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University research recognised by Cell

A research paper authored by final year PhD student Joshua Parsons and Professor Martin Warren at the Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, has caught the attention of Cell, one of the leading journals in experimental biology.

The paper, which had only recently been accepted for publication in the Journal of Biological Chemistry before being picked up by Cell, highlights how complex properties can be transferred between bacteria. In particular, the paper demonstrates how certain bacteria are able to make compartments within the cell, a property that is more commonly associated with higher organisms.

Professor Warren, an internationally renowned biochemist, said: 'To have our paper highlighted by Cell acknowledges the importance of this work. Our research, which has involved the engineering of 21 genes, has entailed a huge effort from scientists in Ireland, Germany, Manchester and London. We are also hopeful that the research will lead to new technologies that will allow bacteria to make new drugs or detoxify contaminated sites.'

Mike Geeves, Professor of Physical Biochemistry and Head of the Department of Biosciences at the University of Kent, said: 'The Department of Biosciences would like to congratulate Joshua Parsons and Professor Warren on the selection of their paper by Cell. The selection and publication of this paper is further evidence of the consistently high standard of research being conducted by the Department and across the University.'

Biochemical and Structural Insights into Bacterial Organelle Form and Biogenesis by Joshua Parsons and Professor Martin Warren was highlighted in the 18 April issue of Cell and will be published in full in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in June.

Contact: mediaoffice@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 1:32pm 24 April 2008