CRF Biomedical Research Fellowships 2001

Biomedical Research Fellowships 2001

Dr Mandy Jackson, Dr Hilary Anne Snaith & Dr Robin Plevin

Biomedical Research Fellowships 2001

Personal Research Fellowships for 2001-2004 were awarded to:

Dr Mandy Jackson, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA - the molecular mechanisms that regulate the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAT4 (more)
Dr Lesley Stark, MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh - the role of the NF-kappaB transcription factor in the anti-tumour effects of NSAIDs(more)

A Support Research Fellowship for 2001-2002 was awarded to:

Dr Robin Plevin, Strathclyde University - the role of proteinase-activated receptor-2 in inflammatory disease (more)

Molecular mechanisms that regulate the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAT4

Dr Jackson will be studying the biology of some of the proteins (particularly the recently-discovered EAAT4) that interact with and regulate the transport of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate is one of the most important substances involved in the transmission of nerve signals in the brain and spinal column, but if it is not removed efficiently from the nerve endings, it can become toxic and damage the nerve cells. Failure of the glutamate transport systems is among the mechanisms thought to contribute to degeneration of the brain tissue and loss of brain function.

Studies of the molecular effects of NSAIDs in colorectal cancer: implications for cancer prevention and novel drug discovery

Dr Stark's research will focus on specific aspects of the anti-tumour effects of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in colorectal cancer. Each year in the UK, 20,000 people die from cancer of the large bowel. Although there is evidence that aspirin and NSAIDs may prevent the disease and even cause regression of early tumours, they cannot be prescribed on a population basis because of their detrimental side effects. Before alternatives can be developed, however, it is essential to understand more about the cellular processes involved and, in particular, the effect that these drugs have on a molecule called NF-kappaB and its role in the death of colon cancer cells.

The role of proteinase-activated receptor-2 in inflammatory disease

Inflammation is implicated in a number of major diseases prevalent today, including dermatitis, psoriasis, asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. Current treatments can relieve many of the symptoms in some of these diseases, but more effective drugs are needed. A possible target for the development of new anti-inflammatory treatments is PAR-2, a recently-discovered protein molecule that is found to be present in many layers of the skin, and in cells of the airways and intestine. By comparing normal and genetically-modified mice, Dr Plevin will be trying to clarify the role of this protein - whether it protects cells against, or contributes to, the development of inflammation.