Seminars
Wednesday 19th November 2008
Arts G.02
Programme:
- 5-5.20pm: "Inflammation – a malignant force?" By Prof Frances Balkwill.
- 5.20-5.30pm Discussion
- 5.30-5.50pm 'Chondrocyte mechanobiology - actin, calcium and the primary cilium'. By Dr Martin Knight.
- 5.50-6pm Discussion
- 6-7pm Refreshments
Speakers:
Prof Frances Balkwill, Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Cancer.
Our Centre focuses on the links between cancer and inflammation. The overarching hypothesis that drives our research is that the inflammatory mediators and cells found in cancer are more likely to enhance than inhibit tumour progression; hence modulating these cells and mediators will be of therapeutic benefit.
Our aim is to translate our laboratory research in chronic inflammation and the tumour microenvironment into new treatments for cancer, especially ovarian cancer, and we are involved in several Phase I and Phase II clinical trials of cytokine antagonists. We have excellent collaborations with the Departments of Gynaecological Oncology and Medical Oncology at Barts and The London NHS Hospitals.
Email: frances.balkwill@cancer.org.uk
Dr Martin Knight, Reader in Mechanobiology, School of Engineering and Materials Science.
Martin Knight’s research concerns the area of mechanobiology and mechanotransduction or how cells ‘sense and respond’ to mechanical forces. This work is coupled with expertise in advanced confocal microscopy for examining cell physiology, protein dynamics and cell biomechanics. Current research is exploring the role of mechanobiology in tissue health and disease and the potential exploitation of these fundamental mechanisms for tissue engineering or therapeutic intervention. The majority of studies are focused on articular chondrocytes with additional research involving other cell types including peripheral neurons, tenocytes and fibroblasts.
Dr Knight is also involved in biomaterial development working as a consultant with Oxford Biomaterials (http://www.oxfordbiomaterials.com) developing silk based materals for cartilage repair.
Martin Knight also has a strong interest in promoting the public understanding of science and has been involved in a wide range of science communication activities. He is a scientific content advisor to the Centre of the Cell (http://www.centreofthecell.org) which is a new multimillion pound interactive science education centre in East London. He has presented a number of public science lectures as part of National Science week and has also held an EPSRC Partnership for Public Awareness grant. This involved working with school groups producing animated films on a range of medical science related topics. One such film recently won the Planet SciCast best biology film award. The film entitled ‘grow your own body parts’ was made by year 10 children from local schools and describes the science of tissue engineering and how it is being used to repair damaged articular cartilage (http://www.planet-scicast.com/view_clip.cfm?cit_id=2628) .
Martin Knight held an EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship in cartilage mechanobiology and tissue engineering (2000-2006) and is now a Reader in Mechanobiology. He is also the programme director and the admissions tutor for the Medical Engineering undergraduate degree.
Email: m.m.knight@qmul.ac.uk
