Dr Michelle Lawson

BSc, PhD, FHEA

Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health

School Director of Postgraduate Research

Senior Lecturer in Bone and Cancer Biology

Michelle Lawson
Dr Michelle Lawson
Profile picture of Michelle Lawson
m.a.lawson@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 215 9054

Full contact details

Dr Michelle Lawson
Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health
Office EU22, E Floor
The Medical School
Beech Hill Road
Sheffield
S10 2RX
Profile

For enquiries please contact - ClinMed-Operational@sheffield.ac.uk

I graduated from the University of Sheffield in 1997 with a BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology. I obtained my PhD in 2000 from the University of Bristol, after conducting my research at the Institute of Animal Health, investigating the use of cytokines as DNA vaccine adjuvants.

In 2000 I began my research career in the field of bone biology at the University of Oxford. While there I developed various biomaterials for bone scaffolding and a novel technique to measure the bone binding affinities of bisphosphonates, drugs used in the prevention of bone disease.

In 2005 I moved back to the University of Sheffield where I worked in Professor Peter Croucher’s Bone Biology Group and my research involved looking at the effects of bisphosphonates in preclinical models of multiple myeloma. I also developed a novel microscopy technique to allow the visualization of single dormant cancer cells in bone. Together this research has led to the identification of several key molecules involved in the early stages of myeloma and its associated bone disease. I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Bone and Cancer Biology in the Department of Oncology and Metabolism and I lead the Sheffield Myeloma Research Team (SMaRT). My main research interests are myeloma-induced bone disease, dormant tumour cells, and the use of oncolytic adenoviruses to combat myeloma and lymphoma.

Research interests

I have developed and established several preclinical murine models of myeloma to study therapeutic intervention in the early, mid and late stages of the disease. This has led to an increased understanding of the role of the bone marrow microenvironment and how it influences tumour growth and tumour cell dormancy. I am currently investigating the use of standard of care anti-myeloma drugs in combination with bone modulating agents to repair myeloma-induced bone disease; and using existing (standard of care therapies) or novel agents (oncolytic viruses) to target myeloma cells (proliferating and dormant) in the bone marrow microenvironment, with the aim of translating these findings into patients. I am currently collaborating with Theolytics to harness viruses to combat myeloma (https://www.theolytics.com/post/1m-project-with-innovateuk-for-multiple-myeloma).

Publications

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Journal articles

Chapters

All publications

Journal articles

Chapters

Conference proceedings papers

  • Diaz-DelCastillo M, Nemler T, Thygesen DM, Chavez-Saldana NA, Vazquez-Mora JA, Palasca O, Juhl L, Evans H, Andrews RE, Mandal A , Chantry AD et al (2023) Mechanisms of Bone Pain in Multiple Myeloma: Involvement of Periosteal Bone Sprouting. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 38 (pp 55-56) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Diaz-delCastillo M, Nemler T, Thygesen DM, Chavez-Saldana NA, Vazquez-Mora JA, Palasca O, Juhl L, Evans H, Andrews RE, Mandal A , Chantry AD et al (2022) Myeloma-induced bone pain: lessons learnt from a localized, immunocompetent mouse model. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA, Vol. 22 (pp S108-S108) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Stewart G, Tazzyman ST, Lath D, Down J, Lawson M, Muthana M & Chantry A (2019) Myeloma-specific oncolytic adenovirus induces significant tumour oncolysis in vitro and in vivo and prevents cell line regrowth. BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Vol. 185 (pp 97-97) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Paton-Hough J, Lawson M & Chantry A (2019) Preventing and repairing myeloma bone disease by combining zoledronic acid with TGF beta inhibition therapy. BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Vol. 185 (pp 16-16) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Tattersall L, De Marchi E, Williamson A, Di VF, Lawson MA, Adinolfi E & Gartland A (2018) P2X7R in primary bone cancer. PURINERGIC SIGNALLING, Vol. 14 (pp S13-S14) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Jiang Y, Down J, Raffles S, Jenkins E, Ferretti L, Bunce C, Drayson M, Lawson M & Khanim F (2018) Targeting free light chain (FLC) secretion and the unfolded protein response in myeloma cells using VaN, a combination of repurposed drugs. Experimental Hematology, Vol. 64(Suppl) (pp S74-S75). Los Angeles, USA, 23 August 2018 - 26 August 2018. View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Müller LME, Parrish C, Migneco G, Scott GB, Holmes M, Melcher AA, Lawson MA, Cook G & Errington-Mais F (2017) Abstract 18: Evaluating the contribution of anti-myeloma immunity for the efficacy of oncolytic reovirus therapy (pp 18-18) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Mueller LME, Parrish C, Migneco G, Scott GB, Holmes M, Melcher AA, Lawson MA, Cook G & Errington-Mais F (2017) Evaluating the contribution of anti-myeloma immunity for the efficacy of oncolytic reovirus therapy.. CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH, Vol. 23(24) (pp 44-44) View this article in WRRO RIS download Bibtex download
  • Williams AJ, Lawson MA, Alamer O, Hough J, Bos T, Vanderkerken K & Croucher PI (2011) Multiphoton imaging of individual myeloma cells in calvariae: Association of myeloma development with sites of bone turnover. BONE, Vol. 48(1) (pp S14-S14) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Vitovski S, Chantry AD, Lawson MA & Croucher PI (2011) Targeting tumour-initiating cells with trail based combination therapy ensures complete and lasting eradication of multiple myeloma tumours in vivo. BONE, Vol. 48(1) (pp S15-S15) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Williams A, Lawson M, Bos T, Amani E, Hough J, Evans H, Lath D, Gallagher O, Coulton L, Vanderkerken K & Croucher P (2010) Imaging and quantitation of multiple myeloma in calvariae. BONE, Vol. 47 (pp S328-S328) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Buckle CH, De Leenheer E, Lawson MA, Hough JM, Yong KL, Rabin N, Vanderkerken K & Croucher PI (2009) Soluble RANK ligand produced by myeloma cells contributes to generalised bone loss in multiple myeloma. BONE, Vol. 44 (pp S162-S162) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Williams AJ, Bos T, Vanderkerken K & Croucher PI (2009) Localising individual myeloma cells to the myeloma 'niche' in bone using multiphoton microscopy. BONE, Vol. 44 (pp S164-S164) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Xia Z, Dunford J, Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Kavanagh K, Oppermann U, Barnett BL, Ebetino FH & Russell RGG (2007) Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and prediction of their clinical potencies: Dissociation of target enzyme- and hydroxyapatite-binding affinities. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 22(7) (pp 1125-1125) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Xia Z, Dunford J, Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Kavanagh K, Oppermann U, Roze C, Kashemirov B, McKenna CE, Ebetino FH & Russell RG (2007) Predicting pharmacological potencies of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates; novel methods dissociate enzyme- and hydroxyapatite-binding affinities. BONE, Vol. 40(6) (pp S301-S302) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Xia Z, Dunford J, Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Barnett BL, Ebetino FH & Russell RGG (2007) Predicting the clinical potencies of bisphosphonates: Divergence of hydroxyapatite and farnesyl diphosphate synthase binding affinities. CALCIFIED TISSUE INTERNATIONAL, Vol. 80 (pp S155-S155) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Coulton L, Ebetino FH, Gallagher O, Prideaux M, Vanderkerken K & Croucher PI (2006) Risedronate prevents bone disease and reduces turnour burden in a syngeneic model of multiple myeloma.. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 21 (pp S137-S137) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Xia Z, Dunford J, Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Barnett BL, Roze C, Kashemirov B, McKenna CE, Ebetino FH & Russell RGG (2006) Refining structure activity relationships among nitrogen containing bisphosphonates: Dissociation of mineral binding affinity and inhibitory potency on farnesyl diphosphate synthase.. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 21 (pp S183-S183) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Xia Z, Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Ebetino FH, McKenna CE, Marma M, Kashemirov B & Russell RGG (2006) A novel method to characterize relative mineral binding affinities of bisphosphonates and the structural requirements for binding by using ceramic hydroxyapatite column chromatography.. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 21 (pp S191-S191) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Coulton L, Ebetino FH, Gallagher O, Prideaux M, Vanderkerken K & Croucher PI (2006) Risedronate prevents bone disease and reduces tumour burden in a syngeneic model of multiple myeloma. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 21(7) (pp 1160-1160) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Xia ZT, Triffitt JT, Lawson MA, Ebetino H, McKenna CE, Marma M, Kashimirov B & Russell RGG (2006) Substitutions in the R1 hydroxyl and C1 phosphate positions significantly affect binding of risedronate during hydroxyapatite ceramic chromatography. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 21(7) (pp 1168-1168) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Coulton L, Ebetino FH, Gallagher O, Prideaux M, Vanderkerken K & Croucher P (2006) Risedronate prevents bone disease and reduces tumour burden in a syngeneic model of multiple myeloma. CANCER TREATMENT REVIEWS, Vol. 32 (pp S35-S35) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Ebetino FH, Barnett BL, Phipps RJ, Locklin RM & Russell RGG (2005) Potential bone mineral binding differences among bisphosphonates can be demonstrated by the use of hydroxyapatite column chromatography.. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 20(9) (pp S396-S396) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Ebetino FH, Barnett BL, Phipps RJ, White DJ & Russell RGG (2005) Differences in the potential binding of phosphate containing compounds to bone mineral are revealed by the novel use of hydroxyapatite column chromatography. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Vol. 20(7) (pp 1303-1303) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Triffitt JT, Ebetino FH, Phipps RJ, White DJ & Russell RGG (2005) The use of hydroxyapatite column chromatography as a novel method to reveal differences in relative binding affinities of bisphosphonates. BONE, Vol. 36 (pp S308-S309) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Wang L, Barralet JE, Lawson M, Triffitt JT, Cooper PC & Shelton RM (2004) Comparison of 2D and 3D bone marrow cell growth on alginate hydrogels. Transactions - 7th World Biomaterials Congress (pp 154) RIS download Bibtex download
  • Lawson MA, Wang L, Shelton RM, Barralet JE & Triffitt JT (2004) Behaviour of bone marrow stromal cells on and within alginate gels for potential use in tissue engineering procedures. Transactions - 7th World Biomaterials Congress (pp 913) RIS download Bibtex download

Preprints

Grants
  1. Innovate UK award (UK Biomedical Catalyst 2022-2025) Preclinical validation of a novel oncolytic viral therapy for multiple myeloma targeting readiness for clinical trials. Dr M.A. Lawson & Dr A.D. Chantry (£127,545). 10017183
  2. Sheffield Hospitals Charity Project Award (2021-2022). Treating plasmacytoma using direct injection of a novel engineered myeloma specific virus. Dr M.A. Lawson (£24,275). No. 173173
  3. Sheffield Hospitals Charity Project Award (2021-2022). The effect of targeting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) combined with chemotherapy on tumour load in myeloma. Dr M.A. Lawson (£13,891). No. 173345
  4. NC3Rs studentship award (2021-2023). Development and validation of 3D in vitro dormant myeloma cell models to reduce and replace animal studies. Dr M.A. Lawson, Alana Green & Frederik Claeyssens (£90,000). NC/V00137X/1
  5. Sheffield Hospitals Charity Project Award (2021-2022). Targeting minimal residual disease to find a cure for myeloma. Dr A. Green, Dr A.D. Chantry, Dr M.A. Lawson (£42,862). No. 169591
  6. Sheffield Hospitals Charity Project Award (2020-2021). Assessing SD208 (a novel bone anabolic agent) as equivalent or superior in the treatment of myeloma bone; an in vivo explorative study. Dr R. Andrews, Dr Chantry & Dr M.A. Lawson (£41,000). 163969
  7. Sheffield Hospitals Charity Project Award (2020-2021). Oncolytic advenovirus therapy for multiple myeloma. Dr Chantry & Dr M.A. Lawson (£41,143). No. 202014
  8. Oxford Biomedica (2019-2020) Clinical collaboration using CAR-T cells therapy. Dr M. A. Lawson (£13,400).
  9. Shin Poong Pharma (2017-2018). Testing a potential bone anabolic agent (SP-35454) in multiple myeloma, Dr M. A. Lawson (£140,000).
  10. Bone Cancer Research Trust (2015-2018). PhD studentship: Purinergic Signalling in Osteosarcoma, Dr A. Gartland & Dr M.A. Lawson (£147,000). BCRT Grant No. 44/15.
  11. British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (2106-218) Project Grant: Investigating the potential of statins to prevent and treat Anti-Resorptive agent induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw, Dr M. A. Lawson, Ibraz Siddique & Alasdair McKechnie (£6384).
  12. Sheffield Blood Cancer Trust (2015). High potency, low affinity bisphosphonates pilot study, Dr A. Chantry, Dr M.A. Lawson, Prof. J. Snowden& Prof R.G.G. Russell (£8,000).
  13. Sheffield Hospitals Charity (2015). Investigating changes in the tumour bone microenvironment during the development of multiple myeloma and testing novel strategies for clinical intervention. Dr M.A. Lawson, J. Paton-Hough (Sheffield) & Dr F. Errington-Mais (University of Leeds) (£4,739).
  14. Bloodwise Project Grant (2018-2020). Targeting BMP signalling in the MGUS/MM bone microenvironment. Dr C. Edwards, Dr K. Ramasamy, Dr M.A. Lawson, H. Drakesmith, Dr S. Gooding & R. Kumar grant (£249,691). Grant no. 17012.
  15. Bloodwise Project Grant Investigating (2016-2019). E3 Ligase HUWE1 as a therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.Dr A. Irvine, Dr M.A. Lawson, M. Pearson, Dr L. Crawford, Prof M. Eilers & Dr A. Chantry (£202,080). Grant no. 15043.
  16. Bloodwise Project Grant (2015-2018). Preclinical testing of low dose valproate and niclosamide (VaN) as a novel anti-myeloma therapy. Dr F. Khanim, Dr M.A. Lawson& Prof. M Drayson (£245,864). Grant No. 15025.
  17. Bloodwise Specialist Programme Grant (2013-2018). Novel targets and therapeutic combinations in myeloma. Dr A. Chantry, Dr M.A. Lawson & Prof. J. Snowden (£1,142,591). Grant No. 12053.
Teaching interests

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and the Postgraduate Research (PGR) Lead in the Department of Oncology and Metabolism. I am also a Module Lead for the MSc (Res) in Translational Oncology course and I regularly lecture on the Molecular Medicine MSc course on in vitro and in vivo models of bone cancer. I frequently supervise laboratory research projects for PhD, MSc, BMedSci, SSC, Erasmus and Hallam placement students.

Professional activities and memberships

I have been involved in several public engagement activities. I have secured funding that enabled me to build a “Giant Interactive Bone” to educate children of all ages on what is inside their bones. In addition, I regularly participate in Outreach activities with a variety of school children to teach them about why their bones are so important. I frequently do laboratory tours for fundraisers and patients with bone cancer, and I also participate in patient panel meetings to improve the services at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.

Public engagement activities

I have also been involved in a number of public engagement activities. I have secured funding that enabled me to build a “Giant Interactive Bone” to educate children of all ages on what is inside their bones. In addition, I regularly participate in Outreach activities with a variety of school children to teach them about why their bones are so important. I frequently do laboratory tours for fundraisers and patients with bone cancer, and I also participate in patient panel meetings to improve the services at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.