A5020339333- Genomics and Chromatin Dynamics
- Ubiquitin and proteasome pathways
- Chromosomal and Genetic Variations
- Hippo pathway signaling and YAP/TAZ
- Microtubule and mitosis dynamics
- Pluripotent Stem Cells Research
- DNA Repair Mechanisms
- Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations
- Invertebrate Immune Response Mechanisms
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
- Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
- Ocular Oncology and Treatments
- Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism
- Angiogenesis and VEGF in Cancer
- Cancer-related gene regulation
- Protein Degradation and Inhibitors
- 14-3-3 protein interactions
- CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
- Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
- Parasites and Host Interactions
- Advanced Proteomics Techniques and Applications
- Signaling Pathways in Disease
- Media, Religion, Digital Communication
- Insect Pest Control Strategies
Queen's University Belfast
2017-2024
Trinity College Dublin
2023
University of Liverpool
2010-2021
The Queen's Medical Research Institute
2007-2012
University of Edinburgh
2000-2012
Google (United States)
2012
Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology
2000-2006
The SMC proteins are found in nearly all living organisms examined, where they play crucial roles mitotic chromosome dynamics, regulation of gene expression, and DNA repair. We have explored the phylogenetic relationships from prokaryotes eukaryotes, as well their relationship to similar ABC ATPases, using maximum-likelihood analyses. also investigated coevolution different domains eukaryotic attempted account for evolutionary patterns we observed terms available structural data. Based on...
Abstract The activation of apoptosis signalling by TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) through receptor binding is a fundamental mechanism cell death induction and often perturbed in cancer cells to enhance their survival treatment resistance. Ubiquitination plays an important role the regulation TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, here we investigate E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch oesophageal cells. Knockdown expression results resistance TRAIL-induced caspase-8 activation, Bid cleavage also...
In multicellular organisms, tight regulation of gene expression ensures appropriate tissue and organismal growth throughout development. Reversible phosphorylation the RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD) is critical for states, but how actively modified in a developmental context remains poorly understood. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) one several enzymes that has been reported to dephosphorylate RNAPII CTD. However, PP1's contribution transcriptional during animal development...
The precise mechanism of chromosome condensation and decondensation remains a mystery, despite progress over the last 20 years aimed at identifying components essential to mitotic compaction genome. In this study, we analyse localization role CAP-D2 non-SMC condensin subunit its effect on stability complex. We demonstrate that complex exists in Drosophila embryos, containing CAP-D2, anticipated SMC2 SMC4 proteins, CAP-H/Barren CAP-G (non-SMC) subunits. show is nuclear protein throughout...
Abstract The condensin complex has been implicated in the higher-order organization of mitotic chromosomes a host model eukaryotes from yeasts to flies and vertebrates. Although paradoxically appear condense mutants, chromatids are not properly resolved, resulting chromosome segregation defects during anaphase. We have examined role different components interphase chromatin function by examining effects various mutations on position-effect variegation Drosophila melanogaster. Surprisingly,...
Abstract Adaptive polymorphism may be common in immune system genes as co‐evolutionary interactions foster diversity; either through ongoing positive selection (arms races), or balancing selection. DNA sequence diversity two putative was examined species of the genus Anopheles and from Aedes aegypti. For one gene, encoding peptidoglycan recognizing protein PGRPLB, there evidence purifying selection, suggesting that acts to eliminate variation. another thioester‐containing TEP3, higher levels...
Invadolysin is a metalloprotease conserved in many different organisms, previously shown to be essential Drosophila with roles cell division and migration. The gene seems ubiquitously expressed four distinct splice variants have been identified human cells but not most other species examined. Immunofluorescent detection of invadolysin cultured reveals the protein associated surface lipid droplets. By means subcellular fractionation, we independently confirmed association We thus identify as...
Multi-cellular organisms need to successfully link cell growth and metabolism environmental cues during development. Insulin receptor–target of rapamycin (InR–TOR) signalling is a highly conserved pathway that mediates this link. Herein, we describe poly , an essential gene in Drosophila InR–TOR signalling. Loss results lethality at the third instar larval stage, but only after stage extreme longevity. Analysis demonstrates Poly InR interact mutants show overall decrease signalling, as...
Expression of Eph receptors and their ligands, the ephrins, have important functions in boundary formation morphogenesis both adult embryonic tissue. The EphB ephrinB ligands are transmembrane proteins that expressed different cells interaction drives cell repulsion. For repulsion to occur, trans‐endocytosis inter‐cellular receptor‐ligand EphB‐ephrinB complex is required. molecular mechanism underlying poorly defined. Here we show process clathrin‐ Eps15R‐mediated using Co115 colorectal...
Polarization of the actin cytoskeleton is vital for collective migration cells in vivo. During invasive border cell Drosophila, polarization directly controlled by Hippo signaling complex, which resides at contacts between cluster. Here, we identify, a genetic screen deubiquitinating enzymes involved migration, an essential role nonstop/USP22 expression pathway components expanded and merlin. Loss nonstop function consequently leads to redistribution F-actin polarity determinant Crumbs, loss...
Abstract. Various entities that combine material from humans and other animals at either the cellular or subcellular level have attracted growing public interest. I explore controversy by considering both scientific rationale behind creating various prompted greatest concern possible ethical implications. note a number of potentially relevant biblical passages reflect on imago Dei considerations telos in order to prompt wider discussion regarding how Christians might respond such emerging...
The SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) proteins are a highly conserved and ubiquitous family ATPases, found in nearly all living organisms examined, where they play crucial roles transmission the hereditary material. However, extent to which efficient ATP hydrolysis is required for function has been matter some debate. Here we investigate potential functional significance binding different eukaryotic proteins, both by comparing conservation ATPase motifs exploring coevolution...
Various books by Judaeo-Christian authors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic raised question of what God is doing. Hierarchical clustering based on relative frequencies keywords reveals how such texts fell into three distinct clusters, whilst use F-test permits identification vocabulary characteristic each cluster. One cluster containing various Roman Catholic placed more emphasis gospels. Another used terms reflecting socio-political or economic concerns. A third underlined God's...
Margarete M.S. Heck, professor of cell biology and genetics, University Edinburgh, died peacefully at home amid her loving family under a blue moon on August 30, 2023, after long journey with ovarian cancer.