Department of Biomedical Sciences

We carry out translational research on a number of inter-related research themes in the field of cancer biology. All our work is underpinned by extensive cross-collaboration with colleagues in the Hull York Medical School and the Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.

Key themes include:

• biomedical microfluidics
• molecular imaging
• tumour microenvironment
• biomarkers

The group has research facilities on both the University and hospital campuses enabling us to capitalise on the provision of human samples from clinical collaborators. We have multiple national and international collaborations, built on our established expertise and thriving research culture. In addition, the team has considerable success in securing funding from research councils, major charities and industry.

Each of our themes considers multiple tumour types and applies state-of-the-art molecular and cellular analyses to address fundamental questions of science and promote medical advances in personalised medicine.

Featured project: Tissue biomicrofluidics

The interdisciplinary Lab-on-a- Chip group have been characterising and optimising devices that can maintain human tissue biopsies in a viable and functional state for the past decade.

We have extensive experience in the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices in glass and a variety of polymers. Funding has been awarded from Framework 7, Horizon 2020, Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council (MRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), NC3Rs; and major charities including British Lung Foundation, Heart Research UK.

Tissue from various human malignancies, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, ovarian and colorectal carcinoma, normal liver and heart have all been successfully studied. These samples have been subjected to clinically-relevant doses of chemotherapy and irradiation and the effects measured through analysis of the effluent supernatant or post-treatment tissue. This technology platform provides a robust and reliable method for delivering personalised medicine.

Our internationally leading Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Research Centre has been carrying out translational scientific and biomedical research at the University of Hull since 2014. We conduct basic and preclinical biomedical research in molecular imaging with on-site production of radioisotopes.

We have secured funding from several research councils including MRC and EPSRC Healthcare Technologies; are part of numerous global collaborations; and have published over 75 research papers. The University of Hull is also part of the UK PET network with six other leading UK universities.

The Molecular Imaging Research Centre (MIRC) at Castle Hill Hospital is the next phase of this development with an £8.5 million investment by the Daisy Appeal supported by the University and NHS.

Together, the University and NHS are carrying out preclinical and clinical research in imaging methods which will drive future developments in oncology, cardiac and neurological imaging, and linked therapies.

Featured project: New technology for radiopharmaceutical production

Working together with NHS in our newly developed MIRC, we are addressing barriers in the availability of new molecular imaging agents for clinical use. Such barriers are limiting the patient benefits of advanced clinical diagnostic imaging. This is an issue affecting health service provision worldwide and is particularly critical for cancer patients.

A key challenge in producing the required PET radiopharmaceuticals is the infrastructure required of hospitals: Good Manufacturing Practice facilities and highly trained staff at each site due to the short half-life of the drug. The technology that we have developed is a microfluidic device that can produce these radiopharmaceuticals in a ‘dose-on-demand’ model.

Another of our most important recent projects is the development of cell surface receptor targeted imaging in oncology. This links to theranostic developments that are expected to increase in clinical impact.

Featured project.

Molecular Imaging Research Centre

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, globally and in the UK. In Hull, our global thinking approach has initiated research programmes on critical aspects of cardiovascular disease. Aspects our research explores include pulmonary hypertension, cardiac physiology and cardiomyocyte excitability, platelet function and mechanisms of coagulation, endothelial cell biology, genetics of haematological disorders, and cardiovascular biochemistry and biomarkers.

We are ambitious and forward-thinking: achieving our goals through collaborations with cardiologists, haematologists, cardiac physiologists and oncologists in the UK and internationally.

A young and vibrant research group, we aim to shape the future of cardiovascular research and global health. Efforts to drive and investigate the impacts of environment and climate change on cardiac and other diseases is a developing research theme within the group.

Featured project: Investigating protein post-translational modifications in platelets

We use the analogy that post-translational modifications (PTM) are like the ‘clothing’ of proteins – reversible and dynamic modifications that can shape protein functions and interactions. Funded by the Hull and East Riding Cardiac Trust Fund, we are researching protein PTM change in cardiovascular disease. We utilise cardiac tissue from patients to investigate PTM biomarkers of cardiomyopathies. We also use biochemical, mass spectrometry and platelet physiology experiments to further investigate PTM in platelet function. These experiments could lead to novel anti-platelet agents for patients at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Our team of academics combines well-established research interests in fields of immunology, human disease, bacterial microbiology and a specialism in the study of host/pathogen interactions. Together we study the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the regulation of the immune system alongside microorganism proliferation and virulence; with the aim of understanding pathology and developing new therapeutic treatments.

Ongoing research includes projects in:

• Mouse and human immunology (understanding healthy immune responses as well as during infection)
• Tissue regeneration and wound healing (working with Smith & Nephew in collaboration with the Hull York Medical School)
• Virology and application of repurposed drugs as anti-virals
• Microbiology (bacteria and their ability to form biofilms, linked to homeostasis, nutrition and pathology)

Featured project: Immunology

The immunology group is carrying out ongoing research to improve understanding of how T cells differentiate and maintain their long-term function in infection and cancer.

Intercellular communication between antigen-presenting cells and T cells directs their fate – with critical implications for pathogen responses. This potentially makes different individuals more or less susceptible to disease.

We study how T cells react to a range of pathogens – bacteria, viruses, and parasites – focusing on molecular pathways of intercellular communication between innate and adaptive immunity cells (and cancer), including microvesicle/microRNA-exchange. Specialising in mammalian tissue culture, flow cytometry, immunological methods and RNA biology.