Sucessful PhD Researchers

• Fiona Manderson Koivula

  Thesis title : The Role of the Endocrine Pancreas in the Development of CF-related Diabetes
  
  Supervisors : Dr Catriona Kelly, Prof Neville McClenaghan
  
  This project focuses on Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes, and specifically the structural and functional effects of the mutant CF-causing gene (CFTR) on the endocrine pancreas. Using stable cell lines and primary tissue, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms behind impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in CF, which we hope will identify better treatment leading to a better quality of life for CF patients.

• Philip Egan

  Thesis title : Towards Individualisation of Combination Chemotherapy in Myeloma
  
  Supervisors : Dr Caroline Conway, Prof Tony Bjourson
  
  Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer although several drug treatments are available that can significantly prolong life. Relapse is inevitable when the tumour develops drug resistance after a variable length of time. Genetic and cytokine markers may allow more accurate prediction of the time taken to relapse, allowing treatment to be better tailored to the individual

• Declan McGuigan

  Thesis title : Predicting Response to Treatment in Type 2 Diabetes
  
  Supervisors : Dr Catriona Kelly, Dr Paula McClean
  
  Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease for which there are numerous treatments available. However, it is common to see a variation in how individuals respond to these. The focus of this project is the response to, and adverse events associated with, sulphonylurea treatment. Sulphonylureas are a common first line treatment option, and their use has been associated with an increased risk of cardiac disease.

• Eliza Yankova

  Thesis title : Towards a Personalised Medicine Strategy to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk in Men
  
  Supervisors : Dr Andrew McDowell, Dr David Gibson
  
  Understanding the role of the anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes in the aetiology of prostate cancer, with an emphasis on the identification of novel biomarkers of infection.

• Andrew Parton

  Thesis title : The dynamics of cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis across population subgroups

  Supervisor(s) : Dr Steven Watterson, Dr Victoria McGilligan

  The project involves the creation of a mathematical model of atherosclerosis, then using online data sources, bioinformatics tools and statistical analysis techniques to study how the dynamics of this pathway model change based upon publicly available genomic data.

• Amanda Eakin

  Thesis title : Discovery of biomarkers of DMARD response in early stage rheumatoid arthritis

  Supervisor: Prof Tony Bjourson, Dr David Gibson

  The project focuses on identifying genetic alterations on the Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) with the aim of identifying sequences of nucleotides indicative of either a responder or non-responder to GLP-1 analogue treatment or an individual that may experience adverse events such as nausea or vomiting. These will be further assessed by validating associated protein and genetic markers linked to weightless and improved glycaemic control.

• Andrew English

  Thesis title : Biomarkers for stratification of responders and non responders to GLP-1 analogues in Type 2 diabetes
  
  Supervisors : Dr Paula McClean, Dr Catriona Kelly
  
  The project focuses on identifying genetic alterations on the Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) with the aim of identifying sequences of nucleotides indicative of either a responder or non-responder to GLP-1 analogue treatment or an individual that may experience adverse events such as nausea or vomiting. These will be further assessed by validating associated protein and genetic markers linked to weightless and improved glycaemic control.

• Michael Jones

  Thesis title : Developing an Integrated Approach to Identifying and Validating Candidate Therapeutic Compounds for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
  
  Supervisors : Professor Tony Bjourson and Dr Shu-Dong Zhang
  
  The project aims to develop an integrated approach to the identification and subsequent validation of candidate drugs with potential anti-cancer properties. Triple negative breast cancer will be the primary disease to test out this novel approach. Once developed, the process can be similarly applied to other diseases.

• Melody El Chemaly

  Thesis title : Biomarkers in cardiovascular disease
  
  Supervisors : Dr Victoria McGilligan, Dr Aaron Peace
  
  Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Cardiac biomarkers need to be developed in order to predict and prevent the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events. We are in the process of investigating potential inflammatory markers involved in endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation. The ultimate goal is to use those markers to better stratify patients at high risk of developing a cardiovascular event and give them the recommended treatment as early as possible.

• Coral Lapsley

  Thesis title : Stratified Medicine in Health: Can immune status be used to predict response to antidepressant treatment?
  
  Supervisors : Dr Elaine Murray, Prof Tony Bjourson
  
  The development of a biomarker panel to predict antidepressant treatment response in patients with depression. Coral is investigating the potential of biological markers at protein, epigenetic and genetic level, and the overall aim is to be able to stratify patients with depression into responders and non-responders to first line antidepressant strategies.
  Successful biomarkers, integrated with clinical information, could greatly reduce the time for patients with depression to receive effective treatment.