Facilities are available for graduate studies leading to the degrees of MSc and PhD. Entry into these courses normally requires a Bachelor of Science degree with honours (class I or IIA). Fields of research available in the department include the factors controlling cell division in the alimentary tract; studies on the structure and function of connective tissues; factors influencing the differentiation and maturation of epithelial tissues; control of skilled movement by the cerebellum, basal ganglia and cortex; medical genetics, molecular haematology, and inherited disorders of the red blood cell; studies on reproductive function in humans and other mammals with emphasis upon the hormonal control of spermatogenesis, foetal and postnatal testicular development and the cell-cell interactions within the testis.
reg .Biochemistry
Coordinator: Head of department and Dr R J Devenish
Facilities are available for graduate studies leading to the degrees of MSc and PhD. Entry into these courses normally requires a Bachelor of Science degree with honours (class I or IIA). Other applicants may be considered if they have research experience and academic qualifications which the faculty considers to be appropriate preparation for the proposed field of study. Fields of research available in the department are grouped into three major areas.
(i) Molecular biology
These studies are constituted to encompass an integrated approach to fundamental biochemical problems and human disease. They include:
(a) The biosynthesis of the mitochondrial organelle, application of recombinant DNA technology to protein targeting, function and assembly, gene synthesis/control mechanisms. Mitochondrial diseases, Parkinson's and various neuromuscular and cardiac diseases, mitochondrial mutation as a major contributor to the ageing process and cellular degeneration. Redox therapy of mitochondrially impaired cells and tissues. Role of apoptosis induced by energy deficiency in the ageing process.
(b) The interferons: cytokine cell regulators; molecular biological studies on normal cell regulation including receptors, signal transduction, gene regulation, X-ray crystallographic structural studies of interferons. Their role in the prevention of viral disease, cancer therapy and immune system regulation, in relation to Epstein Barr virus infection, hepatitis B, melanoma and multiple sclerosis.
(c) The molecular biology and immunology of autoimmune disease, causation and early diagnosis, genetic and environmental effects, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, primary biliary cirrhosis.
(d) Mucin glycoproteins: biosynthesis and structural determinations, their properties as oncofetal antigens, expression in pre-malignant and malignant tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, use as cancer markers and to follow the development of malignancy.
(ii) Macromolecular structure and function
These studies examine protein-structure-function behaviour associated with different facets of human cancers, metabolic control of cells and protein purification. In particular, the focus includes:
(a) Studies related to hormonal regulation of mammalian metabolism, with particular reference to the protein chemistry and mechanism of action of growth hormone, the pituitary and gonadal glycoproteins, and insulin.
(b) Studies on computer-assisted design and syntheses of therapeutic peptides for use in the control of human and animal health.
(c) Wound-healing and angiogenesis of normal and malignant cells and tissues, including the ovary, testis, prostate and metastatic tumours.
(d) Biochemical and biophysical studies into modern procedures for the separation of macromolecules and their biotechnological applications.
(iii) Structure and function of connective tissues
Studies in this area embrace a comprehensive approach to the investigation of the structure and function of connective tissues and in particular cartilage, ligament, kidney, and gastrointestinal interstitium. Of particular interest are:
(a) Studies on cartilage and ligament which include investigations into the mechanisms of synthesis and degradation of proteoglycans and structural proteins by these tissues and the role played by growth factors. Studies of the enzymatic processes involved in the degradation of proteoglycans in osteo-arthritis and the role played by polymorphonuclear leucocytes in inflammatory arthritis.
(b) Biophysical investigations into the cell-extracellular matrix interactions in connective tissues such as cartilage in relation to the biological function of the tissue.
(c) The biochemical and biophysical mechanisms which are involved in the ultrafiltration by the glomerular basement membrane, the mechanism of proteinuria in kidney disease.
(d) The structure of glycoproteins and proteoglycans associated with different regions of the alimentary canal, with normal and abnormal development of the gut during embryonic development and with the onset of cancer.
A booklet is available from the department that specifically details honours and postgraduate studies. Prospective students should seek additional information from the head of the department or Dr R J Devenish.
A number of departmental research projects are conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Biology and Medicine (inquiries to Professor A W Linnane, director) and the Centre for Bioprocess Technology (inquiries to Professor M T W Hearn, director).