the cell to replicate, and, therefore, cause damage.
We also study the role of the immune system in controlling infection and how lipopolysaccharides from gram-negative bacteria contribute to life-threatening conditions like
septic shock. Another area of focus is how the immune system deals with the immunological problems of pregnancy, where an essentially semi-allograft organism, the foetus, can be
tolerated and nurtured rather than rejected.
-
Ageing
The ageing of organisms and individual cells (senescence) is a very complex process and our research aims to discover the molecular events causing ageing and senescence.
Understanding these processes will help to reduce the burden of age-associated conditions like dementia, in particular Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, cancer, heart disease
and many others. The Essex Research into Ageing Unit (ERA) consists of a team of scientists with the expertise to find
molecular solutions to ageing conditions and design treatment therapies.
Molecules: from structure to function
The team with an interest in the structure and function of molecules is a multidisciplinary collective. We focus on understanding the relationships between the three-dimensional
molecular structure and biological function of proteins and other macromolecules. We use a variety of complementary biochemical and biophysical techniques to provide deep insights and
generate detailed models which explain static and dynamic structure/function relationships.
-
Biomolecular interactions
Interactions between various biomolecules are necessary for biological processes to take place in living cells. Our aim is to explain the mechanisms and effects of these
interactions. This includes interactions between biological macromolecules: protein-protein or protein-nucleic acids or other ligands and their receptors.
-
Metals in biology
The vital role of metal ions in biology is gaining increasing recognition. Metal ions are present in roughly half of the currently known protein structures and are essential for
the function of many biological processes. Understanding how they function in biological systems and how they are regulated and incorporated into proteins, requires an interdisciplinary
approach which includes cell and molecular biology, structural and spectroscopic studies and systems biology. This approach provides us with a wealth of insight into the role of metal ions
in an organism as well as cell viability, enzyme catalysis and a range of disease processes.
-
Protein structure and dynamics
The three-dimensional structures of proteins are intimately linked to their biological functions. The main technique used to study protein structure is macromolecular
crystallography, often using powerful synchrotron radiation X-ray sources. Structural biology is of major relevance to drug design, understanding enzyme catalysis and to
gain insights into protein mis-function or misfolding in human disease. Proteins are highly dynamic systems where motion, conformational rearrangements and flexibility are
fundamental to function. Studies of protein dynamics allow a deeper understanding of molecular function.