Lab focus: apoptosis, leukaemia

My laboratory investigates the role of different genetic changes in the development of leukemia and lymphoma. We also examine how these changes influence the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy.

Research interest

We study leukaemogenesis, with a particular focus on MYC, a potent oncoprotein, and the BCL-2 family of proteins, which control cell life and death. We pioneered transgenic models of human Burkitt’s lymphoma, which is provoked by MYC, and follicular lymphoma, provoked by BCL-2.

We collaborated in the development of agents called BH3 mimetics, which block the action of specific pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins. Using our models, we have shown that a combination of a BH3 mimetic with low dose chemotherapy is highly efficacious in vivo against aggressive lymphomas that express high levels of BCL-2 and MYC. We are now testing BH3 mimetic combination therapy to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

We are currently investigating the role of MNT, a MYC-related protein, in lymphocytes and lymphoid tumours.