2009 Press Releases
Cell Biology and Cell Signalling at UCC
01.04.2009
The Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) Investment in the UCC BioSciences Institute (the building itself, equipment and support for students and researchers) has supported a significant body of research in the broad area of cell biology and cell signalling.
01.04.2009
The Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRTLI) Investment in the UCC BioSciences Institute (the building itself, equipment and support for students and researchers) has supported a significant body of research in the broad area of cell biology and cell signalling.
This research is focused on determining how healthy and diseased cells and tissues function at a molecular level. The two major areas of application are cancer and neuroscience, where our understanding of these molecular details has had a major impact on diagnosis and therapy.
In the next lecture of the UCC’s Research Highlights Lecture Series on Thursday, April 2nd 2009, Professor Rosemary O’Connor, Department of Biochemistry, UCC will discuss cell biology and cell signalling research at UCC. The lecture takes place at 1pm in the Aula Maxima.
According to Professor O’Connor: “All of the cells in the human body are derived from a single cell, which during development and growth proliferates to produce approximately 1013 cells. During development cells also undergo a series of molecular changes called differentiation that confers on them unique functions that are associated with the organs and tissues they form. For example muscle cells, brain cells, and blood cells all have different characteristics and specialized functions. Once humans reach maturity overall cell numbers in the body are maintained by molecular regulation of cell death, cell survival, cell proliferation, and differentiation. However, cancer can arise in different tissues when these processes become un-regulated or damaged due to a combination of environmental and/or hereditary effects. As we age we are more likely to get cancer. The onset of neurodegenerative conditions also increases with age and are caused by loss of neurons due to cell death or loss of functions, which are not replaced.”
Interestingly, some of the same key molecules that control cell survival and cell death are involved in both cancer and neurodegeneration, she explained. “Often these molecules are highly conserved and carry out similar functions in maintaining life in simple organisms and animals such as yeast and flies as well as in mice and humans. Thus, the study of cell signalling in human disease often involves use of cells derived from simple organisms.” In this talk Professor O’Connor will illustrate how our understanding of cancer and neurodegeneration has been advanced by studies of cell biology and cell signalling in different organisms, and also will discuss how new therapies are being developed based on this knowledge.
To celebrate 10 years of PRTLI investment in UCC, and to mark its contribution to the development of the University, the region and the nation, the UCC Research Highlights Lecture Series aims to convey to a wide audience the significance and impact of PRTLI investment in UCC.
The Lecture Series will continue until May 7th 2009 and cover a wide range of topics including nanoscience and technology; food & health; cell biology; environment, marine and energy.
The lecture will take place on Thursday, April 2nd at 1.00pm in Kane G2, UCC. Admission is free, and as always, members of the public are invited to attend.
1046MMcS
Picture: PDLIM2 protein in green, discovered at UCC, promotes invasiveness of cancer cells.
Picture by Gary Loughran.
In the next lecture of the UCC’s Research Highlights Lecture Series on Thursday, April 2nd 2009, Professor Rosemary O’Connor, Department of Biochemistry, UCC will discuss cell biology and cell signalling research at UCC. The lecture takes place at 1pm in the Aula Maxima.
According to Professor O’Connor: “All of the cells in the human body are derived from a single cell, which during development and growth proliferates to produce approximately 1013 cells. During development cells also undergo a series of molecular changes called differentiation that confers on them unique functions that are associated with the organs and tissues they form. For example muscle cells, brain cells, and blood cells all have different characteristics and specialized functions. Once humans reach maturity overall cell numbers in the body are maintained by molecular regulation of cell death, cell survival, cell proliferation, and differentiation. However, cancer can arise in different tissues when these processes become un-regulated or damaged due to a combination of environmental and/or hereditary effects. As we age we are more likely to get cancer. The onset of neurodegenerative conditions also increases with age and are caused by loss of neurons due to cell death or loss of functions, which are not replaced.”
Interestingly, some of the same key molecules that control cell survival and cell death are involved in both cancer and neurodegeneration, she explained. “Often these molecules are highly conserved and carry out similar functions in maintaining life in simple organisms and animals such as yeast and flies as well as in mice and humans. Thus, the study of cell signalling in human disease often involves use of cells derived from simple organisms.” In this talk Professor O’Connor will illustrate how our understanding of cancer and neurodegeneration has been advanced by studies of cell biology and cell signalling in different organisms, and also will discuss how new therapies are being developed based on this knowledge.
To celebrate 10 years of PRTLI investment in UCC, and to mark its contribution to the development of the University, the region and the nation, the UCC Research Highlights Lecture Series aims to convey to a wide audience the significance and impact of PRTLI investment in UCC.
The Lecture Series will continue until May 7th 2009 and cover a wide range of topics including nanoscience and technology; food & health; cell biology; environment, marine and energy.
The lecture will take place on Thursday, April 2nd at 1.00pm in Kane G2, UCC. Admission is free, and as always, members of the public are invited to attend.
1046MMcS
Picture: PDLIM2 protein in green, discovered at UCC, promotes invasiveness of cancer cells.
Picture by Gary Loughran.