<p>Much of my work centres on the genetics of breast cancer (especially where this is of an early onset, familial nature), and adopts several approaches:<br /><br />A molecular analysis of the BRCA1 gene, which confers susceptibility to breast cancer in a proportion of women. This involves the investigation of the structure and expression of the gene product (including its role in sporadic breast and ovarian cancer), its regulation, and its behaviour as a tumour suppressor, and studies of transgenic mice with altered BRCA1 genes. Collaborative investigations of the structure of the RING finger domain of BRCA1 are also under way.&nbsp;<br /><br />The analysis of further genes implicated in the genesis of breast cancer, which exist in close proximity to BRCA1. Molecular analysis of the function, expression and regulation of these genes is gradually disentangling their complex relationship with BRCA1. <br /><br />A sib-pair genome search, which aims to identify regions of the genome containing further genes predisposing to breast cancer, is being undertaken with Professor Cathryn Lewis. <br /><br />I also have an interest in the PML/RARA translocation underlying Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia, and with Professor David Grimwade am investigating the regulation of PML, and the structure of its RING finger domain.</p>

Breast Cancer Genetics; Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia; Human Genetic Disease