Our research
Explore our latest innovative research.
Discover our research investigating the fundamental mechanisms underlying specific gene control, in the context of blood and metabolic disorders. From debilitating blood diseases to controlling obesity, our research projects aim to come up with solutions to global issues.
Research projects
Regulating globin expression: a potential therapy for sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia
Overview
Sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia are debilitating blood diseases that arise due to mutations in adult globin genes. In this project, we will investigate the signaling cascades and networks involved in developmental regulation of globin gene expression, with an ultimate aim of reactivating the foetal globin genes.
Controlling obesity: transcriptional regulation of adipogenesis
Overview
Obesity is currently one of the Western world’s greatest medical challenges. In this project, we will investigate the transcriptional control of adipogenesis by identifying the signaling cascades and downstream target genes controlling fat cell development. In this project, we will investigate the transcriptional control of adipogenesis by identifying the signaling cascades and downstream target genes controlling fat cell development.
Engineering the next generation of artificial transcription factors
Overview
The ability to artificially regulate gene expression offers immense promise for the treatment of human diseases. In this project, we will apply knowledge of how natural transcription factors regulate their target genes to engineer a new generation of more potent artificial factors. In this project, we will apply knowledge of how natural transcription factors regulate their target genes to engineer a new generation of more potent artificial factors.