A career at the bench: Facts and Figures

Explore my extensive background in biomedical science, from cancer research to drug discovery. Discover my contributions to over 40 publications and more than 700 citations, showcasing a career dedicated to advancing scientific understanding.

Years at the bench 40 (circa 1985-2015)
Scientific Disciplines Cardiovascular Sciences, Cancer Research, Virology, Genomics, Parasitology, assay development, drug discovery
Scientific Publications #30
Citations 700 (circa 2026)
Countries resident at the bench England, Scotland, Germany, USA
Book chapters & Figures Two books to which I contributed data: One about automated DNA Sequencing (circa 1997), the other Gene expression AffymetrixMicroarray data (circa 2008)
Media attention engendered by scientific data BBC "Heart of the Matter" (circa 2000), "The Really Wild show" (circa 1999), BBC World Service, "Science in Action" (circa 2011)

On overview of my  technical career at the bench (circa 1987-2015)

Who am I

Where I have worked and what I did in brief

Scientific work engendering media attention

Scientific Presentations

Member ship of Scientific Societies
  • By virtue of practice in a plethora of life sciences disciplines, I was formerly an elected member of the Genetics Society, Biochemical Society & Institute of Biomedical Sciences (in addition to the RSB and IST).
  • In 2016, I was invited to become a "Review Editor" for "Frontiers in Microbiology & Infectious Diseases".

Examples of Work: RNA Conformers

This image depicts RNA conformers, validated initially on by non denaturing glycerol PAGE and subsequently ligated with recombinant REL1 for increasing periods of time. These ligation reactions were then resolved by glycerol PAGE and read photometrically in a 96 well plate. As you can see from above the two outputs conincide well.  Work performed at the University of Edinburgh, circa 2008-2012.

Examples of Work: Microarray scans

These images depict labelled RNA species tthat have been used to interogate Affymetrix biochips to identify genes of interest in relevant biopsy samples. To ensure accurate data sets, cRNA can be QC verified on Agilent biochips and feature data can be normalised against internal chip controls. Work performed at the University of Edinburgh, circa 2005-2008.

Examples of Work: In situ Hybridisation of candidate gene

This image is taken from the paper referenced below. The first plate shows a pan specific Ab to desmocollins arrayed through out the stratified epithelium and visualised by IF. The second plate shows the isoform DSC-2 specifically sequestered in the suprabasal layer of the epithelium (only) and was identified by IHC using a labelled antisense probe to DSC-2. The sense control depicted in the 3rd plate corroborates specificity. This work was performed in the CRC laboratory at the University of Manchester (circa 1993-1995).

Examples of Work: Efficacy of drug assays

This image depicts non linear regression analysis of ligation data in vitro and resembling reactions opposite to compute reaction attributes such as Km. These parameters of enzymatic ligation In Vitro  are required to validate data accuracy in FRET drug discovery screens. Circa 2008-2012.

Targetted Gene Expression & Automated DNA Sequencing

In 1995, I set up a DNA sequencing core facility at the University of Manchester, based on ABI 377 Sanger sequencing technology. This involved production sequencing for a plethora of projects within Manchester laboratories, culminating in acknowledged contributions on peer reviewed papers and input into a Text book on DNA sequencing, circa 1994. I also provided in person and tutorial technical troubleshooting advice to facility clients and, on the strength of my performance, was invited by academics in Manchester to provide lectures to MSc students about DNA sequencing technology and, in addition, organise and run a 2 day practical workshop on DNA sequencing as a module on the MRes course.  

On the strength of that experience, in 2000, I was invited to participate in production sequencing, in a bespoke position, in a public consortium laboratory associated with the Human Genome project, at AECOM, Yeshiva University: Specifically, the Harvard partners health care  Center for Genetics & Genomics, linked to Mass General Brigham and the Department of Genetics . At that time, I was the first person to be hired from abroad without a PhD into the Molecular Genetics Department at AECOM.

By way of example and regarding my time in the sequencing facility at Manchester:

  1. Automated DNA Sequencing.
  2. Targeted genomic Sequencing in in vitro models of hypertension.
  3. Targeted genomic sequencing of MHC allotyes and connection to  in vitro models of auto immunity.
  4. Examples of genomic sequencing data from projects linked to the ABI 377, ABI 3100 and Amersham Megabace platforms.  

During my time in the US, I was an active participant in the Association of Biomolecular Resourse Facilities (ABRF),   including presenting posters, conference abstracts and speaking at their Annual Conference in San Diego in 2001: 

Specifically, I served as a member of the ABRF DNA Sequencing Forum and played an active role in studies which evaluated (then) current DNA technologies and how they performed in the field. Some of these studies were presented as abstracts and posters @ ABRF 2001 and published in Journal of Biomolecular Techniques. 

Examples of my DNA sequencing work, in addition to ABRF Poster publications are provided in my Weebly profile.

Project Sequencing Manchester University 

This publication on DNA sequencing features data figures supplied by me, generated on the ABI 377 at the university of Manchester. The Electropherograms were derived from PCR products which mined canine DNA for different breed specific haplotypes 

Published Book

This publication on DNA sequencing features data figures supplied by me, generated on the ABI 377 at the university of Manchester.

Project Sequencing Manchester Uni.

A paper in which I contributed to sequencing and contig building linked to candidate genes associated with biofilm Quorum sensing. I performed this work during my time at Manchester  circa 1997-2000.

ABRF 2001 Poster

A poster displayed at ABRF 2001 trade show and derived from data compiled by the DSRG working group, of which I was a member and to which I contributed.

Targetted Gene Expression & Automated DNA Sequencing: Sequencing QTLs linked to hypertension to identify causative SNPs

 

From 2002 until 2005, I was involved in a targetted sequencing project, designed to elucidate SNPs linked to hypertension, based on a rat genetic (congenic) model. Specifically, I targetted eQTL's with primers and both amplified and sequenced cDNA species in congenic hypertensive and normotensive rat models, attempting to discern differences in SNP indexed haplotypes, linked to these QTLs. The work culminated in identification of salt regulating regulating candidate genes and was reported at numerous conferences and in press.

In addition, I participated in other sequencing and genomic related projects in CVS at Leicester, including PCR genotyping of cogenic mice used as models of hypertension.

Spondin 1 Paper

A paper in which a candidate gene for hypertension was identified in a rat congenic model, engendering an introgressed eQTL. I identified haplotype SNPs by DNA sequencing. Done by me during my time in CVS at Glenfield, circa 2002-2005.

Genomic mRNA paper

A paper in which different mRNA species of genes were investigated in genomic sweeps. Data provided by me was based on sequencing of specific cDNA species (RT PCR). Done by me during my time in CVS at Glenfield, circa 2002-2005.

Work associated with my time at the Roslyn Institute, circa 2002-2005: Specifically, the overarching aim of this collaborative project was to identify genes underpinning wild type sleeping sickness in Eastern Africa and to further define, refine and recapitulate these efforts in In Vivo mouse models. My contribution was generating data sets of expressed transcripts using Affymetrix Micro Array technology.

Gene Expression data

A poster presentation at conference in which data sets were used to elucidate putative gene pathways linked to Tryp resistance in WT cattle.  This work performed by me at Edinburgh University,  circa 2008-2012.

Gene Expression data

Another poster presentation at conference in which data sets were used to elucidate putative gene pathways linked to Tryp resistance in WT cattle.  This work performed by me at Edinburgh University,  circa 2008-2012.

Bench work Receiving International Media Attention

I have participated in projects with media coverage e.g. BBC world service; both BBC & Channel 4 television & US/international media. See my Technique pages on my Weebly ancillary web site.

Specifically, I participated in a project, whose mission was to identify and charaterise genetic haplotypes linked to the pathogenesis of sleeping sickness in cattle in the wild ("Nagana") by utilising data  expression cohorts from resistant and suspectible breeds of cattle in the wild from pathogenic pertinent tissues, derived from Micro Array biochips. This data collection, mining and analysis provded fruitful and resulted in a seminal publication in PNAS. Furthermore, to augment and further refine wild type data, in vivo experiments were also performed on genetic models of Nagana in mouse models, thereagain derived from global snap shots of gene expression in pertinent tissues, generated with Affymetric Biochips. There again, this data resulted in key publications , as well as conference abstracts & even a book chapter. 

Gene Expression data

A book chapter in which data sets were used to elucidate putative gene pathways linked to Tryp resistance in WT cattle.  This work performed by me at Edinburgh University,  circa 2008-2012.

Gene Expression data

A book chapter in which data sets were used to elucidate putative gene pathways linked to Tryp resistance in WT cattle.  This work performed by me at Edinburgh University,  circa 2008-2012.

Drug Discovery: Gene targets for Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)

Between 2008 and 2012, I engaged in wet lab work attempting to identify small compounds that, based on in vitro assays, inhibit a key metabolic enzyme in Trypansome parasites responsible Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) and, as such, could constitute a putative therapeutic target for HAT. 

The work comprised Four stages:

  1. Developing a luminescent assay that would place the recombinant enzyme target front and centre in an in vitro assay, enabling screening of small molecule(s). Preceeding the assay, work was put in to expressing and purifying active recombinant target. A poster succintly describes key stages in this development and optimisation. 
  2. Validation of the assay using compounds with tried and tested efficacy against the protein target. This is illustrated in another conference poster.
  3. Optimisation of the assay to improve specificity and sensitivity.
  4. Screening caches of compounds that had been predicted to bind to the target protein by in silico modelling. A series of conference posters were used to present this story, including this one. 

The over all procedural pipeline from de novo assay to compound screen is tracked in working portfolios linked to my weebly web site. Beyond this empirical bench work, two publications came to press, describing the two  stages of this project, namely:

  1. Initial validation of the assay using known inhibitors of the recombinant enzyme target. 
  2. Subsequent assay optimisation to improve sensitivity and specificity.

Proof of principle paper

A paper in which compounds identified by in silico modelling were evaluated for actual REL 1 binding efficacy in vitro  This work performed by me at Edinburgh University,  circa 2008-2012.

Assay development paper paper

A paper in which the basic FRET assay, validated as specific opposite, is further tweaked to improve sensitivity & S:N. This work was performed by me at Edinburgh University, circa 2008-2012.

Development of a FRET Assay for Anti HAT drug discovery

Work associated with my time @ Edinburgh University, circa 2008-2012, in which I was part of an ambitious project whose aim was to indentify small molecule inhibitors of a key enzyme and putative target protein for Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) called RNA Editing Ligase 1 (REL1). My personal contribution was as follows:

  • To express a recombinant form of the target protein enzyme.

  • To Develop a high through put FRET drug screening assay, based on this enzyme.  

  • To utilise this assay In Vitro to screen small compound libraries and identify inhibitors of REL 1 by FRET.

  • To evaluate the efficacy of identified inhibitors by implementing a "killing fields" In Vivo cytotoxic assay against live Trypanosome parasites using Alamar Blue. 

  • The work was highly successful on my part and culminated in two key publications and numerous conference posters. 

Posters & project reports showing key stages in the development of a FRET based in vitro assay for high through put screening of small compound libraries in order to identify antagonists of recombinant REL 1 and thus putative anti HAT chemo therapeutics  

Gene Expression and Hydrogels

In 2014, I spent 1 year working on a project, in which primary lymphocytes were cultured in vitro in conditions conducive to specialised ontogeny. Behaviour in vivo was then modelled in vitro in hydrogels and concomitantly, gene expression was eluidated as a snap shot using real time qPCR. I was responsible for generating real time gene expression data and this work resulted in seminal publication(s) and conference presentations.

Investigating gene expression of transcription factors in primary leucocyte cultures by qPCR  This work was performed by me at Nottingham University,  circa 2012-2013.

Investigating gene expression of transcription factors  seeded with Primary leucocytes by qPCR  This work was performed by me at Nottingham University,  circa 2012-2013.