CBS Seminar: Duncan Sproul- Understanding the causes of epigenetic dysfunction in human disease
We are pleased to invite you to this CBS Seminar with Duncan Sproul from the MRC Human Genetics Unit and Institute of Genetics and Cancer at the University of Edinburgh.
| A Clinical and Biomedical Sciences seminar | |
|---|---|
| Date | 3 July 2024 |
| Time | 15:00 to 16:30 |
| Place | South Cloister 3.06 |
| Organizer | Nicholas Clifton, Harry Green and Gareth Hawkes |
Event details
Abstract
Our work focuses on using interdisciplinary approaches to understand the role of epigenetic dysfunction in human disease, particularly cancer. Alterations in the levels of epigenetic marks, are an intrinsic hallmark of many human diseases. However, we do not currently understand the role of epigenetic dysfunction in human disease and how it can be targeted to treat patients. Our main focus is on understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the widespread alterations in the distribution of the repressive epigenetic mark DNA methylation observed in cancer. We combine computational analysis of large datasets, mathematical modelling and focused experiments in the laboratory. While we principally work on DNA methylation in cancer, we have also examined DNA methylation in aging and Mendelian disorders in collaboration with other research groups. In this talk, I will focus on our recent work to understand why cancers lose DNA methylation from their genomes. This hallmark of cancer was first described in 1983 and has been proposed to promote carcinogenesis by causing genomic instability. However, its causes remain poorly understood.
This will be a hybrid seminar with the speaker presenting live in-person in South Cloisters, room 3.06.
There is also the option join virtually via Zoom https://Universityofexeter.zoom.us/j/93135965723?pwd=c3dCaXlIKzJnZzJWYzlkYnAxWmliUT09
Meeting ID: 931 3596 5723 Password: 121700
A drinks reception with alcoholic drinks and nibbles will also be provided at the seminar. Please feel free to forward this invitation to colleagues and networks.
Event: Wednesday 3rd July 3:00- 4:30pm South Cloisters, room 3.06, St Luke’s Campus
Title: Understanding the causes of epigenetic dysfunction in human disease
Bio: Dr Duncan Sproul is a programme leader at the MRC Human Genetics Unit and Institute of Genetics and Cancer. Duncan studied Genetics at the University of Edinburgh before being awarded an MRC pre-doctoral fellowship to undertake a PhD on the regulation of gene clusters with Prof Wendy Bickmore at the MRC Human Genetics Unit. During his postdoctoral training at the Edinburgh Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Unit with Dr Andrew Sims, Duncan applied emerging epigenomic technologies to understand the role of epigenetic dysfunction in breast carcinogenesis. He joined the MRC Human Genetics Unit in 2013 as a research fellow and was awarded a Career Development Fellowship from CRUK in 2016. He is also an alumnus of the Scottish Crucible.
