biomedical sciences research institute - Research - University of Ulster

10. STEM CELL & EPIGENETICS RESEARCH GROUPThe Stem Cells & Epigenetics Group has been exploiting the developing theme of stem cell research. The Group isequipped with transgenic mouse facilities, including a microinjection station with Nikon microscope and Narashigemicromanipulators, Nikon Eclipse 600 upright fluorescence microscope and SPF mouse facility with dedicatedtechnical staff. There are also designated stem cell laboratories for culture, differentiation and visualisation of stemcells.The research activities of the group have centred upon the stem cells in the blood and gonads and the group haveconcentrated on five main project areas:• Immunosenescence through decrease of DNA repair capacity with age, as measured in clonal populations of Tcells from donors of different ages.• Epigenetic reprogramming in normal development and in disease, including work into fundamental aspects ofDNA methylation through construction and analysis of DNA methylase-defective mouse lines.• Germ cell development and its relevance for infertility syndromes: the role of candidate genes in maleinfertility.• Stem cell function and reprogramming during the ontology of leukaemia, to identify potential new drug treatmentsas well as exploring the possibility of expanding stem cells from fetal cord.• Examining the links between DNA repair and methylation, leading to insights into mechanisms of drug resistancein tumours and potential benefits in terms of treatment selection.92