Using recombinant viruses as tools to transduce primary macrophages and other cells involved in inflammation reactions. Either over-expressing of knocking down a gene's expression. Virus of the moment: Lentivirus (VSV-G pseudotyped HIV vectors). Work being carried out within the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, Edinburgh.

I have an interest in the hERG (human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene) in relation to its expression in many cancers (it is not expressed in the non-transformed cell counterparts). ERG is a multi-transmembrane domain, pore-forming potassium channel and almost all research into ERG is focussed on its activity in excitable cells - neurons and cardiomyocytes, where it is responsible for regulating the action potential (heart beat). ERG plays a part in regulating a cell's membrane potential and could therefore influence the type of cell-cell interactions that can occur. This could be important in relation to a tumour cell's ability to migrate away from the primary tumour etc etc etc.

One pain is that the existing antibodies (at least on our hands) don't work well in immunofluorescence or cleanly in westerns. If anyone has any suggestions or tips regarding antibodies that do work well - I'm interested.

Antibodies, Cell / Tissue Culture, Centrifugation, Cloning, Diagnostic Kits, DNA Isolation & Purification, DNA Sequencing, Electrophoresis, Flow Cytometry, Gene Amplification, GFP Reporter Assays, Immunoassays, Microbiological Cultures, Nucleic Acid Hybridization, Nucleic Acid Labeling, PCR / RT-PCR, Plasmid Isolation & Purification, Real Time PCR / RT-PCR, RNAi & Gene Silencing Assays, Site-Directed Mutagenesis, Transduction, Transfection, Transformation, Viral Vector Assays

Business Development / Entrepreneurship

Investments in eastern Europe

Photography