biomedical sciences research institute - Research - University of Ulster

6. CANCER AND AGEING RESEARCH GROUPRESEARCH STRATEGYCancer is most commonly a disease of old age, brought on by cumulative mutagenic responses to DNA damage;probably, some of the factors producing ageing are similar. This Group has, therefore, investigated factors affecting themutability and growth controls of human cells and of a variety of animal models. Cancer-related work encompassesa range of topics relevant to therapy, diagnosis or causation. Direct research into ageing involves studies of ageingsyndromes: such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Werner Syndrome.The Group uses a wide range of facilities, including proteomic facilities with 2D electrophoresis and a spot-pickingrobot, a QTOF Ultima mass spectrometer, Xray and caesium gamma sources, whole-body imaging for mice, andventilated isolation cages for handling immuno-compromised mice.MEMBERS OF THE GROUPAcademic Staff:Professor Stephen Downes, Group LeaderProfessor of Cancer BiologyContact Details:T: +44 (0)28 70324121cs.downes@ulster.ac.ukProfessor Downes’ main research interests are:in cancer biology:• Cell cycle control, concentrating on control of progression into G2/M by decatenation, damage and replicationcheckpoints;• DNA damage as detected by the Comet assay, and variations of that assay;• Creation of novel vectors to display results of different classes of DNA damage;• DNA repair mechanisms (excision, postreplication, mismatch); and molecular basis of repair deficiency inthymidine kinase defective cells;• Signaling networks, particularly in lung and colon cancer;• Nutritional aspects of carcinogenesis, particularly mechanisms by which dietary folate or salicylate insufficiencymay affect colon cancer.in ageing:• Mechanisms defective in progeroid syndromes, especially Werner syndrome and Cockayne syndrome;• Excess DNA damage in Alzheimer syndrome.30