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Research Group

Cell and Developmental Biology

Rounded shapes and chemistry structures.

We research how cells become specialised, communicate with each other and respond to the environment, leading to an impact on the development of cancer, neurological diseases and the function of the immune system.

Part of Biological sciences

About

Our research provides a natural training environment for the next generation of scientists by combining molecular, biochemical, gene editing and imaging approaches with structural biology. This enables advanced investigations into the complex mechanisms of fundamental biology.

We pursue a range of interests including:

  • the molecular organisation of proteins and nucleic acids
  • cell signalling pathways controlling gene expression, autophagy and cell growth
  • mechanisms of chromosome segregation
  • the structure and function of the immune system, plant growth and environmental interactions
  • membrane proteins and cellular function 

Our research provides experimental platforms to collaborate with other researchers in other areas. For instance, we work with our colleagues in medicine to exploit structural and functional studies on how cancer cells evade the immune system.

Research highlights

Professor Nullin Divecha working at a lab bench, surrounded by various containers and equipment.

Supercharging your immune system

Health and wellbeing
Research led by Professor Nullin Divecha and his laboratory team has identified a way to boost the power of the human immune system to find and destroy cancer cells within the body.

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Claire Clarkin

Assoc Prof in Develpmtl & Skeltl Biology

Connect with Claire

Email: c.e.clarkin@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ (View in Google Maps)

Dr Daniel Kaganovich

Associate Professor of Neurobiology

Connect with Daniel

Dr David Tumbarello

Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

Research interests

  • Membrane Trafficking
  • Autophagy
  • Mitochondrial Quality Control

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with David

Email: d.a.tumbarello@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ (View in Google Maps)

Google Scholar
ORCID
LinkedIn
Twitter

Dr Emily Gwyer Findlay MSci PhD FHEA

Assoc Professor in Biomedical Sciences

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Emily

Dr Joern Werner

Reader in Structural Biology

Connect with Joern

Email: j.m.werner@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ (View in Google Maps)

ORCID

Professor Karen Lillycrop

Professor of Epigenetics

Research interests

  • Epigenetics
  • Human Disease

Connect with Karen

Email: k.a.lillycrop@soton.ac.uk

Address: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road Shirley, SO16 6YD (View in Google Maps)

Google Scholar
ORCID

Dr Marcin Przewloka

Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Marcin

Email: marcin.przewloka@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ (View in Google Maps)

Google Scholar
ORCID
LinkedIn

Dr Neil Smyth

Reader

Connect with Neil

Email: n.r.smyth@soton.ac.uk

Address: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road Shirley, SO16 6YD (View in Google Maps)

Dr Nicole Prior

Lecturer

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Nicole

Email: n.r.j.prior@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ (View in Google Maps)

ORCID

Professor Nullin Divecha

Professor of Cellular Signalling

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Nullin

Email: n.divecha@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ (View in Google Maps)

I am a T cell immunologist. I am interested in how early innate immune responses - particularly neutrophil infiltration and antimicrobial peptide production - affect T cell differentiation and function.
Dr Emily Gwyer Findlay
Assoc Professor in Biomedical Sciences
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