RNA Biology and Molecular Therapeutics Group

I have expertise in the genetic manipulation of cells, alongside the use of chemical tools to determine the molecular pharmacology of novel therapeutic agents and the identification of mechanistic and predictive biomarkers. My research focuses on the therapeutic targeting of the cancer cell stress response and included the discovery of the clinically active HSP90 inhibitor luminespib (AUY922).

I am an experienced molecular and cell biologist, supporting the research aims of the team within the Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery. My research is currently focused on the discovery of inhibitors of RNA processing.

I am helping to identify and develop innovative targeted cancer drugs, and understand their molecular pharmacology and mechanism of action. I was involved in the discovery of HSP90 inhibitors, including luminespib (AUY922), which shows activity in drug-resistant breast and lung cancers. I am currently a member of a collaborative team with a Pharma partner identifying WNT-pathway inhibitors.

I have been involved in several drug development projects that discovered small molecule inhibitors of PI3K and WNT signalling. I am currently part of the project team developing inhibitors of the cancer cell stress response. My research focusses on gene expression profiling techniques to help understand the mechanism of action of compounds, molecular determinants of sensitivity and markers of drug response.