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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.

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

People, projects and publications

People

Dr Angus Wann PhD

Associate Professor in Cell Physiology

Research interests

  • A core interest in the group is molecular, cellular, tissue and organ level mechanobiology. This is often studied through the lens of primary cilia biology. We are developing developmental engineering approaches to tissue biology which also help us to study the relevance of our discovery science in the realms of chondropathies e.g Osteoarthritis and chondrodysplasia.  We have interests in matrix turnover in development and disease and maturation of matrices to support life-long health of tissues.  Finally, we have a long-standing interest in the Intergration of mechanobiology and inflammation through the genes and proteins associated with primary cilia or ciliome. 

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: a.k.t.wann@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Claire Clarkin

Assoc Prof in Develpmtl & Skeltl Biology

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

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Daniel Kaganovich

Associate Professor of Neurobiology

Dr David Tumbarello

Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences

Research interests

  • Membrane Trafficking
  • Autophagy
  • Mitochondrial Quality Control

Accepting applications from PhD students

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

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Emily Gwyer Findlay MSci PhD FHEA

Assoc Professor in Biomedical Sciences

Accepting applications from PhD students

Dr Joern Werner

Reader in Structural Biology

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

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Professor Karen Lillycrop

Professor of Epigenetics

Research interests

  • Epigenetics
  • Human Disease

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

Address: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road Shirley, SO16 6YD

Dr Marcin Przewloka

Lecturer in Molecular Cell Biology

Accepting applications from PhD students

Email: marcin.przewloka@soton.ac.uk

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

Dr Neil Smyth

Reader

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

Address: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road Shirley, SO16 6YD

Dr Nicole Prior

Lecturer

Accepting applications from PhD students

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

Address: B85, East Highfield Campus, University Road, SO17 1BJ

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.
Assoc Professor in Biomedical Sciences
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