Professor Robert Gilbert
Cell signalling, adhesion and pore formation in human disease
Our work is focused on molecular mechanisms underlying pathology in humans, specifically cancer and membrane pore formation and cell adhesion. We are studying mechanisms of 3' uridylation of RNAs with clear effects in tumourigenesis and are engaged in related translational research in collaboration with the Target Discovery Institute and Cancer Research Technology. We are also working on mechanisms of pore formation relevant to inflammation and cytotoxic T cell activity, and to infection processes in diseases such as malaria and toxoplasmosis. Our work on membrane biology in disease includes a focus on the kindlin proteins which are involved both in cell adhesion activation and also function nuclearly in suppression of tumour-suppressor miRNAs.
Data sharing statement: we deposit our results in relevant online databases where available (e.g. http://www.ebi.ac.uk/pdbe) for release on publication. Other outputs will be distributed on request.
Currently our work is being funded by Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, the Medical Research Council, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust.