Microbiome Science - Phytoremediation - Multiomics - Space Life Sciences - Health
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Nicholas Brereton and the (opens in a new window)Lab webpage
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Life's Mechanisms: Cells, Molecules and Biomedical Frontiers
This research theme explores the fundamental mechanisms that govern life, from the molecular level to central cell functions and their impact on human health and the environment. Our diverse group of scientists investigates how cells work, communicate, and respond to stress across a wide range of organisms, including humans, plants, and microorganisms. Using a wide variety of tools in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and advanced imaging, we aim to uncover key biological processes and translate this knowledge into real-world applications.
We aim to understand and apply the principles of cell biology to address diverse challenges in health and sustainability. Key areas of our work include:
- Human Health and Disease: We investigate the molecular mechanisms in health and disease, the roles of genes and their regulation, and the impact of inflammation and metabolic shifts on cancer evolution. We aim to develop biomarkers and targeted therapies for cancer. We also explore how membrane proteins and trafficking pathways are linked to disease and improved drug delivery.
- Microbiology and Host Interactions: We research the molecular basis of symbiotic relationships between fungi and bacteria, and investigate how pathogens develop resistance. Our research also explores the genetic cross-talk between the microbiome and host, and the potential of RNA-based therapeutics.
- Plant Biology and Biotechnology: We study how plants respond to environmental stress while developing strategies for sustainable agriculture. Our work includes understanding programmed cell death in plants, metabolic engineering, and the production of medicinal secondary metabolites. One of our goals is to foster public appreciation of plant science.
This interdisciplinary approach allows us to connect core biological research with practical applications, from tackling antimicrobial resistance to developing new therapeutic strategies and improving agricultural resilience.
Researchers
We aim to understand and harness the most numerous yet enigmatic genes in the human genome: long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). RNA, cancer, genomics, bioinformatics, therapeutics, lncRNA.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Rory Johnson and the (opens in a new window)Lab webpage
I study how plants respond to stress, with a particular focus on programmed cell death (PCD), a process in which plant cells self-destruct through a tightly regulated genetic program. PCD plays a critical role in both plant development and defense against biotic (environmental) and abiotic (pathogens) stresses. Understanding how and why plant cells die is important in the context of climate change, food security, and the development of plant-based biotechnologies.
My second research focus explores ways to foster public appreciation and awareness of plants, aiming to boost support for plant science, conservation efforts, and inspire interest in plant-related education and careers.
To advance these research areas, I use a wide range of methodologies, including plant cell and tissue culture, plant physiology, proteomics, transcriptomics, big data culturomics, and arts-based research.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Joanna Kacprzyk
My research group, the Microbial Interactions Lab (MInt Lab), is focused on unraveling the molecular biology, ecology and evolution of symbiotic relationships, specifically focusing on fungi and their bacterial endosymbionts. We study the relationships between early diverging fungi such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and bacteria that live inside their hyphae and spores. Our research approach attempts to understand these interactions at the molecular level as well as the scale of ecology.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Olga Lastovetsky and the(opens in a new window) Lab wepage
I carry out research on programmed cell death and the biotechnology of medicinal secondary metabolite production in plants
For more information see (opens in a new window)Prof Paul McCabe
I investigate the molecular and genomic mechanisms underpinning microbial pathogenicity, resistance, and survival across diverse niches. Using advanced sequencing and bioinformatics, my work informs diagnostics and public health strategies to tackle emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Guerrino Macori and (opens in a new window)here
Keywords: Pathogen Genomics, AMR Mechanisms, Bioinformatics, Molecular Epidemiology, Public Health Surveillance
Specialist in translational oncology and Co-Lead of the UCD Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Lab, investigates how genetic regulation, inflammation, and metabolic shifts contribute to the evolution of cancer, with a focus on Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Simone Marcone and the (opens in a new window)Lab webpage
Keywords: Gene regulation, tumour evolution, molecular oncology, systems biology
I am a bioinformatician specializing in human genomics, genome annotation, rare diseases, and precision medicine. My research focuses on developing advanced computational tools and methods that deliver real-world impact, including improving diagnostic accuracy, enabling precision therapies, and supporting sustainable agriculture by mitigating the effects of climate change.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Daniel Murphy
My research is focused on three broad research themes to advance our understanding of (i) plant and crop abiotic stress responses, (ii) sustainable agriculture focusing on cross-species interactions and nitrogen use efficiency, and (iii) plant secondary metabolism and metabolic engineering.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Prof Carl Ng and watch (opens in a new window)this video
My research focuses on understanding the epigenetics and molecular biology of prostate and ovarian cancers. We have a major interest in developing prognostic liquid biomarkers and in functional drug testing using patient derived explants.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Antoinette Perry and the (opens in a new window)Lab webpage
My research is centered around optimising crops to adapt them to a changing climate and changing demands of our society. I am aiming to leverage techniques such as CRISPR and mutagenesis as well as plant growth factors for crop improvement.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Susanne Schilling and the (opens in a new window)Lab webpage
Our research is focussed on the biology of molecules associated with membrane compartments of human cells. We primarily use advanced imaging methods to study membrane traffic pathways in cells and their links to various diseases. We also apply this knowledge in the context of designing improved therapeutic delivery systems in multicellular models. Keywords: membrane traffic; fluorescence imaging; human disease; drug delivery
For more information see (opens in a new window)Prof Jeremy Simpson and the Lab webpage
My research group investigates the physiological roles of urea and water transporters in an extensive range of tissues. For example, current projects are studying these transporters in mammalian gastrointestinal tissues (e.g. sheep rumen), neurological tissues (e.g. mouse brain) and plant tissues (e.g. barley roots). These studies investigate transporter protein in particular, using a variety of techniques such as western blotting, immunolocalization and proteomic analysis.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Gavin Stewart
My present research interests include the study of the genetic cross-talk between microbiome and host, and the development of new RNA therapeutics.
For more information see (opens in a new window)Dr Paola Valentini
Keywords: Exogenous RNA, extracellular vesicles, microbiome-host interactions