Dundee
We support the work of 20 research groups that together make up the Dundee Cancer Research UK Co-operative Centre. It was formed to encourage collaboration between local scientists and to further develop Dundee as a centre for excellence in cancer research. The Centre is currently chaired by Professor Julian Blow.
Investigating how cells multiply
This duplication process - called DNA replication - has to be perfectly choreographed otherwise mistakes are made that can corrupt the cell’s genetic instructions and trigger cancer.
Professor Blow and his team are finding out what normally safeguards the cell against cancer-causing errors during this copying process. They have already identified key proteins involved in the first stage of DNA replication.
Work is in progress to identify other key components of the cell’s replication machinery and to understand how they are controlled. Knowledge from this work will help pave the way for new and more precise treatments for cancer.
Unravelling the role of a protein called p53
Professor Sir David Lane is a research scientist of international renown and directs the Cancer Research UK Cell Transformation Research Group at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School. Cancer research took a huge step forward when, in 1979, Professor Lane discovered p53.
Often referred to as the 'guardian of the genome', p53 polices the cells of the body checking for damage to our genetic material. This helps to protect us from developing cancer.
Professor Lane and his team are at the forefront of research on p53. Their work previously focused on understanding exactly how p53 works and how it is controlled within the cell. They are now looking for ways to restore, replace or activate the function of p53 in cells, with the aim of developing a new generation of highly targeted cancer drugs.
Understanding how the APC gene protects us against bowel cancer
Dr Inke Näthke is also a member of the Dundee Co-operative Centre. She is studying a gene called Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC). When intact, the APC gene protects us against bowel cancer, but if the gene is damaged our chances of developing bowel cancer increase.
Faults in the APC gene lead to defects in a number of processes in the cell that are important for the bowel to work properly. Understanding the changes that result from APC mutations will enable Dr Näthke to identify how APC protects us against bowel cancer. Finding ways to restore the protective functions of APC could ultimately lead to new and improved clinical treatments for patients with this disease.
Identifying factors that influence our response to anticancer drugs
Professor Roland Wolf directs the Cancer Research UK Molecular Pharmacology Unit. Scientists here are working closely with researchers at the Department of Cancer Medicine at Ninewells Hospital.
Together with newly recruited Dr Stephen Everett and his team, the Unit is leading pioneering research that could improve the treatment of cancer patients in the future. They are developing ways to target a group of molecules in the body that play an important role in how our bodies process drugs. The levels of these molecules vary between individuals and can affect patients’ responses to anti-cancer treatment.
Their work will ultimately help doctors select the most appropriate drug, and the best dose of that drug, for individual patients. This tailored approach will maximise the effectiveness of treatment while minimising its side effects.
Find more of our research in Scotland.
