Our research
Our research spans key areas of molecular, cell and systems biology using model organisms ranging from bacteria, yeast, plants through to Drosophila and mouse in addition to translational work in humans and cell culture, including stem cells and is ultimately aimed at solving important challenges facing human health and food security. A unique feature is our breadth of expertise in multi-disciplinary integrative biology, from molecules to organisms and biological systems.
We are located within a centralised research hub in the heart of the Gilmorehill campus and is supported by cutting-edge facilities and infrastructure, including the Structural Biology and Biophysical Characterisation Facility which comprises expertise in NMR spectroscopy and EM imaging in addition to a fully equipped X-ray crystallography suite. Support in multi-omic systems approaches including next-generation sequencing, proteomics and metabolomics is provided through Glasgow Polyomics. We are also extremely well equipped for fluorescence imaging and house a number of laser-scanning confocal microscopes, including a recently purchased Leica TCS SP8 FRET/FLIM system. Our research encompasses and integrates the following themes:
Research impact
We work in a number of different translational areas including:
- crop stress resistance
- pharmacology
- cell and tissue engineering
- protein bioprocessing technologies
Research in these areas involves collaborations with both stockholders (eg. NHS, Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and industrial partners (eg. Bayer, BASF).
Through such national and international collaborations, we aim to facilitate technology spin outs eg. Caldan Therapeutics Ltd, led by Prof Graeme Milligan, which recently attracted £4.5M of venture capital to develop novel therapeutics for type 2 diabetes, as well as licence opportunities. For instance, Prof Anna Amtmann is currently partnering Bayer to go to in-field crop trials for improved stress tolerance to help feed the world.
To aid translation, we have also worked to develop a range of clinical links. These include orthopaedic surgery with Prof Matthew Dalby collaborating with Mr Dominic Meek to form GLORI. In addition, work involving Dr Mathis Riehle and Prof Andrew Hart aims to crack the supply of primary human neurons (eg. for drug testing), whereas work from Prof Darren Monckton focusses on myotonic dystrophy and Huntington disease.
A number of impact case studies are presented below. We are continually looking to build new collaborations. Please contact us if you would like to collaborate on any aspect of translation.