The Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery seeks to provide chemical solutions to biological problems through excellence in basic and applied multidisciplinary research. Research into neglected tropical diseases and other fungal and bacterial pathogens are the focus of the BCDD’s major research projects and form the foundation for translation into potential drug targets. The divisions excels in combining of high throughput screening, structure based design and medicinal chemistry.
The Division of Cell and Developmental Biology investigates how the differentiation of cells and tissues into functional organs and organisms is determined and maintained. Research projects address the integration of sub-cellular processes into higher order multi-cellular organisation, from cell signalling processes that determine developmental morphogenesis to the mechanisms by which structural proteins maintain and facilitate complex tissue function and anatomy.
The Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology is the most recently formed Division in the College of Life Sciences and hosts research groups whose work is relevant to the pathologies associated with cancer, diabetes, infectious disease, autoimmunity and allergy. A common theme that links the activities of the 10 different groups is a shared interest in the mechanisms that cells use to sense external signals such as those detected by various receptors in the immune system on the one hand and on the other, internal signals that indicate changes in cellular metabolic activity and energy status. Remarkably, the biochemical 'wiring' underlying these diverse systems is often overlapping providing unexpected opportunities for collaboration among the different groups in CSI. CSI is planning to expand its activities and would like to hear from scientists at any career stage with overlapping or complementary interests interested in relocating to Dundee.
The CRUK Nucleic Acid Structure Research Group works on the structural, dynamic and chemical properties of nucleic acids, and their recognition by and interactions with proteins. Nucleic acids perform many roles in the cell. They act as the store of genetic information (DNA), the genetic messenger and template for the synthesis of proteins (mRNA), the processing of mature spliced RNA (snRNA) and precisely processed RNA (snoRNA), as an enzyme and even in the control of gene expression.
The Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) aims to translate basic science into lead compounds to validate putative drug targets, to use as tools to investigate disease pathways and, when appropriate, advance to pre-clinical drug candidates. The DDU works to Biotech style philosophy and standards incorporating, dynamic, goal driven Project Management based on Target Product Profiles and Compound Selection Criteria.
The mission of the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation Unit is to advance understanding of the role of protein phosphorylation and cell regulation in human disease, to facilitate the development of drugs to treat diseases cause by abnormalities in this process, to generate the reagents and improve the technologies on which more rapid progress in this area depends, and to train the next generation of scientists who will advance our understanding of the subject. From 1st April 2012, the MRC will incorporate the Protein Ubiquitylation Unit of SCILLs and, under its new Director, Professor Dario Alessi, FRS, it will forge new directions focussing on how understanding cell signalling can help tackle human disease.
The Division of Molecular Medicine studies cancer and skin disease among its main target diseases for experimental medicine development. The main research areasincludes understanding the functions and interactions of the p53 protein and development of new anti-cancer drugs aimed at p53-dependent pathways, development of new therapeutic antibodies for human use in cancer (and a range of other diseases) and the identification of genes involved in both single gene and multi-factorial skin disorders. The Division is comprised of research groups from the College of Life Sciences and the College of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing. The Division aims to strengthen the research ties between the two Colleges and thereby facilitate the translation of basic science discoveries in cell biology, biochemistry and human genetics into new medicines for human use.
The Division of Molecular Microbiology aims to understand fundamental processes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, and to apply this knowledge in areas ranging from environmental decontamination to the discovery of novel antibiotics and other bioactive products. A broad theme of the Division is an appreciation of how microbes interact with each other and with a wide range of environments. Work on model organisms is complemented by studies on important pathogens to understand the molecular basis of the processes involved in virulence and to help to identify strategies for pathogen control.
The Division of Plant Sciences focuses on the study of plant life in which curiosity-led basic research, designed to explore and explain the mechanisms by which plants grow and develop in response to their environment, is combined with the relevant translation of our scientific activity into crop improvement, bio-fuel development, and the assessment of biodiversity. Our labs are based at James Hutton Institute with full access to the world-leading molecular-research resources at the College of Life Sciences in a unique partnership which gives us access to state-of-the-art plant-growth facilities and collaboration with a wider community of plant scientists.
Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification is home to some of the most experienced scientists in the UK in the field of human identification, forensic anthropology and the study of the human body. The Unit is continually involved in high-profile identification cases both at home and abroad. The Centre has a strong links to the Tayside Police Force, which holds the DNA Database for Scotland. Research within the Centre is multidisciplinary, covering a wide variety of subjects including the detailed gross, microscopic and bio-molecular analysis of adult and juvenile skeletal remains to establish all aspects of biological and personal identity including the sex, age at death, and disease and trauma status of the individual.
The Wellcome Trust Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression is a world-leading research centre studying gene expression and chromosome biology. The Centre has over a hundred scientists working in twelve research groups in a synergistic and collaborative environment. The Centre’s mission is to pioneer the development and integration of advanced research technologies to study how genes and chromosomes are regulated. The Centre’s vision is to provide a quantitative understanding of protein function and cell biology that will advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease.