Project List
1. Cancer Biology, Diagnosis and Therapeutics
The main focus of this programme is to study the fundamental biology of cancer and metastasis in companion animals and to identify potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers of disease. The main areas of interest include:
• Telomere and Telomerase Biology in Cancer
• Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Cancer
• DNA damage response pathways
There are key interests in canine and feline Lymphoma, Bone Cancer, Breast Cancer, Mast Cell Disease and Histiocytic Diseases and utilizing these natural systems as models for human disease.
2. Cancer Stem Cells
The focus of this programme is to isolate and characterize cancer stem cells from a range of cancer types. We are utilizing array technologies and RNAi to identify potential therapeutic targets.
3. Companion Animal Stem Cell Programme
In parallel to our cancer stem cell programme, we have a programme to identify and characterize companion animal adult and embryonic stem cells. It is anticipated that this work will contribute to reducing the number of animals in research and also contribute to the development of regenerative medicines in the companion animals.
• Derivation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in dogs and cats
• The main focus of this study is to generate stem cells from adult tissues. These cells could then be used to generate cells of specific organ systems.
• A study of Adult Stem Cells:
• This programme is characterizing canine and feline adult stem cells (mainly cardiac and mesenchymal).