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Cell & developmental biology
An increasing number of our research groups have a wide range of interests at the interface of molecular and cellular biology and largely focus on three specific areas. A key aspect of the work of our cell and developmental biologists is to encourage and develop multidisciplinary approaches to the study of the molecular basis of complex cellular processes. To achieve this, a wide range of methods are exploited and include: electrophysiology, microscopy and imaging, molecular genetics and a wide range of in vitro methods for the study of protein function. The research is supported by the Image Analysis Facility and a full-time facility manager.
Cytoskeletal proteins
Dynamic aspects of cytoskeletal proteins and how these proteins integrate the activities of cells and groups of cells. Projects include:
Drosophila as a model organism
Use of Drosophila as a model organism to study how cytoskeletal dynamics and cell communication influence development. Projects include 
- assembly and function of gap junctions;
- embryonic morphogenesis and cell migration.
Scientific highlights from members of this group over the last five years include:
- how a mammalian spectrin provides non-nucleated human red blood cells with the elasticity required for survival in circulation
- first demonstration that the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in the regulation of ageing and apoptosis
- first complete avian karyotype
- discovery of a novel mode of regulation of the motor activity of fission yeast myosin
If you are interested in finding out more about our research in this area please contact the Group Co-ordinator
Members of the Cell & Developmental Biology Group are:
Dr Anthony Baines, Professor Mike Geeves, Professor Darren Griffin, Dr Bernhard Gibbs, Dr Dan Mulvihill, Dr Pauline Phelan, Dr Jim Bloor, Dr Campbell Gourlay.