Dr Karim Labib

Cell Cycle Group
Paterson Institute for Cancer Research
Manchester

Understanding how cells divide

Dr Karim Labib works at our Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Manchester. He and his team are studying how cells divide – copying their DNA (genetic instructions) and dividing it equally between two new ‘daughter’ cells. If the DNA is not copied and shared correctly, then cells may end up with the wrong amount. This can lead to cancer.

Dr Labib and his team are studying the process of DNA copying – known as replication – in yeast cells. Although it may seem surprising, there are strong similarities between the proteins that copy DNA in both yeast and human cells. Dr Labib has discovered hundreds of proteins that are involved in cell division, and he and his team are now investigating the roles they play in this process.

Cancer cells seem to be more sensitive than healthy cells to drugs that interfere with the copying process, so research like this may one day lead to new cancer treatments that target this weakness.

Dr Labib also won the prestigious Hooke medal in 2010, which is awarded to emerging leaders in cell biology in the UK.