University of Exeter Medical School

Professor Sebastian Oltean

Professor Sebastian Oltean

Associate Professor in Experimental Medicine and Therapeutics

 S.Oltean@exeter.ac.uk

 7417

 +44 (0) 1392 727417

 Medical School Building F.08B

 

Medical School Building, St Luke's Campus, Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

Sebastian studied medicine at  “Iuliu Hatieganu” Medical School, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and trained as a junior doctor in Nephrology and Dialysis before moving to USA where he obtained a PhD from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2004.This was followed by postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center (North Carolina, USA) where he became interested in studying the connections between alternative splicing and cancer. In 2008 he moved to the University of Bristol where he continued to study alternative splicing in vivo, with focus towards the importance of several genes splice isoforms (e.g VEGF, FGFR2) in cancer as well as kidney diseases and development of splice-based therapeutics. In 2012 he was appointed Independent Research Fellow and Principal Investigator and developed his own research group in Bristol before moving to the University of Exeter Medical School in 2017.

Qualifications

  • MBBS (1996) - “Iuliu Hatieganu” Medical School, Cluj, Romania
  • PhD (2004) – University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
  • FHEA (2020) - University of Exeter

Links

Research group links

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Research

Research interests

The main goals of my research projects are to understand molecular mechanisms of disease and to find novel therapeutic targets. As disease models, I work on diabetes (especially diabetic nephropathy) and cancer (especially prostate cancer). The cellular processes that I am most interested in are angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and fibrosis. At molecular level I study alternative splicing regulation in physiology and disease, with a special emphasis on how we can manipulate alternative splicing for therapeutic benefit.

Alternative splicing is one of the main processes that decide the diversity of proteins in our bodies. It is estimated that ~94% of genes are alternatively spliced in humans and therefore this process affects all cellular properties. The function of the majority of splicing isoforms is not characterized yet. Numerous splicing isoforms have been associated with disease progression in recent years and there is much interest in understanding their contribution to pathogenesis and how this can be reversed for therapeutic purposes.

Research projects

1. Modulation of alternative splicing as a novel therapeutic avenue in diabetic nephropathy

Multiple molecular mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression have been described in recent years, however, mechanism-derived treatments for DN are still lacking. The standard of care is to control glycaemia but many time this does not stop the occurrence of the nephropathy. Many patients progress to end-stage renal disease and need dialysis, representing an important burden to health systems.

There is therefore an increasing need to better understand molecular mechanisms of progression in DN as well as to develop novel treatments that target specifically these mechanisms and can slow progression of the underlying chronic kidney disease in DN. This project is investigating novel mechanisms of progression in DN at the level of alternative splicing and how to manipulate them therapeutically. We are mostly interested in splice variants of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the apoptosis gene Bcl-X as well as splicing kinases (e.g. SRPK1, CLKs).

2. Alternative splicing, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and prostate cancer

Despite a complex arsenal of therapeutic approaches in prostate cancer there is still a high number of cancers that progress to metastatic, incurable disease. We therefore need novel approaches and molecular targets to improve treatments. Faulty alternative splicing is one area of cancer biology that has not been targeted before therapeutically. In previous work we have identified molecules that modify splicing and are able to reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), a process that help prostate cancer progress and spread. In this project we are investigating both in vitro and in vivo how these compounds affect cancer cells properties and the potential to grow tumours. We will also understand how they work mechanistically and how are they connected to splice factors and splice variants of genes associated with EMT (e.g. ESRPs, FGFR2)

3. Regulation of angiogenesis by alternative splicing

Abnormal angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer; tumours need to grow new vessels to be able to survive and spread in the organism. There is therefore an important need to understand the mechanisms of regulation of angiogenesis and try to manipulate it for therapeutic advantage. While several levels of regulation have been quite well studied – e.g. transcription factors, signalling molecules, miRNAs - it has become clear in the last few years that alternative splicing also plays a major role in this regulation.

Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA allows the generation of multiple splice isoforms from a given gene, which can have distinct functions. In fact, splice isoforms can have opposing functions and there are many instances whereby a splice isoform acts as an inhibitor of the canonical isoform function, adding an additional layer of regulation to important processes.

Our lab has studied extensively the regulation of pro- and anti-angiogenic VEGF-A splice isoforms and involvement of the splicing kinase SRPK1. However, there are many key molecules involved in angiogenesis that have splice isoforms (e.g. VEGFRs, NRP-1, FGFRs, Vasohibins, HIF-1α, Angiopoietins). Several splicing kinases may be involved as common regulators.

This project explores how these isoforms are de-regulated in tumour angiogenesis, what are their control mechanisms (e.g. splice factors involved) and how can they be manipulated therapeutically.

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Publications

Journal articles

Brooks H, Li L, Addeo A, Stevens M, Comins C, Oltean S (2023). Detection of genomic mutations in blood and urine free circulating tumour DNA in patients with inoperable and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma harbouring an EGFR mutation in tissue: a UK pilot study. Frontiers in Oncology, 13 Abstract.
Li L, Zheng J, Oltean S (2023). Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions by Alternative Splicing: Potential New Area for Cancer Therapeutics. Genes, 14(11), 2001-2001. Abstract.
Li L, Zheng J, Stevens M, Oltean S (2022). A repositioning screen using an FGFR2 splicing reporter reveals compounds that regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and inhibit growth of prostate cancer xenografts. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev, 25, 147-157. Abstract.  Author URL.
Ayine ML, Stevens M, Oltean S (2022). IDF21-0319 Novel compounds found to regulate VEGF-A alternative splicing in diabetic podocytes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 186
Star E, Stevens M, Gooding C, Smith CWJ, Li L, Ayine ML, Harper SJ, Bates DO, Oltean S (2021). A drug-repositioning screen using splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporters identifies novel modulators of VEGF-A splicing with anti-angiogenic properties. Oncogenesis, 10(5). Abstract.
Uzor S, Porazinski SR, Li L, Clark B, Ajiro M, Iida K, Hagiwara M, Alqasem AA, Perks CM, Wilson ID, et al (2021). CDC2-like (CLK) protein kinase inhibition as a novel targeted therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer. Scientific Reports, 11(1). Abstract.
Legge D, Li L, Moriarty W, Lee D, Szemes M, Zahed A, Panousopoulos L, Chung WY, Aghabi Y, Barratt J, et al (2021). The epithelial splicing regulator <i>ESRP2</i> is epigenetically repressed by DNA hypermethylation in Wilms tumour and acts as a tumour suppressor. Molecular Oncology, 16(3), 630-647. Abstract.
Kitchen P, Lee KY, Clark D, Lau N, Lertsuwan J, Sawasdichai A, Satayavivad J, Oltean S, Afford S, Gaston K, et al (2020). A Runaway PRH/HHEX-Notch3-Positive Feedback Loop Drives Cholangiocarcinoma and Determines Response to CDK4/6 Inhibition. Cancer Res, 80(4), 757-770. Abstract.  Author URL.
Li L, Hobson L, Perry L, Clark B, Heavey S, Haider A, Sridhar A, Shaw G, Kelly J, Freeman A, et al (2020). Targeting the ERG oncogene with splice-switching oligonucleotides as a novel therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer. British Journal of Cancer, 123(6), 1024-1032. Abstract.
Bowler E, Oltean S (2019). Alternative Splicing in Angiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci, 20(9). Abstract.  Author URL.
Munkley J, Li L, Krishnan SRG, Hysenaj G, Scott E, Dalgliesh C, Oo HZ, Maia TM, Cheung K, Ehrmann I, et al (2019). Androgen-regulated transcription of ESRP2 drives alternative splicing patterns in prostate cancer. eLife, 8 Abstract.
Kikuchi R, Stevens M, Harada K, Oltean S, Murohara T (2019). Anti-angiogenic isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A in cardiovascular and renal disease. , 88, 1-33. Abstract.
Stevens M, Oltean S (2019). Modulation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity through Alternative Splicing of Ligands and Receptors in the VEGF-A/VEGFR Axis. Cells, 8(4). Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Oltean S (2019). Modulation of the Apoptosis Gene Bcl-x Function Through Alternative Splicing. FRONTIERS IN GENETICS, 10  Author URL.
Melegh Z, Oltean S (2019). Targeting Angiogenesis in Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci, 20(11). Abstract.  Author URL.
Jumbe SL, Porazinski SR, Oltean S, Mansell JP, Vahabi B, Wilson ID, Ladomery MR (2019). The Evolutionarily Conserved Cassette Exon 7b Drives ERG's Oncogenic Properties. Transl Oncol, 12(1), 134-142. Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Star E, Lee M, Innes E, Li L, Bowler E, Harper S, Bates DO, Oltean S (2019). The VEGF-A exon 8 splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporter mouse is a novel tool to assess the effects of splicing regulatory compounds in vivo. RNA Biol, 16(12), 1672-1681. Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Neal CR, Craciun EC, Dronca M, Harper SJ, Oltean S (2019). The natural drug DIAVIT is protective in a type II mouse model of diabetic nephropathy. PLoS One, 14(3). Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Payne M, Innes E, Torregrossa RO, Wood M, Stevens MKO, Whiteman MO, Oltean SO (2018). A novel mitochondria‐targeted hydrogen sulfide delivery molecule prevents uraemia and diabetes‐induced renal cell oxidative stress. The FASEB Journal, 32(S1), 619.10-619.10.
Stevens M, Oltean S (2018). Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease. J Vis Exp(136). Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Oltean S (2018). Modulation of VEGF-A Alternative Splicing as a Novel Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease. Genes (Basel), 9(2). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bates DO, Beazley-Long N, Benest AV, Ye X, Ved N, Hulse RP, Barratt S, Machado MJ, Donaldson LF, Harper SJ, et al (2018). Physiological Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors as Homeostatic Regulators. Compr Physiol, 8(3), 955-979. Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Neal CR, Salmon AHJ, Bates DO, Harper SJ, Oltean S (2018). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165b Restores Normal Glomerular Water Permeability in a Diphtheria-Toxin Mouse Model of Glomerular Injury. Nephron, 139(1), 51-62. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Coward R, Collino M, Baelde H (2017). Diabetic Nephropathy: Novel Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Avenues. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, 2017  Author URL.
Barratt SL, Blythe T, Jarrett C, Ourradi K, Shelley-Fraser G, Day MJ, Qiu Y, Harper S, Maher TM, Oltean S, et al (2017). Differential Expression of VEGF-Axxx Isoforms is Critical for Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 196(4), 479-493. Abstract.  Author URL.
Midgley AC, Oltean S, Hascall V, Woods EL, Steadman R, Phillips AO, Meran S (2017). Nuclear hyaluronidase 2 drives alternative splicing of CD44 pre-mRNA to determine profibrotic or antifibrotic cell phenotype. Sci Signal, 10(506). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bates DO, Morris JC, Oltean S, Donaldson LF (2017). Pharmacology of Modulators of Alternative Splicing. Pharmacol Rev, 69(1), 63-79. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bullock N, Oltean S (2017). The many faces of SRPK1. J Pathol, 241(4), 437-440. Abstract.  Author URL.
Kollareddy M, Sherrard A, Park JH, Szemes M, Gallacher K, Melegh Z, Oltean S, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Kaidi A, et al (2017). The small molecule inhibitor YK-4-279 disrupts mitotic progression of neuroblastoma cells, overcomes drug resistance and synergizes with inhibitors of mitosis. Cancer Lett, 403, 74-85. Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Neal CR, Salmon AHJ, Bates DO, Harper SJ, Oltean S (2017). VEGF-A165 b protects against proteinuria in a mouse model with progressive depletion of all endogenous VEGF-A splice isoforms from the kidney. J Physiol, 595(19), 6281-6298. Abstract.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Oltean S (2016). Alternative Splicing in CKD. J Am Soc Nephrol, 27(6), 1596-1603. Abstract.  Author URL.
Mavrou A, Oltean S (2016). SRPK1 inhibition in prostate cancer: a novel anti-angiogenic treatment through modulation of VEGF alternative splicing. Pharmacol Res, 107, 276-281. Abstract.
Bullock N, Potts J, Simpkin AJ, Koupparis A, Harper SJ, Oxley J, Oltean S (2016). Serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1), a determinant of angiogenesis, is upregulated in prostate cancer and correlates with disease stage and invasion. J Clin Pathol, 69(2), 171-175. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hamdollah Zadeh MA, Amin EM, Hoareau-Aveilla C, Domingo E, Symonds KE, Ye X, Heesom KJ, Salmon A, D'Silva O, Betteridge KB, et al (2015). Alternative splicing of TIA-1 in human colon cancer regulates VEGF isoform expression, angiogenesis, tumour growth and bevacizumab resistance. Mol Oncol, 9(1), 167-178. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bunni J, Shelley-Fraser G, Stevenson K, Oltean S, Salmon A, Harper SJ, Carter JG, Bates DO (2015). Circulating levels of anti-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform (VEGF-Axxxb) in colorectal cancer patients predicts tumour VEGF-A ratios. Am J Cancer Res, 5(6), 2083-2089. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S (2015). Modulators of alternative splicing as novel therapeutics in cancer. World J Clin Oncol, 6(5), 92-95. Abstract.  Author URL.
Mavrou A, Brakspear K, Hamdollah-Zadeh M, Damodaran G, Babaei-Jadidi R, Oxley J, Gillatt DA, Ladomery MR, Harper SJ, Bates DO, et al (2015). Serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) inhibition as a potential novel targeted therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer. Oncogene, 34(33), 4311-4319. Abstract.  Author URL.
Munkley J, Oltean S, Vodák D, Wilson BT, Livermore KE, Zhou Y, Star E, Floros VI, Johannessen B, Knight B, et al (2015). The androgen receptor controls expression of the cancer-associated sTn antigen and cell adhesion through induction of ST6GalNAc1 in prostate cancer. Oncotarget, 6(33), 34358-34374. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Qiu Y, Ferguson JK, Stevens M, Neal C, Russell A, Kaura A, Arkill KP, Harris K, Symonds C, et al (2015). Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165b is Protective and Restores Endothelial Glycocalyx in Diabetic Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol, 26(8), 1889-1904. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Bates DO (2014). Hallmarks of alternative splicing in cancer. Oncogene, 33(46), 5311-5318. Abstract.  Author URL.
Gammons MV, Lucas R, Dean R, Coupland SE, Oltean S, Bates DO (2014). Targeting SRPK1 to control VEGF-mediated tumour angiogenesis in metastatic melanoma. Br J Cancer, 111(3), 477-485. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bates DO, Mavrou A, Qiu Y, Carter JG, Hamdollah-Zadeh M, Barratt S, Gammons MV, Millar AB, Salmon AHJ, Oltean S, et al (2013). Detection of VEGF-A(xxx)b isoforms in human tissues. PLoS One, 8(7). Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Gammons M, Hulse R, Hamdollah-Zadeh M, Mavrou A, Donaldson L, Salmon AH, Harper SJ, Ladomery MR, Bates DO, et al (2012). SRPK1 inhibition in vivo: modulation of VEGF splicing and potential treatment for multiple diseases. Biochem Soc Trans, 40(4), 831-835. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Neal CR, Mavrou A, Patel P, Ahad T, Alsop C, Lee T, Sison K, Qiu Y, Harper SJ, et al (2012). VEGF165b overexpression restores normal glomerular water permeability in VEGF164-overexpressing adult mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, 303(7), F1026-F1036. Abstract.  Author URL.
Armstrong AJ, Marengo MS, Oltean S, Kemeny G, Bitting RL, Turnbull JD, Herold CI, Marcom PK, George DJ, Garcia-Blanco MA, et al (2011). Circulating tumor cells from patients with advanced prostate and breast cancer display both epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Mol Cancer Res, 9(8), 997-1007. Abstract.  Author URL.
Amin EM, Oltean S, Hua J, Gammons MVR, Hamdollah-Zadeh M, Welsh GI, Cheung M-K, Ni L, Kase S, Rennel ES, et al (2011). WT1 mutants reveal SRPK1 to be a downstream angiogenesis target by altering VEGF splicing. Cancer Cell, 20(6), 768-780. Abstract.  Author URL.
Qiu Y, Ferguson J, Oltean S, Neal CR, Kaura A, Bevan H, Wood E, Sage LM, Lanati S, Nowak DG, et al (2010). Overexpression of VEGF165b in podocytes reduces glomerular permeability. J Am Soc Nephrol, 21(9), 1498-1509. Abstract.  Author URL.
Qiu Y, Hoareau-Aveilla C, Oltean S, Harper SJ, Bates DO (2009). The anti-angiogenic isoforms of VEGF in health and disease. Biochem Soc Trans, 37(Pt 6), 1207-1213. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Febbo PG, Garcia-Blanco MA (2008). Dunning rat prostate adenocarcinomas and alternative splicing reporters: powerful tools to study epithelial plasticity in prostate tumors in vivo. Clin Exp Metastasis, 25(6), 611-619. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bonano VI, Oltean S, Garcia-Blanco MA (2007). A protocol for imaging alternative splicing regulation in vivo using fluorescence reporters in transgenic mice. Nat Protoc, 2(9), 2166-2181. Abstract.  Author URL.
Col B, Oltean S, Banerjee R (2007). Translational regulation of human methionine synthase by upstream open reading frames. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1769(9-10), 532-540. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Sorg BS, Albrecht T, Bonano VI, Brazas RM, Dewhirst MW, Garcia-Blanco MA (2006). Alternative inclusion of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 exon IIIc in Dunning prostate tumors reveals unexpected epithelial mesenchymal plasticity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 103(38), 14116-14121. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bonano VI, Oltean S, Brazas RM, Garcia-Blanco MA (2006). Imaging the alternative silencing of FGFR2 exon IIIb in vivo. RNA, 12(12), 2073-2079. Abstract.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Banerjee R (2005). A B12-responsive internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element in human methionine synthase. J Biol Chem, 280(38), 32662-32668. Abstract.  Author URL.
Spanu C, Oltean S (2003). Familial phosphoglycerate kinase deficiency associated with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure: abnormality in mRNA splicing?. Nephrol Dial Transplant, 18(2), 445-446.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Banerjee R (2003). Nutritional modulation of gene expression and homocysteine utilization by vitamin B12. J Biol Chem, 278(23), 20778-20784. Abstract.  Author URL.

Conferences

Oltean S, Ayine M, Stevens M (2022). Alternative splicing of the apoptosis gene Bcl-x in diabetic nephropathy.  Author URL.
Ayine ML, Liu Y, Stevens M, Oltean S (2021). Novel compounds found to regulate VEGF-A splicing in diabetic podocytes.  Author URL.
Brooks H, Addeo A, Comins C, Stevens M, Li L, Wade L, Oltean S (2019). Detection of Genomic Mutations in Blood and Urine ctDNA in Lung Adenocarcinoma with EGFR Mutation on Tissue - an Interim Progress Report.  Author URL.
Stevens M, Payne M, Innes E, Torregrossa RO, Wood M, Stevens MKO, Whiteman MO, Oltean SO (2018). A novel mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide delivery molecule prevents uraemia and diabetes-induced renal cell oxidative stress.  Author URL.
Ling L, Oltean S (2017). Modulators of alternative splicing as novel therapeutics in cancer.  Author URL.
Li L, Oltean S (2016). Control of epithelial splicing regulatory proteins in epithelial-mesenchymal transitions.  Author URL.
Munkley J, Livermore KE, Vodak D, James K, Wilson BT, McClurg UL, Knight B, MCcullagh P, Mcgrath J, Crundwell M, et al (2016). Glycosylation is a global target for androgen control in prostate cancer cells.
Star E, Mavrou A, Li L, Oltean S (2016). Modulation of alternative splicing as a novel therapeutic avenue in cancer.  Author URL.
Alabouh H, Corry D, Oltean S, Hagiwara M, Morse R, Ladomery M (2014). Regulation of the alternative splicing of genes involved in leukaemia through the splice factor kinases CLK1 and SRPK1.  Author URL.
Mavrou A, Bates D, Oltean S (2014). SRPK1 inhibition and modulation of VEGF alternative splicing as a potential therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer.  Author URL.
Star E, Bates DO, Oltean S (2014). Screening for anti-angiogenic molecules based on VEGF alternative splicing.  Author URL.
Mavrou A, Oltean S, Bates D (2013). Serine-Arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) - a potential target of angiogenesis in prostate cancer.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Ferguson J, Qiu Y, Salmon AH, Quaggin S, Harper SJ, Bates DO (2010). Contrasting properties of VEGF165 and VEGF165b splicing isoforms on glomerular water permeability in transgenic mice and complementary rescue of the phenotype.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Sorg B, Albrecht T, Bonano V, Brazas R, Dewhirst MW, Garcia-Blanco MA (2006). Imaging alternative splicing in prostate tumors reveals mesenchymal-epithelial transitions <i>in vivo</i>.  Author URL.
Oltean S, Banerjee R (2003). Translational upregulation of human methionine synthase by vitamin B<sub>12</sub>.  Author URL.

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External Engagement and Impact

Committee/panel activities

  • Member of the BBSRC Pool of Experts (research committee C) - 2022-2025

Editorial responsibilities

  • Associate Editor - Frontiers in Oncology - 2023- 
  • Associate Editor - Frontiers in RNA Research - 2023- 
  • Associate Editor - Cancer Insight - 2023-
  • Editorial Board member – Clinical and Translational Discovery – 2021-
  • Editorial Board member – Highlights of Molecular Science – 2021-
  • Editorial Board member – Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism – 2013 - 2020
  • Editorial Board member – World Journal of Clinical Oncology – 2015-2018

Invited lectures

2024

  • ECBB 2024 – European Conference on Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Rome, 18-22 Sep
  • Cell and Experimental Biology 2024, Baltimore, MD, 22-24 Apr

2023

  • CANCER FORUM 2023, Lisbon, 13-15 Nov
  • Cell and Experimental Biology 2023, Houston, TX, 24-26 Apr
  • Symposium on World Cancer Research, Tokyo, 27-29 Mar

2022

  • Cancer Research and Drug Development (Cancer R&D 2022), Baltimore, 24-26 Oct
  • Symposium on World Cancer Research, Singapore, 6-8th May​
  • Cell and Experimental Biology 2022, Boston, MA, 18-20 Apr (held virtually)

2021

  • 6th International Conference on Cancer Research and Drug Development (Cancer R&D 2021), Baltimore, MD, 25-28 Oct (held virtually)

  • 9th International Congress & Expo on Biotechnology and Biomaterials, Venice, Italy 23-25 Sep (held virtually)

  • 2nd International Conference on Cell and Experimental Biology, Houston, TX, 12-14 July (held virtually)

2020

  • ECBB 2020 – Euro-Global Conference on Biotechnology and Bioengineering – June 2020, Rome, Italy - “Modulation of alternative splicing as a novel therapeutic avenue in diabetic nephropathy”
  • Frontiers in CardioVascular Biomedicine 2020 Congress – Apr 2020, Budapest, Hungary - "VEGF isoform splicing in angiogenesis and disease” 

2019

  • 8th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnologies – Oct 2019, Seoul, Korea - "Modulators of alternative splicing as novel therapeutics in cancer"
  • 9th World Congress of Molecular & Cell Biology - Oct, 2019, Singapore - "Alternative splicing in epithelial-mesenchymal transitions"

2018

  • 7th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnologies – Oct 2018, Nanjing, China – “Use of splicing-sensitive fluorescent reporters to screen for modulators of VEGF-A splicing in vitro and to understand splicing regulation in vivo in transgenic mice”
  • International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnologies, Trieste, Italy – July 2018 – “Alternative splicing in chronic kidney diseases"
  • International Conference on Diabetes and its Complications - May 2018, Osaka, Japan - “Modulation of alternative splicing as a novel therapeutic avenue in diabetic nephropathy”

2017

  • 22nd World Congress on Advances in Oncology/ 20th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine  - Oct 2017, Athens, Greece – “Alternative splicing in epithelial-mesenchymal transitions”
  • BIT’s 5th World Congress of Diabetes – July 2017, Prague, Czech Republic – “Modulation of alternative splicing as a novel therapeutic avenue in diabetic nephropathy”
  • International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnologies, Trieste, Italy – May 2017 – “Development of novel anti-angiogenic compounds based on modulation of alternative splicing”
  • Diabetic Nephropathy Research Symposium – May 2017, Cardiff – “Modulation of alternative splicing as a novel therapeutic avenue in diabetic nephropathy”

Media Coverage

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Teaching

Pharmacology Pathway leader

The Biology of Cancer (CSC2026) - module leader

New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer (CSC 3030) - module leader

Lectures, tutorials, small group facilitating for various subjects in Medical Sciences and BMBS modules, mostly related to kidney physiology and pathology, diabetes, tumour biology, RNA and splicing in rational drug design

Academic tutor

MSc and PhD supervisor

Modules

2023/24


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Supervision / Group

Postgraduate researchers

  • Eda Aytekin
  • Duygu Duzgun
  • Jinxia Zheng

Alumni

  • Monica Lamici Ayine PhD student, 2019-2024
  • Kate Bosson MSc student, 2020
  • Elizabeth Bowler, postdoc, 2017-19
  • Anna Broadbent, MSc student, 2018
  • Nicholas Bullock, clinical fellow, 2014-15
  • Jinjie Li , MSc student, 2016
  • Ling Li, PhD student, 2014-2018 / Postdoc 2018-2020
  • Yihuan Liu MSc student, 2020
  • Carolina Mendez, MSc student, 2019
  • Pamela Pachacama Fernandez, MSc student, 2019
  • Hannah Poole MSc student, 2018
  • Sean Porazinski, postdoc, 2016-18
  • Ali Rasch , MSc student 2023
  • Le Rong , MSc student, 2014
  • Eleanor Star, PhD student, 2012-15
  • Megan Stevens, PhD student, 2011-14 / Postdoc 2015-21
  • Jiliang Xu , MSc student, 2012

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