Disease Detection
and Prevention
(DDaP)

Our current research projects include:

• Microbiome diversity within the built environment and implications for human health
• Investigation of salivary biomarkers to predict psychological responses to stress in perfectionism and burnout studies
• Overcoming therapeutic resistance in acute promyelocytic leukaemia using a novel small molecule inhibitor
• Targeting CD99 to modify cancer metastasis in Ewing's sarcoma and breast cancer
• Exploring the relationship between the tumour suppressor protein, p53, and endothelial cell function
• Preventing genotoxic damage and improving vascular health in ageing individuals with a simple antioxidant supplement
• Targeting catalase and cytochrome P450 to enhance chemotherapy responses in bladder, cervical, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer
• Exploiting exosomes and antioxidants as a nano-liposomal therapy approach to treat solid tumours
• Characterisation of genome integrity in COVID-19 patients during the recovery phase – is there a link to 'long-Covid'?

Find out more about current research activities, vacancies and research degree opportunities.

Research is supported by the recent expansion of the Biosciences specialist space to include purpose-built research-only laboratory spaces, all fitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

DDaP research activity is conducted through three strands (see Figure 2 below), all concerned with understanding the overall impact of external stressors on human health:

• Biomarkers in Health and Disease (BiHaD; lead Dr Owen Kavanagh), centred on measuring changes in critical molecules found within biological samples;
• Cancer and Genotoxicity (CaG; lead Dr Adi Baumgartner), concerned with understanding how local and environmental stresses impact genomic health; and
• Microbiomes in Action (MiA; lead Dr Claire Wright), the newest research area focused on monitoring various environments for evidence of microbial colonisation, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factors.

Figure 2 Current research structure and expertise of the DDaP group

The group has published in leading international journals such as Journal of Cell Science, Toxicology Letters, Molecular Biology of the Cell and Science Signaling, with members also engaged on editorial and review boards for several journals and granting bodies.

Research findings have also been disseminated at local, national, and international conferences including European Society for Biochemistry (FEBS), Biochemical Society, and National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI).

DDaP is also working closely with local organisations, such as the i2i Football Academy, charities (Different Strokes), and companies (FERA and Covance) to improve research impact. By liaising with clinicians and scientists within York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, DDaP are conducting translatable research with the potential to transform the patient journey.

In addition, research findings have received substantial media coverage (for example, The Guardian, Greatest Hits radio), with extensive national and international collaborators involved to ensure high quality research is successfully undertaken.