News from the Medical Research Council July / August 2010

New bowel cancer screening could save thousands of lives Page 7

Time to speak openly about animal research Dr Simon Festing on using animals in research Page 18 Contents

NEWS mrc people MRC scientist’s obesity research nets Belgian prize 12

research roundup UK to take unprecedented step in Piston engine drives cell energy international science leadership 4 production 15 European council raises animal protection standards 4

FeatureS New bowel cancer screening could save thousands of lives 7

Positive results from deep brain stimulation trial 16 60 years of NIMR at Mill Hill 8

FUNDING OPINION Time to speak openly about animal Scotland celebrates Wellcome Wolfson research 18 funding boost 10 Dr Simon Festing, chief executive of PhDs with a commercial edge 10 Understanding Animal Research

2 | MRCNetwork Comment from Sir Leszek Borysiewicz

After the Budget statement on 22 June, no one can be left in any Science is the source of all doubt that stringent cuts lie ahead. Most government departments are “real innovation: by generating being asked to reduce their spending by an average of 25 per cent over the new ideas, it feeds enterprise next four years. While the Department of Health and the Department for and invention. International Development are excluded from this measure, the ” Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) – which provides all However, we do not yet know to what extent MRC funding will be reduced. the research councils’ funding – is not, Despite the announcement of the 25 per cent cut across government and we at the MRC can expect to departments, the June Budget concentrated more on taxes than spending. be required to share the burden. The next Comprehensive Spending Review is due to report in the autumn, I have always maintained that, spelling out in more detail exactly where the spending cuts are to fall over whatever the magnitude of the cuts the next four years. We still have an opportunity, therefore, to put forward we face, the solution is not to trim every area by the same proportion. our case to convince BIS and the Treasury that government funding for So-called ‘cheese-paring’ would simply mean that we would underfund research is vital to the economy and that to cut it too deeply would be everything and do nothing as well as we would like. disastrous for the UK as a whole. The right approach is to stay true to the Strategic Plan we published Science is the source of all real innovation: by generating new ideas, it last year – Research Changes Lives. In it, we identified our priorities feeds enterprise and invention. Medical research brings these benefits and the areas of research where we believe we can make the biggest over and above its fundamental purpose of helping keep the population difference to people’s health and quality of life. These research healthy and productive. The UK is a world leader in science – particularly priorities will be protected and funded so that we can achieve our in medical research – and we need to maintain, if not enhance, our objectives. While we concentrate our resources on the areas of most success if we are to come out of the economic recovery in a strong and strategic importance, we will also continue to support the best young internationally competitive position. scientists building careers in these areas. So I want everyone to know that medical research is one of the best This is the most rational approach to spending tax-payers’ money investments for any government to make, whatever the economic climate; wisely and to deliver as much benefit to society as possible. Of course, it is vital that everyone understands the need to fund research consistently it does mean that some research areas will lose out. There’s not much and over the long term. Research delivers tangible improvements for us all, I can say to soften the blow, except that the work that went into including our wellbeing, physical and economic health, and societal benefits. identifying our priorities was done before any consideration of the Maintaining the strength of the research base in biomedical science funding we would have available. In that sense, basing our decisions continues to be one of the best investments we can make. on the Strategic Plan means you can be sure that our response will be considered, responsible and faithful to our scientific vision. Sir Leszek Borysiewicz

MRCNetwork | 3 News

UK to take unprecedented step in international science leadership scientists to work together to answer questions through their joint endeavour. With 1,250 scientists working with an encompassing infrastructure, UKCMRI will provide the critical mass, support and unique environment to tackle difficult research questions.” He added: “Design will be important to the fulfilment of the vision for UKCMRI. The design, created by HOK with PLP Architecture, will create an inspiring working environment. It will deserve its name as a cathedral for science.” Fred Pilbrow, from PLP Architecture, said: “The architectural strengths in many of the buildings The Science Vision for the UK Centre for Medical Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard, the US National surrounding the UKCMRI site have provided Research and Innovation (UKCMRI) has been Institutes of Health and other world-renowned extraordinary inspiration. We have tried to laid out alongside designs for the building. institutions, as well as biotechnology and create a design which respects and enhances pharmaceutical industry leaders. The institute, planned for the St Pancras and that legacy – but which opens the science of Somers Town area of London, will bring together The building is designed to foster innovation the institute to the world.” scientists from the MRC National Institute for by allowing collaboration between different NIMR director Professor Jim Smith said: “UKCMRI Medical Research (NIMR) and Cancer Research academic disciplines. builds on NIMR’s interactive and interdisciplinary UK’s London Research Institute (LRI) as well as Nobel Laureate Sir , chairman of the approach to science, and my colleagues are researchers from University College London Scientific Planning Committee and incoming working hard, together with LRI and UCL (UCL) with support from the . researchers, to design the best possible building President of the Royal Society, said: “UKCMRI for our research. We are really looking forward The Science Vision was drafted by a panel of aims to break down the traditional barriers to the new opportunities for collaboration and leading international scientists who came together between different research teams within interaction offered by UKCMRI.” to conceive of an institute capable of tackling the institutes and between disciplines, encouraging underlying causes of our most challenging health biologists, clinician scientists, , physicists, To download a copy of the Science Vision, visit problems. They were advised by experts from mathematicians, computer scientists and social www.ukcmri.ac.uk

European Council raises animal protection standards across EU A new European directive on the protection of • Experiments with animals should be replaced, are now working with the Home Office who animals used for scientific purposes has been wherever possible, by an alternative method are taking advantage of the opportunity to agreed by the European Council. The directive which is scientifically satisfactory streamline the UK regulatory system as the directive is transposed into UK law.” is likely to be formally adopted later this year • The number of animals used in projects following its second reading in the European should be reduced to a minimum without Along with the other EU member states, the UK Parliament. compromising the quality of the results government is now considering implementation of the directive, which will be transposed into Known as Directive 8869/10, it replaces former • The degree of pain and suffering caused to UK legislation. This process will take two years Directive 86/609, and was revised to harmonise animals should be limited to the minimum. and is likely to commence this summer. The animal research legislation across European Dr Tony Peatfield, the MRC’s Director of new regulations are anticipated to come into countries. It aims to strengthen the protection force in the UK on 1 January 2013. of animals, whilst allowing vital research Corporate Affairs, commented: “The new directive overall is a good outcome for the UK. to continue. In this issue’s Opinion piece on page 18, It will offer improved animal welfare across Dr Simon Festing, chief executive of Understanding The directive highlights three important provisions Europe, but for the majority of UK researchers Animal Research, explains why openness that member European States will be expected there should be little change in their ability to about research using animals is needed more to observe: carry out research that involves animals. We than ever.

4 | MRCNetwork Virus structure visualised in planetarium art China and UK ageing Visual artist Paul Grimmer has created a time at the MRC Virology Unit, Paul learnt about planetarium video artwork called Continuum the cryogenic electron microscopy techniques researchers swap ideas that draws on his artistic residency at the used by David Bhella and others to visualise How does the environment we live in affect MRC Virology Unit in 2008. viral structures. When asked how his time in the health and wellbeing of older people? the unit influenced his art, he said: “Some of Paul explains: ‘‘Continuum imagines another A recent workshop in Beijing set out to the ideas I discussed with the unit scientists world, perhaps a microscopic world, like that of explore this topic, attended by 30 UK and had a real impact on this body of work. The the virus that can only be visualised with the Chinese researchers from a diverse range transformation of the host cell and viruses’ help of science – yet retains a sense of wonder of backgrounds. ability to mutate had particular resonance. and magic and fires the imagination. Many As the population in both the UK and China viruses are deadly and dangerous, yet highly “Whilst we struggle endlessly to perfect, ages, it is critical that society is prepared ordered and beautiful. I am interested in mutation and difference are key to the success to meet the attendant challenges. By these dualities.’’ and survival of viruses. These ideas influenced exploring the relationship between the movement of the body in the video. Paul drew on the design strengths of a planetarium healthy ageing and the environment as Highly ordered and symmetrical structure to create video art with a unique level of immersion perceived in the UK and China, the workshop further influenced the arrangement of for the viewer. aimed to encourage a broader intercultural elements within the work; which proliferate approach to this issue. The work premiered in the planetarium at the and grow like virus particles replicating within Newcastle Centre for Life in June. During his the host cell.” Supported by the cross-research council Lifelong Health and Wellbeing (LLHW) programme, the workshop was organised by Professor Nick Tyler, director of the multidisciplinary LLHW Crucible centre at University College London, along with colleagues at the Gerontology Centre at Tsinghua University in Beijing. International links were forged between researchers and new research proposals are now being developed for submission to the third phase of LLHW. UK epidemiologists are helping Chinese researchers to analyse their Health and Retirement Longitudinal Dataset, which will be compared with English data to reveal more about the role of environmental influences in determining health, wellbeing and longevity. The Crucible centre is developing a website to help communication between researchers from China and the UK, with the ultimate aim of Views of Continuum at the Planetarium. developing new interventions to promote health and wellbeing in older people in both countries. Public Panel meeting at LMCB Find out more about Lifelong Health and On 12 May, the MRC held a meeting for members John Jeans, the MRC’s chief operating officer Wellbeing, including the third phase of its Public Panel at the MRC Laboratory for and deputy chief executive, welcomed panel funding call, at www.mrc.ac.uk/LLHW Molecular Cell Biology (LMCB) in London. The members to the meeting and shared details of event gave panel members the opportunity to the recently published MRC Strategic Plan meet MRC scientists and head office staff and 2009–2014: Research Changes Lives. Following hear their views on public involvement in this, LMCB director Professor Mark Marsh gave future MRC activities. an overview of some of the research taking place at the unit and how this is being used to The Public Panel is a group of lay members of tackle specific problems in human health and the public who have expressed an interest in disease. The event culminated in a visit around working with the MRC. Panel members are the laboratory’s facilities, including its matched with specific MRC activities in which a nematode worm farm. patient or public perspective would add value, ensuring that the research supported by the One panel member commented: “I really enjoyed MRC meets the public’s needs as well as being the event and came away very enthusiastic and of excellent scientific quality. keen to advocate the work of the MRC.”

MRCNetwork | 5 News continued

Designing better clinical trials Research and clinical trials in Cambridge received a trial designs and analysis techniques, including methodology and application to ensure that welcome boost in April when the MRC Biostatistics flexible designs which require fewer patients. our trials methodology research is focused Unit launched its new Hub in Trials Methodology A team of statisticians is on hand to help on important problems in applied studies. Research. researchers if tricky statistical problems arise. This will ensure that our collaborations in new and ongoing trials have access to the best The MRC Biostatistics Hub is part of a wider The April launch event attracted clinical, academic possible methodological support.” MRC network. It will foster strong collaborations and research-based scientists who came along to For more information, visit with relevant research groups in Cambridge and hear how the Hub could benefit their research. www.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/CHTMR/htmr.html the local region that undertake clinical trials, Dr Adrian Mander, head of the new Hub, giving the partners access to the latest statistical said: “We aim to promote effective linking of

Glasgow Professor to direct new Centre for Virus Research Professor Massimo been made jointly by the MRC and the University and animal virus research. It will build on the strong Palmarini has been of Glasgow. history of MRC-supported virology research in Glasgow as the existing MRC Virology Unit will appointed to lead the Professor Palmarini said: “I am extremely excited become part of the centre. new MRC – University about the opportunities and challenges of this new of Glasgow Centre position. The Centre for Virus Research will actively Welcoming Professor Palmarini’s appointment, for Virus Research. collaborate with national and international partners MRC chief executive Sir Leszek Borysiewicz said: Scientists working in in order to provide a strategic research framework ‘‘Professor Palmarini has a strong research record the centre will tackle that addresses the evolving threat to health and and his veterinary expertise will be an asset to questions about both economic security presented by viral diseases. I am the Centre for Virus Research and the breadth of human and animal truly grateful to both the MRC and the University of virology research it will host. I expect the centre viruses including Hepatitis C and viruses linked Glasgow for the opportunity to lead this centre.” to build a strong collaborative network with to development of cancer. scientists in Edinburgh and St Andrews as well The MRC’s £29 million investment in the Centre for as the rest of the UK, and Professor Palmarini is Professor Palmarini is a vet by training and his Virus Research is a strategic investment to broaden well placed to achieve this.’’ current research focus is on animal retroviruses and capacity in virology research and improve bluetongue virus. His appointment as director has translational links to clinical and population science

DIARY

British Science and films, see famous faces or take a field trip 15 September at the National Motorcycle Festival around the local area. MRC researchers will be Museum in Birmingham. The conference at the festival to explain their work, including is aimed at all those working with, or with The British Science scientists from the MRC Centre for Transplantation, an interest in, human material, including Festival is one of Europe’s who will be highlighting the issues around researchers, policy-makers, regulators and largest science festivals. transplants through the experiences of transplant patient groups. The conference will explore This year the festival is patients. For more information go to the opportunities and barriers to sharing being held on the Aston University Campus www.britishscienceassociation.org/ human tissue collections between researchers and in various venues across Birmingham from web/BritishScienceFestival in order to realise their full potential. 14 to 19 September. Themed around Better Attendees will have the opportunity to share lives through science, visitors can expect to Human tissue meeting best practice in managing human tissue see, hear and discover how scientific research collections and associated data. To find out impacts on all our lives. Visitors of all ages can The MRC Regulatory Support Centre and onCore more and to register to attend go to take part in debates, listen to talks, watch plays UK are holding a conference on human tissue on www.rscconference.mrc.ac.uk

6 | MRCNetwork A new five-minute screening test developed with support from the MRC could cut the risk of developing bowel cancer by a third and save thousands of lives. New bowel cancer screening could save thousands of lives

The 16-year study showed that a single flexible sigmoidoscopy The researchers behind the study suggest that a screening programme examination in men and women aged between 55 and 64 reduced the using Flexi-Scope could not only save lives but also reduce the costs incidence of bowel cancer by a third compared with a control group. associated with treating people with bowel cancer. Research commissioned Screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy (named the ‘Flexi-Scope test’ by by the Department of Health in England, published in the journal Gut in 2006, the research team) was particularly effective in the lower bowel, where it suggested that a screening programme based on this test could save an halved incidence of the disease. average of £28 for every person screened. The randomised trial followed 170,432 people over an average period Commenting on the research, Professor Max Parmar, director of the MRC of 11 years; 40,674 of them underwent a single Flexi-Scope screening. Clinical Trials Unit, said: “Most people are unaware that bowel cancer is Over the course of the study, bowel cancer mortality was reduced by one of the biggest causes of cancer deaths – only lung cancer tops it. 43 per cent in the group who had the Flexi-Scope test compared with When an MRC-funded study like this generates unprecedented results, the control group. it shows the importance of long-term research into the biggest health challenges of the day and also showcases the need for people to volunteer The Flexi-Scope test works by detecting and removing growths called for clinical trials.” polyps on the bowel wall, which can become cancerous if they are left untreated. The new results suggest that the Flexi-Scope procedure The research was carried out by researchers from , confers long-lasting protection from developing bowel cancer. University College London, Queen Mary University of London, the University of East Anglia, St Mark’s Hospital and the University of Oxford, Impressively, the success of this technique was accurately predicted by with funding from the MRC, the National Institute for Health Research the study’s authors 17 years ago through mathematical modelling. In a and Cancer Research UK. paper published in The Lancet in 1993, sigmoidoscopy at age 55 was predicted to cut deaths from colorectal cancer by 45 per cent. According to The Lancet 375 (9726), 1624 – 1633 (2010) the clinical trial findings, the actual figure was just two per cent off the scientists’ prediction, at 43 per cent survival. Professor Wendy Atkin from the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, who led the research, said: “Our study shows for the first time that we could dramatically reduce the incidence of bowel cancer, and the number of people dying from the disease, by using this one-off test. No other bowel cancer screening technique has ever been shown to prevent the disease.”

Most people are unaware that “ bowel cancer is one of the biggest causes of cancer deaths – only lung cancer tops it. ”

MRCNetwork | 7 NIMR celebrates 60 years of excellent science at Mill Hill

2010 marks the 60th anniversary of the opening of the MRC Current director Professor Jim Smith said: “After 60 years at Mill Hill, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Mill Hill. To my colleagues and I are proud that NIMR continues to produce great celebrate the occasion, NIMR hosted a meeting of the MRC’s science to help us understand basic biology and improve the health Council on 5 May, with talks by Council member Professor of the nation. It was a great pleasure to host the Council meeting. Michael Schneider and MRC chairman Sir John Chisholm. This is an exciting time for NIMR as we move towards becoming part of the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation. This event Founded in 1913, NIMR was the MRC’s first research institute. Initially provided an important opportunity to mark our achievements and based in Hampstead, the institute moved to its current site in Mill Hill, for members of the institute to meet Sir John Chisholm and other North London, in 1950 when the building was officially opened by Council members.” King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The building was designed by Maxwell Ayrton, architect of the original Wembley Stadium. Over the last six decades, NIMR has produced many notable and important achievements. Here are just a few of the contributions Modelled on the Rockefeller Institute in New York, NIMR is a NIMR researchers have made to science since moving to Mill Hill – multidisciplinary and highly interactive institute. Its first director, you can read more about the history of NIMR on the website: Sir Henry Dale, was awarded a for the discovery of the www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk neurotransmitter acetylcholine in 1936.

1950 1960 1970 1990 2000 2010

1957: Alick Isaacs 1960s: Audrey Smith – Discovery of – Cryobiology interferon 1952: Archer Martin 1958: Rodney Porter Described as the ‘mother of 1973: Tim Bliss – – Gas Alick Isaacs was Head of – Immunoglobulin cryobiology’, Audrey Smith Long-term the World Influenza Centre structure discovered how to store potentiation as the Archer Martin joined NIMR at NIMR and studied the biological material at low basis of memory in 1948 as head of Physical phenomenon of virus Rodney Porter, working in temperature, pioneering . He received a interference. Working with the Division techniques for the freezing Tim Bliss and Terje Lømo Nobel Prize in 1950 for his Jean Lindenmann he found at NIMR, made important of sperm, blood, bone published the first detailed earlier discovery of partition that cells infected with contributions to the discovery marrow, corneas and many account of synaptic chromatography, and at influenza virus produced a of the structure of other tissues. long-term potentiation in NIMR worked to develop factor that could transfer a immunoglobulins. The work 1973. It is now regarded as , a virus-resistant state to cells was fundamental to our one of the main mechanisms technique now widely used that had not been infected. understanding of the immune by which the brain learns and in laboratories and the This antiviral agent was system and to basic cell remembers, and it has been chemical industry. named interferon, and biology, and has led to novel enhancing neuroscience for interferons are now used approaches to diagnosis and 30 years. to treat many infections therapy. He received a Nobel and cancers. Prize in 1972.

8 | MRCNetwork The MRC’s Council in 1950. (L-R) Group Captain C.A.B Wilcock, Sir Andrew Davidson, The MRC’s Council in 2010. (L-R): Professor Herb Sewell, Lord Naren Patel, Professor Sally Sir George Schuster, Sir John Charles, Sir Geoffrey Jefferson, Sir Howard Florey, Lord Addison, Macintyre, Professor Dame Sally Davies, Professor Michael Arthur, Sir John Chisholm, Professor C.A. Lovatt Evans, Dr F.H.K Green, Sir Percival Hartley, Dr H.P. Himsworth, Professor Professor Michael Schneider, Vivienne Parry, Dr Annette Doherty, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, J. McMichael, Sir Neil Hamilton Fairley, Professor R.A. Peters. Dr Richard Henderson, Professor Jeffrey Almond, John Neilson,Tony Caplin.

1950 1960 1970 1990 2000 2010

2005: Victor Tybulewicz – 1981: John Skehel – 1996: Rosa Development of a Structure of influenza Beddington – mouse model for haemagglutinin Discovery of human Down’s 2006: Steve Gamblin 1991: Robin Lovell- the anterior Syndrome – Structural changes John Skehel’s studies of the Badge – The sex organising centre reveal ‘bird flu’ influenza virus revealed the determining gene Victor Tybulewicz is head pandemic potential three-dimensional structure Rosa Beddington was one of the Division of Immune Robin Lovell-Badge is head of the proteins that allow of developmental biology’s Cell Biology. Working with Steve Gamblin is joint head of the Division of Stem Cell the virus to adhere to and greatest talents and Elizabeth Fisher (Institute of of the Division of Molecular Biology and Developmental infect cells. This opened inspirational leaders. Her Neurology) he created a Structure. His studies (some Genetics. In 1991, in new perspectives for the research combined classical genetically manipulated with John Skehel) on the collaboration with Peter design of antiviral drugs, embryology with molecular mouse that carries almost all structure of bird and human Goodfellow, he showed that and John was awarded the biology to reveal the of human chromosome 21. influenza virus molecules the presence of the Sry Louis-Jeantet prize for existence of a group of The resulting strain of mice have shown how certain gene on the Y chromosome Medicine in 1988. He was cells in the mouse embryo show neurological and strains of virus can recognise is sufficient to cause the director of NIMR from that do not form part of cardiac traits that resemble human as well as bird cells. embryonic gonad to develop 1987 to 2006. the embryo proper but human Down’s Syndrome His work has influenced as testis rather than ovary. He define the head-to-tail axis. and these animals have government policy on the received the Louis-Jeantet become a valuable tool in use of antiviral agents such prize for Medicine in 1995. research on this condition. as Tamiflu and Relenza.

MRCNetwork | 9 Funding

Scotland celebrates Wellcome Wolfson funding boost Stem cell studies in motor neuron disease Two MRC research collaborations in Scotland Meanwhile, the Institute of Genetics and – the Centre for Virus Research and the Molecular Medicine (IGMM) has won £3.5m Four international stem cell experts are combining Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine towards a new construction that will physically forces to undertake a groundbreaking programme – have won infrastructure awards from a link the three existing buildings that house its of research to help unlock the secrets of motor partnership between the Wellcome Trust and researchers: the University of Edinburgh Centre neuron disease (MND), a fatal neurological the Wolfson Foundation. for Molecular Medicine, the MRC Human condition. Professor Sir Ian Wilmut, director Genetics Unit and the Edinburgh Molecular of the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Cancer Centre on the Western General Hospital at the University of Edinburgh, and Professor Virus Research has been awarded £4.8 million Campus in Edinburgh. Professor Nick Hastie, Christopher Shaw, director of the MRC Centre towards construction of a new building on the director of the HGU, is overall IGMM Director for Neurodegeneration Research at the Institute University’s Garscube Campus. The funding and Professor David Porteous of the University of Psychiatry, King’s College London, will join proposal was led by Professor Massimo Palmarini, of Edinburgh is the grant recipient. Professor Siddharthan Chandran of the Euan who has recently been appointed as the centre’s MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh, director (see page 6). and Professor Tom Maniatis of Columbia University, New York, in the £0.8 million three-year programme funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association. It will enable detailed studies on human motor neurons grown in the PhDs with a commercial edge laboratory from donor skin cells and programmed to become either motor neurons or another type Competition has opened for 35 new MRC Industry enhance students’ future employability, and of nerve cell called astrocytes, also thought to CASE PhD studentships, to be taken up in 2011. many go on to become research leaders in play a role in MND. Professor Wilmut said: “This The studentships are aimed at students interested the future. funding from the MND Association will help us in pursuing a PhD with an industrial element. to understand why specific nerves die in motor Industry CASE studentships are open to neuron disease. This is a critical next step The MRC is committed to developing and scientists within UK higher education towards the ultimate goal of developing an sustaining a close and productive alignment institutions, research council institutes, effective treatment.” with industry in the UK. MRC Industry CASE independent research organisations and studentships form part of this commitment, companies registered for business and trading and at least five of the 35 positions will be in the UK with a UK medical research and/or within small and medium sized enterprises. manufacturing base. The closing date for New European funding applications is 28 July 2010. More information, call launched Successful applicants will receive a top-flight, including how to apply, can be found at challenging training experience as part of a www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/ At the end of July the European Commission collaboration between academic and industry Studentships/IndustrialCASE will launch the fifth call for proposals under research programme leaders which benefits both the Health theme of its Framework sides. Industry CASE studentships offer young Programme Seven (FP7). The call is scientists experience of both academic and intended to support collaborative European commercial research cultures and access to a and international health research projects. wider than usual range of technology, facilities FP7 is the European Union’s main channel and expertise. for funding research across Europe. The Tamara Hirsch began an Industry CASE seven-year programme has a total budget studentship last year at King’s College London of over €50 billion and to date the UK has in collaboration with biotechnology company secured €1.8bn of the €12.7bn awarded Proximagen. She explains: “I absolutely love since the first calls in 2007. science. But I’m interested in so many different For more information about the call, things, so for me doing an Industry CASE including research topics and how to studentship allowed me to have interests in apply, see http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7 several different areas without having to put or contact Victoria Brewer, MRC International everything in one boat.” Strategy Manager, at victoria.brewer@ headoffice.mrc.ac.uk The advanced research and generic skills gained by doing an Industry CASE studentship can Tamara Hirsch, Industry CASE student.

10 | MRCNetwork OPPORTUNITIES

Board Deadline date Board meeting Infections and Immunity 8 September 2010 17 to 18 February 2011 Molecular and Cellular Medicine 1 September 2010 9 to 10 February 2011 Neurosciences and Mental Health 6 October 2010 16 to 17 March 2011 Population and Systems Medicine 29 September 2010 23 to 24 March 2011

PROGRAMME AND PARTNERSHIP GRANT OUTLINE Deadline date Board meeting Infections and Immunity 21 July 2010 17 to 18 February 2011 Molecular and Cellular Medicine 21 July 2010 9 to 10 February 2011 Neurosciences and Mental Health 29 July 2010 16 to 17 March 2011 Population and Systems Medicine 29 July 2010 23 to 24 March 2011

CALLS FOR PROPOSALS Deadline date Panel meeting Joint Global Health Trials 12 July 2010 20 September 2010 Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme – outline applications 14 July 2010 15 September 2010 – full applications 4 November 2010 19 to 20 January 2011 Methodology Research Programme 13 October 2010 May 2011 (date tbc) Translational Stem Cell Research Committee 10 August 2010 22 September 2010

FELLOWSHIPS Deadline date interview date Clinical Research Training Fellowship 17 September 2010 2 to 4 March 2011 Senior Non Clinical Fellowship 24 September 2010 24 to 25 February 2011 ESRC/MRC/NIHR Early Career Fellowship in Economics of Health 24 September 2010 Decision meeting 10 March 2011 Special Training Fellowship in Biomedical Informatics 24 September 2010 30 March 2011

MRCNetwork | 11 MRC PEOPLE

Jason Chin awarded EMBO MRC scientist’s obesity research nets Belgian prize Gold Medal One of Europe’s most prestigious life sciences awards, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Gold Medal, has been awarded to Dr Jason Chin of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). Jason’s pioneering work has allowed designer amino acids to be encoded at specific, predetermined positions in proteins inside living organisms. This enables molecular biologists to control and discover the functions of proteins in cells with unprecedented precision. When he heard of his success, Jason said: “Given all the great science happening in Europe right now I am delighted to receive this award. I am very grateful to all my colleagues who have made the science possible.”

The new protein translation system that Jason Stephen at the award ceremony with Princess Mathilde of Belgium has developed has the potential to enable scientists to make ‘designer polymers’ inside cells. These Belgium’s top scientific accolade, the InBev-Baillet Stephen, who received €200,000 with the polymers might offer key benefits for making Latour Fund Health Prize, has been awarded to award, said: “I have been very fortunate in the stable protein-like therapeutics. It might also allow Professor Stephen O’Rahilly, Director of the quality of many younger colleagues with whom scientists to discover and synthesise biological MRC Centre for Obesity and Related Metabolic I have worked over the last 20 years on the plastics and other materials. Disorders. causes and consequences of obesity. The Prize committee particularly noted our work in the “Our work builds on decades of research that The prize singles out Stephen’s pioneering work genetics of obesity and I would like to formally has provided a fundamental structural and in the field of human obesity and its relationship recognise the crucial contribution of Dr Sadaf mechanistic understanding of how protein to type 2 diabetes. His research first showed Farooqi to that work.” translation works. Using this knowledge to that a change in one or two genetic factors may create new systems that help us further lead to serious forms of obesity and that those understand biology at the molecular level and genetic factors have their major influence on provide enabling technologies for encoded appetite rather than metabolic rate. These polymer synthesis is really exciting. We are observations have altered thinking about the just at the beginning of investigating what biological basis for people’s susceptibility or might be possible,” says Jason. resistance to obesity. Nobel Laureate Dr , who is a fellow LMB scientist, said: “Jason is one of the most brilliant, original and imaginative scientists I know.” Jason will receive the medal and a €10,000 prize in September at the EMBO Meeting in Barcelona, where he has been invited to give a special lecture about his research.

12 | MRCNetwork MRC people in Queen’s Exploring brain and mind and action. It will appeal to anyone who is curious about how their own mind works.” Birthday Honours A new book exploring the How Intelligence Happens is to be published by The Queen’s 2010 Birthday Honours list, published relationship between brain and Yale University Press and will be in book shops on 12 June, recognised five individuals with mind has been written by MRC from October. strong links to the MRC. scientist Dr John Duncan.

how John, Assistant Director of the Professor Veronica van Heyningen, head intelligence happens of medical and developmental genetics at the john duncan MRC Cognition and Brain MRC Human Genetics Unit and current president Sciences Unit in Cambridge, MRC neuroscientist wins of the Genetics Society, was awarded a CBE for has based the popular science British Science Association services to science; while Professor Jackie book on his own research award Hunter, a member of the MRC’s Translational over the past 30 years. How Intelligence Happens Research Group and a former senior vice explores one of the great scientific questions – The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit’s president of GlaxoSmithKline, receives a CBE how do biological brains build human minds? Dr Jessica Grahn has been selected to give the British Science Association’s Charles Darwin for services to the pharmaceutical industry. John explains: “Hundreds of times each day, we Award Lecture. Professor Deborah Smith, Professor of use our minds to do things that no other species Molecular Parasitology at the University of York, can do – such as planning the preparation of a Jessica will give her lecture, Hit me with your was awarded an OBE for services to science. meal or composing an email. Our power of reason rhythm schtick; The connection between music, Deborah chaired the MRC’s Infections and has shaped every aspect of the world that we movement, and the brain during the British Immunity Board until April 2010. inhabit – it’s given us agriculture, mathematics, Science Festival in Birmingham in September. medicine and art. (See page 6 for more MRC highlights to look out MBEs for services to science go to Keith Tucker, for during the British Science Festival.) formerly head of estates management at MRC “Clues to understanding our own reason come Head Office, andProfessor Iain Robinson, from many areas of research. My book explores who worked at NIMR from 1977 until his the controversies of intelligence testing, the retirement in 2009, by which time he had bizarre consequences of brain damage and the become head of the Neurosciences group and modern discoveries of brain imaging. It explains published more than 200 scientific papers. how brains break down problems into useful, solvable parts, and then assemble these parts into the complex mental programs of human thought

obituary

Carolyn Adam In later years, as well as being a Personal her as a thoughtful and wonderfully supportive Assistant to Professor Philippa Saunders and colleague, and her distinctive laugh is missed 1954 – 2010 Professor Richard Sharpe, Carol was student in the unit. Administrator Carol Adam was a talented administrator for both the MD and the MRC member of the team at the MRC Human PhD students: there are many who benefited Reproductive Sciences Unit (HRSU). In from her thoughtful nature and pastoral care. her work, Carol made a huge contribution She also made a huge contribution to the to the success of the public lecture series success of the public lecture series and took and to the postgraduate research students. genuine pleasure in seeing the lecture theatre She died in March aged 56. full of young people enthused by science. Carol was born in Edinburgh, where she In her personal time, for many years Carol attended George Watson’s College along with volunteered for Penumbra, a charity that her twin sisters Margaret and Trisha and her provides support to adults and young people brother Donald. After leaving school Carol with mental health problems. Later, in addition to her work at HRSU, at weekends she helped enrolled at Medical Secretarial College. In to care for disabled people and completed a 1976 she joined the MRC as medical secretary Higher National Certificate in Social Care. to Professor John Bancroft and continued to support successive clinical researchers and In all that she did, Carol was highly organised, two directors as the HRSU grew. passionate and caring. Her colleagues remember

MRCNetwork | 13 Introducing Pontiano Kaleebu

Dr Pontiano Kaleebu was appointed as the new director of Pontiano’s research interests include looking at the protective immune the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on HIV/AIDS in May. responses that enable some people to be exposed to the virus and yet Network caught up with him on a recent visit to the UK to remain uninfected. It’s hoped this could potentially help to design an HIV hear about his plans for the unit’s future. vaccine. He’s also involved in several major vaccine trials mostly funded by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and leads research in HIV drug resistance. “I’m very happy I chose a research career, because every day is different,” he says. “I think working within the MRC and with our international collaborations has enabled us to be flexible, to go into exciting areas that can allow us to contribute to new interventions.” Now that he has taken the helm of the unit, his plan is build on the substantial achievements made under the leadership of his predecessor, Professor Heiner Grosskurth. “Some very good work has been done by our unit,” he says. “I’m very excited about the capacity we have built in the country in terms of training and being able to do a lot of the research internally, with minimal shipment of specimens and export of data for analysis in other countries. We are one of the few centres in Africa that is able to do a variety of research using very modern technology.” “Going forward, I think we need to build and expand on what has been done and explore new opportunities. The HIV epidemic is changing, and the unit can contribute to increasing our understanding of this change. I also look forward to more collaborations, both nationally and internationally, working closely with the Uganda Ministry of Health to see that we contribute to the control of this epidemic and in developing new policies.” And does Pontiano hold any personal long-term career ambitions? “I would hope that we will one day have an HIV vaccine. It will be a long time before we have a vaccine that’s 80 or 100 per cent effective, but perhaps we will have one that can contribute to controlling the spread of the epidemic and slowing disease progression. I hope I can be part of that during my career lifetime. I also look forward to the day that antiretroviral drugs will be cheaper so that more people can have access to them.”

Pontiano was born a few miles from the Uganda’s capital city, Kampala, and harboured an ambition to study medicine from an early age. He trained as a doctor at Makerere University in Uganda in the early 1980s, just as the HIV epidemic was beginning to emerge, which made him decide to move into research. “We started seeing more and more HIV/AIDS patients but very little could be done because so little was known about the virus. I could see that I was probably not going to make as much of a contribution remaining in the hospital than I could do by joining a research institution.” An old face at the UVRI, Pontiano joined 22 years ago as a scientific officer. After doing his PhD at Hammersmith and St Mary’s Hospitals in London, he returned to Uganda to join what was then the MRC/UVRI Programme on HIV/AIDS. He became Assistant Director of the UVRI in 2004 and has led the MRC/UVRI Basic Science Project and later Programme since 1996. MRC/UVRI Institute, Uganda.

14 | MRCNetwork Research ROUNDUP

Piston engine drives cell energy production

MRC scientists have identified the structure of complex I will help us to understand how the the vital enzyme called respiratory complex I, enzyme works at a fundamental level. Until now solving a key part of the puzzle of how our this has been a real mystery to researchers in the cells generate energy. This discovery opens up field, including those working towards limiting the new avenues of research into possible future damage to mitochondrial DNA in our cells and treatments for neuromuscular diseases and curbing the vicious effects of neurodegenerative neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. diseases.” Dr Sazanov and colleagues found that Respiratory complex I is the first in a set of the enzyme uses an up and down motion – molecular ‘machines’ in mitochondria that similar to a piston-driven steam engine – to drive convert energy in food into a form that can be protons across the mitochondrial membrane. used by cells. But this process creates chemical Dr Sazanov added: “I find it very satisfying that by-products that can damage the DNA inside one of the most efficient and elegant processes in the body bears a striking resemblance to one mitochondria. Lead author, Dr Leonid Sazanov of the great man-made inventions.” of the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit, said: “Determining the structure of respiratory Nature 465, 441-445 (2010)

‘Thriving infant’ genes increase later risk of obesity

Research conducted by the MRC Epidemiology weeks, nine months, 1.5 years and 3.5 years of Unit in Cambridge has uncovered a genetic link age were used, together with measurements between obesity later in life and rapid weight made at the ALSPAC clinics when the children gain in babies from as young as six weeks were between seven and 11 years old. Lead old. Certain genes known to cause obesity also author Cathy Elks said: “We know that the provided babies with greater protection against ability to put on sufficient weight during the ‘failure to thrive’ – a potentially harmful condition first few weeks of life could have major of very slow weight gain. This genetic protection advantages during this vulnerable period. What in early life could explain why many people are we’ve found is that the genes which help infants prone to being overweight as adults. The study to thrive and put on weight could be one analysed the weights and heights of children reason why some people are more prone to from the ALSPAC Children of the 90s study at obesity later in life.” the University of Bristol. Routine measurements collected at birth and by health visitors at six PLOS Medicine 7 (5), (2010)

MRCNetwork | 15 RESEARCH ROUNDUP continued

Positive results from deep brain stimulation trial

New evidence has proved that deep brain showed that surgery improved quality of life stimulation (DBS) – a type of surgery to treat and motor function compared to patients on Parkinson’s disease – can improve quality of life medication only; people who had DBS found their for some people with the condition more than symptoms improved significantly whereas people medication alone. DBS uses signals from an electrical on medication found theirs stayed the same; and implant in the brain to help reduce symptoms such people who had DBS needed a third less medication as tremor and stiffness. It can be an effective option to control their symptoms. Professor Keith Wheatley for up to five per cent of people with Parkinson’s. from the University of Birmingham explained: A 10-year study funded by the MRC, Parkinson’s UK “This trial demonstrates a clear treatment benefit and the Department of Health compared the effects of surgery compared to the best available drug of DBS with drug therapy in 366 people with therapies after one year. The progress of the people advanced Parkinson’s who were considered suitable in the trial will be followed for another five years for surgery. One group received immediate surgery to assess the long term effects of DBS.” and medical therapy while the rest received medication alone. After 12 months, the results The Lancet Neurology 9 (6), 581-591 (2010)

Computer training helps partially sighted see better

People who are partially-sighted following stroke or house. The study found that patients became faster brain injury could benefit from simple training that and more accurate at detecting objects, such as could eventually be delivered via mobile phone. coloured dots or numbers, on a computer screen Research funded by the MRC and the Economic and after the training. Lead researcher Dr Alison Lane, Social Research Council found that a computer-based from Durham University’s Psychology Department, technique, developed and assessed at Durham said: “This research shows us that basic training works University, improved partially-sighted people’s ability in getting people to use their ‘poor’ visual side better. to ‘see’ better. It could help broaden the portfolio of We think it might be because training increases their rehabilitation techniques for partially-sighted patients. attention, concentration and awareness of their The study looked at patients with a condition called ‘blind’ field. This simple technique is a very viable hemianopia, which affects more than 4,000 people rehabilitation option and in future could be easily in the UK each year. Sufferers lose half their visual accessible at low cost to everyone who needs it.” field due to stroke or other brain injury. They are Brain 133 (6), 1717-1728 (2010) heavily dependent on others as they struggle with balance, walking and finding things around the

16 | MRCNetwork

Combined therapy improves survival rates for prostate cancer

Combining radiotherapy and hormone therapy for Professor Max Parmar, director of the MRC patients with high risk prostate cancer significantly Clinical Trials Unit, which is coordinating the improves survival rates compared with hormone PRO7 trial, said: “The interim results of this therapy alone, according to interim results from a trial are extremely encouraging. The side effects study coordinated by the MRC and conducted by of radiotherapy are minimal and we are the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical delighted that, through the combined efforts of Trials Group at Queen’s University, Ontario. The patients, clinicians and researchers across the trial, called PRO7, involved 1,205 patients, half of world, we are providing robust evidence to whom were treated with hormone therapy and half demonstrate that radiotherapy can benefit men with both hormone therapy and radiotherapy. with high risk prostate cancer.” The findings Combining radiotherapy with hormone therapy were presented at the American Society of increased the number of men surviving for at Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in least 10 years from 77 per cent to 85 per cent. Chicago on 6 June 2010.

Predictive markers for kidney transplant success

A ‘full set’ of immunological markers has been drugs but showing signs of chronically rejecting the identified that could be used to predict whether donor organ, and a group of healthy volunteers. an individual’s kidney transplant will be a success. They carried out a range of laboratory tests to identify It is hoped that the research from King’s College characteristics in the blood that differentiated the London, in conjunction with the MRC Centre for group who were not taking medication but had Transplantation, will lead to doctors being able to become tolerant of their transplanted organ. deliver more personalised care to kidney transplant These individuals shared a ‘tolerance fingerprint’: patients in future, by safely modifying the amount a specific ‘full set’ of immunological markers of medication patients take to prevent rejection in the blood. Professor , chair of of the donor organ. The researchers studied 11 the MRC’s Infections and Immunity Board, kidney transplant patients from across Europe said: “This very exciting collaborative study who appeared to have developed a natural demonstrates the importance of research into our tolerance of the donor organ, alongside stable natural resilience to disease and will make a huge transplant patients who were taking drugs to difference to kidney transplant patients.” control their immune response. They also studied patients who were taking immunosuppressant Journal of Clinical Investigation 120 (6), 1848 (2010)

MRCNetwork | 17 opinion

Now is the best possible time for open communication about the benefits of using animals in research, argues Dr Simon Festing, chief executive of Understanding Animal Research. Time to speak openly about animal research

As I write, a new directive on animal research is in the process of being agreed by European politicians. As part of a consortium established to lobby on behalf of the UK, Understanding Animal Research has been successful in lobbying for changes to the earlier draft directive which would have imposed damaging restrictions on animal research in the European Union. Although the text of the directive – which is likely to be adopted later this year – is far from ideal, it is a reasonable compromise between science and animal welfare, and is a vast improvement on its earlier versions. The use of animals in scientific research is necessary in order to understand the body in health and disease, and to develop new and improved medical treatments. The development of polio and diphtheria vaccines, insulin for diabetes, and kidney transplants are all historical examples of medical advances that depended on animal research. This sort of research will continue to be needed for the new medicines and treatments of the future. For many years the work of Understanding Animal Research, a merger of the Research Defence Society and the Coalition for Medical Progress, has been centred on responding to what we call the abolitionists – those groups in British society who have an ethical or moral opposition to the animal research that takes place at medical research institutions. On one side there are the legitimate campaigning organisations like the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection. But another wing of this movement is the extremists who engage in intimidation, harassment and criminal activity to force their point home. Although both sides have the same end game – to abolish animal research in the UK – they employ very different tactics. The traditional modus operandi of the extremists was to liberate animals from research facilities, damage laboratories and sometimes target the homes and families of scientists. Their activities were extremely unpleasant, and Dr Simon Festing, chief executive of since many scientists knew people who had been affected Understanding Animal Research or institutions that had been targeted, the threat appeared omnipresent.

18 | MRCNetwork This small group of vocal and violent individuals Of course, all communication of science is YOUR had managed to intimidate virtually the entire important – to gain public support for the research community into submission with research that scientists are doing, to protect the FEEDBACK attacks on a handful of high profile institutions, reputation of the institutions they work in and, including a new research facility being built at for publicly-funded science like the MRC, to show Network is for anyone who has an interest the University of Oxford. But the research the public that their money is being well spent. in the work of the MRC, including scientists, community decided that it had to take a stand doctors and health professionals involved in I would also stress the point that animals and speak out. And the Government decided it medical research, government departments benefit from animal research as well as humans and parliamentarians, and university staff could no longer tolerate such activities. – it’s an extremely important part of veterinary and students. The aim is to provide a quick, Now, however, the threat from the extremists science. Just as important is the care of easy-to-read summary of activities across the is very much reduced. Most of the perpetrators research animals: the UK has amongst the best MRC, from research news through to funding, are in jail, and the rest are abroad or under standards of animal welfare in the world and grant schemes and policy issues, with pointers to more in-depth information on websites and surveillance. There are virtually no threats or our scientists only use animals in a responsible in other publications. activities against academic institutions these and humane way. So I would urge scientists to days. Not a single scientist or medical research work within their institutions towards greater We are very keen to receive feedback on charity is now the subject of an extremist openness. This could include inviting the media Network and suggestions for new features campaign. into their facilities to show them the kind of from our readers. So if you have any standards that are in place for animals involved comments, please let us know. Just email: So I can firmly reassure researchers who may in research. [email protected] have been put off talking about animal research to the public that, for the present, it is safe to A Researcher’s Guide to Communications is Network is produced by the MRC publications do so. I would encourage you to join the many available on the Understanding Animal team. A limited number of copies are available hundreds of researchers who are now talking Research website. This covers the reasons in print. Network can also be downloaded as a openly about their research in one way or why it is important to be open about animal PDF at: another. research as well as hints and tips on how best www.mrc.ac.uk to communicate. It stresses: “Carefully crafted This remains important because medical communication will foster understanding and research involving animals is still being trust. Non-communication merely makes us challenged by the peaceful and legitimate IMAGES look secretive.” antivivisection organisations with their own Cover: © Nancy Kedersha/Science Photo Library. point of view which, of course, they are entitled Openness about animal research is key to Page 2 (right): © iStockphoto. to air. But their chief argument – that animal maintaining the support we have from the Page 3 (top): © Noel Murphy. Page 3 (bottom): © iStockphoto. research tells us only about animals and nothing public, government and the media. Scientists Page 7: © Nancy Kedersha/Science Photo Library. about humans – is flawed. Many of these groups carrying out research involving animals have Page 8 (second left): © iStockphoto. are well funded, media savvy, and they do a lot nothing to hide, and nothing to fear. Now is the Page 8 (bottom): © iStockphoto. of political lobbying, particularly in Europe. If best time for scientists to seize the chance to Page 9 (top): © iStockphoto. Page 9 (far right): © iStockphoto. animal research abolitionists are talking to the tell the world about their research and the huge Page 10: © Noel Murphy. media, then scientists should be too. benefits it brings to human and animal health. Page 11: © iStockphoto. Page 12 (bottom): © Laguna Design/Science Photo Library. Page 13 (top right): © iStockphoto. Page 15–17: © Shutterstock.

The MRC encourages its researchers to Other useful resources: communicate about their work, including Understanding Animal Research website: speaking about the use of animals in MRC- Free resources, publications and links funded research where appropriate. If you (www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk) would like advice on when and how to communicate about your research, please Animal Research Info website: Information contact your Regional Communications from scientists worldwide about the Manager. contribution of animal research to medical advances (www.animalresearch.info) Cambridge and Midlands: Adrian Penrose Medical Research Council ([email protected]) 20 Park Crescent Scotland: Hazel Lambert London W1B 1AL Tel: 020 7636 5422, Fax: 020 7436 6179 ([email protected]) www.mrc.ac.uk Oxford, South and South West: Jude Eades ([email protected]) London and South East: Erika Doyle ([email protected])