Research Group

Cell and Developmental Biology

Rounded shapes and chemistry structures.

We research how cells become specialised, communicate with each other and respond to the environment, leading to an impact on the development of cancer, neurological diseases and the function of the immune system.

About

Our research provides a natural training environment for the next generation of scientists by combining molecular, biochemical, gene editing and imaging approaches with structural biology. This enables advanced investigations into the complex mechanisms of fundamental biology.

We pursue a range of interests including:

  • the molecular organisation of proteins and nucleic acids
  • cell signalling pathways controlling gene expression, autophagy and cell growth
  • mechanisms of chromosome segregation
  • the structure and function of the immune system, plant growth and environmental interactions
  • membrane proteins and cellular function 

Our research provides experimental platforms to collaborate with other researchers in other areas. For instance, we work with our colleagues in medicine to exploit structural and functional studies on how cancer cells evade the immune system.

Research highlights

People, projects and publications

People

Professor Nullin Divecha

Professor of Cellular Signalling

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Nullin

Professor Peter Smith BSc, PhD, MA, FRSB

Professor of Life Sciences
Connect with Peter

Dr Salah Elias

Associate Professor

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Salah

Dr Yihua Wang

Associate Professor

Research interests

  • Cell Signalling in Disease
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Crosstalk
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis

Accepting applications from PhD students

Connect with Yihua
I am a T cell immunologist. I am interested in how early innate immune responses - particularly neutrophil infiltration and antimicrobial peptide production - affect T cell differentiation and function.
Assoc Professor in Biomedical Sciences