Mammalian Cell Biology
Meiosis
Cell proliferation and division
Much of our understanding of eukaryotic cell biology, including cell growth, the mitotic and meiotic divisions and repair of DNA damage, has resulted from genetic analysis of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This was the first eukaryote genome to be sequenced and the organism continues to be and an excellent model for what happens in higher eukaryotes. Cell growth and morphogenesis are studied in the context of fungal pathogenicity and biotechnology using the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans and filiamentous fungi.
Cell signalling and recognition
Cells respond to external stimuli, acting on receptors at the cell surface, via signal transduction pathways which lead to changes in gene expression. Such triggers are important for many types of cell behaviour, including immune response in human allergies and infection, proliferation of normal and cancer cells, and control of plant metabolism. Cell surface receptors are also important for cell-cell recognition during human fertilisation. |
Plant Cell Development
Fungal Cell Biology
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The Cell Biology and Genetics Group employs a wide range of genetic and biochemical approaches to investigate fundamental processes in eukaryotic cells of microbes and multicellular organisms. Our work has implications for human health, biotechnology and agriculture.