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Research project

H2020 RIA IMI2-rapiD and secuRe AI imaging based diaGnosis, stratification, fOllow-up, and preparedness for coronavirus paNdemics.-DRAGON

Staff

Lead researcher

Professor Diana Baralle B.Sc., M.B.B.S, M.D, FRCP

Associate Dean Research

Research interests

  • RNA
  • Splicing
  • Genomics
Other researchers

Professor Ratko Djukanovic

Professor of Medicine

Research interests

  • Professor Djukanovic has a lifelong interest in asthma, especially its severe forms. where his focus is on: 1) underlying pathobiological mechanisms of asthma, 2) stratification of asthma into clinical phenotypes and mechanism-based endotypes, 3) unmet needs of severe asthma management. He also has an interest in the mechanisms and treatments of severe viral infections of the lung.
  • Underlying mechanisms of asthma: Professor Djukanovic has conducted pioneer studies into the pathology of asthma, applying research bronchoscopy  (with endobronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage) and sputum induction. He led the initial task forces which defined the use of these two techniques, thereby paving the way for standardised research approches that enabled in-depth descriptions of the roles of various inflammatory cells and their mediators. He developed an explant model, consisting of bronchial biopsies placed into tissue culture, that could be stimulated ex vivo with relevant triggers, applying as needed, novel agents not yet approved for in vivo use in humans volunteers. 
  • Stratification of asthma into clinical phenotypes and mechanism-based endotypes: Professor Djukanovic led the discovery of biomarkers using omics technology (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, breathomics). After the first ever study of transcriptomics biomarkers in the epithelium of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), together with a colleague from Amsterdam and two colleagues from Imperial College, London, he created a large (€27 milllion) programme for severe asthma (U-BIOPRED), funded by the EU Innovative Medicines Initiative. This has resulted in more than 100 publications, providing insight into novel phenotypes and endotypes of asthma.

Professor Tom Wilkinson MA, Cantab, MBBS, PhD, FRCP

Associate Dean Enterprise

Dr Yihua Wang

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Cell Signalling in Disease
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Crosstalk
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis

Collaborating research institutes, centres and groups

Cell and Developmental Biology

We explore how molecular interactions between proteins and small molecules, defined at atomic resolution, govern biochemical output and in turn control cell behaviour.

Integrative Molecular Phenotyping Centre

Southampton’s unique in-depth expertise in multi-omic technologies, combined with access to patient cohorts from world-leading collaborative clinical and commercial partners, aims to transform precision medicine across the disease spectrum, from cancer immunology to respiratory conditions.

BiOmics

Technological advances have allowed scientists to gather large amounts of data about a vast array of species, organisms and single cells. Our researchers are using mathematical modelling, machine learning and other algorithms to extract information and patterns from large data sets to further our understanding of disease.

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