Functional Genetics and Development

Mechanistic studies into canine disease, specifically the focus of my research is comparative cancer biology.  This involves studies on the stem cell basis of cancer through to the translation of new therapeutics into clinical development.

Translational genomics in critical care medicine.

Defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin lymphoid organ development in chickens. Developing and exploiting novel gene transfer and editing technologies in order to visualise and manipulate specific chicken immune cell populations.

Regulation of growth and differentiation of embryo derived stem cells.

Molecular control of sex determination and gonadal development. Mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphisms in birds. Micro-RNA regulation of cell and tissue differentiation.

Pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying lung disease.

Our current projects include:

• The embryological origin of radial aplasia
• Fate mapping the limb bud and the control of co-ordinated development of limb anatomy
• Developing novel avian transgenic tools for developmental biology
• The evolution of limb pattern in birds
• The function of TALPID3

I lead a research group working in the areas of Stem Cell biology and Reproductive Biology in large animal species. We are interested in these species both from a veterinary perspective and as disease models.  Work in my laboratory spans from hypothesis-led studies to understand basic cell, organ and whole animal biology and physiology, all the way through to translational studies with industry to develop novel molecular diagnostics and cell-based therapies to address specific key challenges faced by the livestock (cattle) industry and companion animal sectors. My laboratory is best known for pioneering work on 1) the use of miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for cattle, and 2) the generation and application of stem cells, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in farm species (horse, cattle, pigs). 

Identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for bone and cartilage growth, development and mineralisation in health and disease.

Development, maintenance and repair of the skin and its appendages.

Mouse models of human and animal disease

Investigating new mechanisms of bone formation and vascular calcification.

Biobanking and genome editing of avian germ cells

Preclinical studies to evaluate safety and efficacy of vectors for respiratory gene/miRNA delivery in mice & sheep. Sheep as a large animal model for respiratory disease.

Adaptations of the neuroendocrine system: hormonal and neural regulation of reproduction and behaviour.  Animal Welfare: Neurobiology of positive welfare and behaviour.

Our collaborative research with Prof K Kranc is to address the precise functions of epigenetic regulators in myeloid leukaemia using in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo models. Together with additional screening in patients for mutations in this gene, this research will enable us to develop new approaches to treat leukaemia.

Development of genetically engineered livestock for biomedical and agricultural applications.

Elucidating the mechanisms underpinning neuronal development, stability and degeneration in health and disease.

My research interests are in molecular pathways that become dysregulated in cancer and dysregulation of osteoclasts in bone. I have a particluar interest in oral tumours in cats, and how they invade the bone of the mandible as well as feline tooth resorption. Osteoclasts are my favourite cell, so anything related to osteoclasts and I am interested!

Mitral valve disease in dogs, tissue engineered solutions to sourcing valve tissue for research.

In vitro production of functional canine hepatocytes from stem cell sources.

Canine liver disease and pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. 

Performance of Pet-side testing

The equine cardiovascular system and its relationship to endocrinological disorders such as equine metabolic syndrome and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

Clinical biomarkers of congestive heart failure in canine patients Novel diagnostic tools in canine mesothelioma Use of 4-D echocardiography in the dog

Equine internal medical disorders, particularly equine respiratory diseases and grass sickness.

Advanced imaging of equine fractures

miRNAs and osteoarthritis

miRNAs and SNPs in equine stress fractures