Dr Adele Woolley

Research

One of our foci is on the cell cycle and cell migration, fundamental cellular processes that underpin many diseases, including cancer.

The cell cycle is the sequence of events by which cells faithfully replicate their DNA and then segregate the duplicated chromosomal DNA equally between two daughter cells. An intricate network of regulatory pathways ensures that each cell cycle event is performed correctly and in proper sequence. In healthy tissues, cell division is a well-controlled process during which both our duplicated genetic and cytoplasmic material is equally distributed over two newly formed daughter cells, such that after a round of cell division each daughter cell has a complete set of 46 chromosomes. Cancer arises as a consequence of uncontrolled cell division resulting in chromosomal instability.

We are also researching Metastasis (the movement of cancer cells to distant parts of the body). This is the primary cause of death in cancer patients. We are interested in understanding the regulation of cell cycle exit and early cell migration. We are also investigating the role of the microenvironment in both cancer and inflammatory diseases such as osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

We use experimental approaches to study changes in cellular processes that take place in disease. Ultimately, by understanding the dynamics of these cellular processes, we can provide a platform for intervention in disease. We aim to use these discoveries to develop biomarkers for specific disease states.