News from the Medical Research Council May / June 2008

CONCEIVING TREATMENTS MPs support hybrid embryo research page 2

REPRODUCTIVE SCIENTISTS HELP SAVE AFRICAN MAMMALS page 5

CENTRE PROFILE MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine page 14 Conceiving treatments: reviewing the regulation of stem cell research

The Government’s plans to update laws governing stem cell research have caused widespread controversy and conflict between some researchers and members of the Catholic Church. The debates over ‘hybrid embryos’ and subsequent votes to allow this research to take place have raised the question of how to ensure science is able to deliver while keeping the public on board.

Research on human embryos is at the centre of the controversy. It sets apart those who accept the current legal view that it’s acceptable to use human embryos for research up to 14 days after fertilisation, from those who believe in the sanctity of life from the moment of conception.

In 1984, Baroness Warnock’s committee suggested a 14-day limit for research on embryos. This has governed such work since the original 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. But now, stem cell research, one of the main areas governed by the Act, has moved on.

Parliament has to balance the ethics with the opportunities presented by the science. Law-makers have to consider which entities should be treated with the same status the 1990 Act gave to human embryos created by fertilisation and the 2001 amendments conferred on those created by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT; see box). One of the main reasons for this review of the law is questions about whether other types of embryos, such as those created by induced pluripotency (where cells are reprogrammed

MAY/JUNE 2008 08  in practice: MRC CONTENTS strategy published

13 Opportunities 04  Update from the MRC Chief Executive 14 Centre profile: MRC Centre for 05 Human reproductive scientists apply Regenerative Medicine skills to African mammals 24 Public engagement 06 ‘Zinc fingers’ herald new treatments for common diseases 26 Research centre news 3 back to an embryonic state) really are embryos as defined by the Act and fall under the existing legislation. “The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill brings the In 2006, scientists Dr Lyle Armstrong from Newcastle right balance of opportunities University and Dr Stephen Minger from King’s College London first mooted the idea of using animal eggs to develop SCNT to make headway to find techniques following advances made using such methods cures for some of the most in other countries. They both applied for a licence from the pernicious diseases, while Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the ensuring that appropriate regulatory body, to carry out their proposed research projects. This gave the HFEA pause for thought. Did their proposals safeguards are in place. involve research on human embryos as defined by the 1990 These safeguards reflect not Act and did they fall within the regulator’s remit? Did embryos only prevailing social views, created using human DNA inserted into an animal egg with its DNA removed constitute human embryos? but also the framework within which our scientists feel Although the Act did not specifically cover this possibility, comfortable working.” the HFEA deemed it to be in the spirit of the legislation that cytoplasmic hybrids be treated as human embryos. The Sir HFEA looked at the applications and after in-depth scientific MRC Chief Executive consultation decided there was no legal reason that the licences should not be granted. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) In the meantime, the Government drafted a new Human Also called therapeutic cloning, SCNT involves Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which was published in May removing the nucleus from a donated egg and 2007. This was introduced in the House of Lords late last year. fusing this ‘empty’ egg with an adult cell. The egg- cell combination is then stimulated to develop into The Bill was the result of extensive public consultation and an embryo, from which embryonic stem cells can was subject to scrutiny by a joint committee of both houses of be extracted. Parliament which called in a wide range of witnesses including scientific, regulatory and ethical experts. Human admixed embryos These are embryos that contain both human and The MRC has welcomed the provisions in the Bill that relate animal material, and are the focus of the current to research, particularly those that allow the creation of human changes to the Human Fertilisation and Embryonic admixed embryos. Such research will open new avenues for Act. Scientists are particularly interested in understanding and treating disease. While projects using adult, cytoplasmic hybrid embryos, which are foetal and embryonic stem cells are all yielding interesting results, created by transferring the DNA of human cells into animal eggs that have had almost all of their no single avenue has yet been identified as the most effective DNA removed. They hope this will provide a or promising. This means that each of these should continue to plentiful supply of stem cells and get around the be pursued. One of the major barriers to research on human shortage of human eggs available for research. embryos is the limited availability of donated human eggs, which could be overcome by the creation of human admixed embryos. There are three other possible types of human admixed embryos: transgenic human But the issues are complex and have led to conflict with some embryos, human embryos into which sections religious and ‘pro-life’ groups. There are also a number of of animal DNA have been inserted - for example parliamentarians who feel uneasy about this type of research to study gene function; chimeric human although they may bear no fundamental opposition to it. embryos, human embryos into which one or more animal cells have been integrated; and true hybrid embryos, created by the fusion of Nevertheless, MPs voted to allow research on human admixed human and animal gametes, which are not currently embryos, reflecting the fact that the vast majority of the UK used in research but could be useful in the future. public – around three-quarters – support the use of human embryos for research to find treatments for serious diseases. CONTINUED >> next page 4

Conceiving treatments >> CONTINUED Update from the

The MRC worked with its partners, the Academy of MRC Chief Executive Medical Sciences, the Royal Society, the Association of After many months of Medical Research Charities and the , work on strategies and new to raise awareness among MPs and in the House initiatives, the MRC’s plans of Lords. This included providing briefings to help to speed the translation of explain the science involved and organising meetings medical research into patient for parliamentarians to find out more about the benefit are now starting to issues at stake directly from the scientists involved. come to fruition. We published The complexity of the issue was one of the biggest our own translation strategy in May challenges faced in the effort to explain the science – you can read about this on page to the public and decision makers, and there is no eight – and have finalised our health doubt a clear account of the science involved helped research strategy with the National parliamentarians support the bill and maintain public Institute for Health Research (NIHR). confidence in how this sensitive area is regulated. Both organisations share a vision for research – from basic medical sciences to applied health The Bill is by no means a carte blanche for scientists research – in which we will provide strong, well-targeted and important safeguards are retained – not least funding to develop the potential for new treatments, that those wanting to carry out this research will diagnostics and measures to prevent disease and need a licence. The implantation of human admixed promote good health emerging from UK research. embryos in a woman or animal is clearly prohibited, and all research on any type of embryo is only Later in this issue you can read about some of the allowed for up to 14 days. Concerns about the new schemes we’ve set up to take forward our vision. science must also be weighed against the potential For instance, we’ve recently funded 13 patient cohorts benefits of the research. The UK is currently for studying common and rare conditions, from type a world leader in stem cell research, but the 2 diabetes to neuromuscular mitochondrial disease. development of treatments for debilitating diseases These groups will be available for industry and academic could be significantly curtailed should this legislation researchers carry out proof-of-concept studies and prohibit the vital work which remains to be done. investigations into the mechanisms of particular diseases. We’ve also funded 12 new studies to help improve future large-scale healthcare trials, in areas ranging from Funding boost for stem cell research screening for glaucoma to studying community treatment The MRC has made £15 million available over three of alcohol dependence. Several other calls for proposals years for translational stem cell research, in a move have also gone out, in all sorts of areas to support intended to help turn discoveries into health applications translational research, and we will begin to see the results more quickly. This is on top of the £17 million a year of these in the coming months. already channelled into stem cell research, most of which goes to basic researchers. Dr Rob Buckle, the MRC’s Our new overview groups are now starting work. These lead for stem cell research, said: “Stem cell research is groups oversee our strategies for translational research, going to have a major impact on patient treatment. We as well as global health research, population sciences, don’t know yet exactly when that will be, but we must and training and careers. The groups review the MRC’s ensure that the UK retains its capacity as a world leader portfolio across the relevant boards, identifying potential in this field. When breakthroughs are made, we want to gaps and opportunities, and can influence strategy be in the best position to capitalise on them.” priorities and future funding allocations.

Some of the extra £15 million will go towards creating By working together with NIHR, we will meet the new lines of embryonic stem cells for researchers Cooksey review’s ambitions for UK health research. And to work with, while a small amount will go towards developing ideas for the use of induced pluripotent as the landscape changes, we will continue to focus on stem cells (where cells are reprogrammed back to excellent science, infrastructure and people. an embryonic state). The rest of the money will be invested through two calls for proposals later this year. Sir Leszek Borysiewicz Human reproductive scientists apply skills to African mammals

Experts at the MRC’s Human problems, to boost the populations of Ethiopian wolf change when a frisky Reproductive Sciences Unit African mammal species whose falling male is around? in Edinburgh have turned numbers threaten extinction. The their attention to one of pygmy hippopotamus, African wild dog, Professor Millar said: “One of the Africa’s rarest and most iconic black rhino and white rhino all feature things that’s important is African carnivores, the Ethiopian wolf. in the first IBREAM research projects. ownership of these animals, and Though it has eluded captivity, the 400 buying into the whole initiative. It’s not remaining wolves have not escaped In each study, scientists will try to a great idea to come from outside the attention of reproductive biologist figure out how assisted reproduction and say: ‘Right, we’re going to sort out Professor Bob Millar, Director of the techniques could be used to your problems’. This has definitely got unit and founder of the Institute for complement other conservation to be done as a partnership.” Breeding Rare and Endangered African efforts, although their early focus will Mammals (IBREAM). be to learn about the reproductive IBREAM is also providing funding physiology of the species they are for PhD students to tackle some Together with the Royal Zoological working with. Only when the animals’ of these questions. The students Society of Scotland and the Lapalala reproductive cycles are understood can will work with staff at the Lapalala Wilderness nature reserve in South attempts be made to apply techniques Wilderness nature reserve in the Africa, Professor Millar set up IBREAM, like artificial insemination and IVF. Limpopo Province of South Africa. a unique collaboration between Professor Millar added: “We’ve got human reproductive scientists and There are puzzles to be solved. For a good opportunity to get African experts in wild mammal conservation. example, why are fewer male pygmy students on board and train them The initiative, launched in April, is a hippos born compared with females? and bring them to have experience charity and relies on donations to Does the presence of a male dog in the UK. And in the IBREAM setting carry out its work. influence the ovarian cycles of female I think it’s very important to do African wild dogs, and does the training at all levels. There’s a massive The institute aims to apply assisted dominant female suppress ovarian educational component to this.” reproduction techniques, originally cycles in subordinate females. Will the developed to help people with fertility hormones in the faeces of a female To find out more visitwww.ibream.org . 6

‘Zinc fingers’ herald new treatments for common diseases

Molecular biologists have out of that were originally Sir Aaron won the 1982 Nobel long dreamed of designing developed at LMB, and are now held prize in chemistry. Using a method DNA-binding proteins that by the biotech company Sangamo called crystallographic electron control the expression of Biosciences after it acquired the microscopy, he produced a genes. Now, after more than two MRC spin-out company, Gendaq. detailed picture of the structure of decades of research into a type of proteins that interact with DNA. called ‘zinc fingers’, Nobel Sangamo recently began clinical trials His technique, which combined Prize-winner Professor Sir Aaron Klug using ‘growth factor’-activating ZFPs conventional electron microscopy and a team from a US company have to treat human arterial disease by with the use of X-rays, gives an developed a method to turn single stimulating growth of blood vessels. image with enhanced resolution. genes on and off without affecting Other conditions being targeted others. Their work could change the include HIV, neuropathic pain – Prior to his zinc finger work, Sir way conditions such as HIV, heart chronic pain as a result of injury to Aaron studied a large protein disease and diabetes are treated. the nervous system – and macular called chromatin, which holds DNA degeneration, a sight disorder that together in chromosomes. He Working at the MRC Laboratory causes progressive loss of sight. managed to break up chromatin of Molecular Biology (LMB) in into small fragments that could be Cambridge, Sir Aaron discovered zinc Also in progress are pre-clinical studies examined, and then constructed a fingers in 1985. They are different to using called ZFP nucleases model of chromosomes based on other DNA-binding proteins because to target the defective genes in two his knowledge of the structure of they do not rely on the symmetry of single-gene disorders, severe combined the fragments. Chromatin affects DNA – meaning they can be linked immunodeficiency and spinocerebellar how our DNA is read. Investigation in tandem to recognise DNA of ataxia, which is characterised by poor of its structure is crucial in the different lengths. coordination of hands, speech, and understanding of cancer, in which eye movements. The aim is to replace the control of growth and division Over the years the team has learned the mutant genes with a correct copy of cells by the genetic material no to engineer synthetic zinc finger of DNA. The teams have reported longer works. proteins (ZFPs). They are assembled promising results. 7 Plans progressing for new research facilities in London and Cambridge

Listening to the local voice Scientists from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) joined the chief A STEP CLOSER TO A NEW HOME executives of the UKCMRI partnership to meet residents who live near the site of the The new building for the planned UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, which is near St Pancras in London. Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge is People from Somers Town had the opportunity to discuss the project and give their a step closer with the views to representatives from Cancer Research UK, UCL (University College London), exchange of contracts for the Wellcome Trust and the MRC over four half-days of ‘meet and greet’ sessions at a the purchase of the land. community centre in Somers Town. The new building will be at the heart of a newly The MRC Chief Executive Sir Leszek Borysiewicz attended two of the sessions: “We expanded Cambridge Biomedical Campus and wanted to meet local people as early as possible to get their views on this project. Clearly will replace the institute’s the move of scientists from NIMR and Cancer Research UK to the area will have a big current home which was effect. Many local people are worried about the amount of affordable housing in the area; built in 1962. The MRC others wanted to know more about security and the type of work we plan to carry out at received consent from the new site. Much of the detail is still being decided by the Science Planning Committee, planners at Cambridge chaired by Sir Paul Nurse, but we explained the importance of the location which is City Council in November. surrounded by several world-leading hospitals and centres of academic excellence.”

Residents also met scientists from NIMR, including Dr Clare Davy, a scientist in the division of virology: “NIMR has an active public engagement programme. We do a lot of work to get out and meet the public to talk about medical research. People who came to the open meetings in Somers Town had their concerns but they were also really interested in hearing about the potential opportunities – especially educational – offered by UKCMRI.” 8 Translation in practice It is an exciting time for UK health research. Strong Government support, additional funding and a clear strategy for investment – in equipment, in facilities and in people to carry it out – leave us with only one task: to deliver. The MRC has now published its strategy for translation, detailing exactly how we will achieve these goals.

Plans to deliver of this strategy include accelerated based sample collections (www. Building on schemes that already exist, development of novel therapies mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/ such as our substantial funding for and diagnostic devices and faster CallsForProposals/Modelsofdisease/ clinical and pre-clinical research into identification of pathways of disease Callspecification/index.htm). healthcare innovations, the MRC is leading to the identification of targets increasing and refining its translational for therapeutic intervention. Page 11 introduces the new patient activities. We also continue to invest in cohorts we’ve funded together with fundamental basic and clinical research We will also increase the skills base NIHR and the Welsh and Scottish which underpins the translational to deliver high-quality research health departments. agenda – the ‘engine room’ of for greater health and economic healthcare innovation. benefits, and enhance partnership There are opportunities for with the industry sector in UK partnership funding for certain A major focus of the MRC’s medical research. initiatives, from charities and industry, strategic funding is in ‘experimental as well as from the Technology medicine’ – targeted programmes To support and underpin Strategy Board (TSB) – the executive that support early-stage clinical experimental medicine research, non-departmental public body which discovery work. Funding for this will the MRC has launched a series promotes innovation in the UK. double by 2010-11 – year three of strategic initiatives, targeted of the comprehensive spending at specific points in the process. There is already significant support by review (CSR) period. The overall They will be achieved through the the MRC and NIHR for infrastructure approach is to make sure the support of relevant investigator- that underpins translational research, MRC has an integrated way of initiated research proposals, as but levels of support will be reviewed supporting research, developing the well as specific calls for proposals – the aim is to identify and fill infrastructure and ensuring highly- in defined areas with earmarked potential gaps in UK research facilities. trained people are able to deliver funding. There is a call in the agenda. biomarkers (biological indicators of health or disease) (www. Big ideas mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/ The MRC’s translational plans and Support for new treatments CallsForProposals/Biomarkers/ activities are wide-ranging. The The MRC is implementing a strategy Callspecification/index.htm), with organisation has been nurturing for the discovery and exploratory a deadline of 17 June. There are relationships with industry and development of fundamental research further initiatives in human and running ‘showcase’ events, which bring towards patient benefit. The aims animal disease models and disease- together academics and industry 9

representatives to share ideas and develop future £6 MILLION NEW INVESTMENT FOR MRCT collaborations. Funding schemes, such as the MRC DEVELOPMENT GAP FUND Pilot Industry Collaboration Award (www.mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/ The MRC has agreed a further £6 million for the Development AvailableGrants/PilotIndustryAward/index.htm), Gap Fund (DGF), following early signs of success from its first investments. encourage joint grant applications. The MRC is exploring other ways of working with industry, the Managed by MRC Technology (MRCT), the DGF is an intramural TSB and other research councils. fund that’s designed to increase the commercial potential of MRC discoveries. An integral part of the MRC’s technology Increasing the UK’s capabilities in translational transfer activities, it provides funding for proof-of-concept studies and experiments to bolster inventions and strengthen research will require increased numbers of scientists patent applications. trained in relevant areas. The MRC will enhance training and career opportunities in translational Since its launch in November 2003 the fund has attracted 81 areas, such as clinical research training, pharmacology, submissions from 23 MRC units and has committed its initial fund of £4.5 million to 51 projects. These projects range from toxicology, informatics, methodology, and biostatistics, computational chemistry and target validation in drug discovery together with industrial collaborative studentships. to a medical diagnostic device and proof-of-concept studies for nutritional supplements. The MRC is leading in methods research and the development of new and improved systems and From the initial funding, more than £6 million has been generated from third-party investment, five new companies have been theories for health research. We aim to develop created, nine licenses have been granted and nine patents filed, a high-quality national platform in methodology patent claims have been exemplified in 14 cases and 44 skilled jobs research and establish the UK as a world leader in have been created. The fund has helped to engender a change in innovation in this area. Our Methodology Research culture by encouraging MRC scientists to take part in technology transfer activities. Programme (www.mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/ CallsForProposals/MethodologyResearch “This fund represents an innovative response by MRCT to changes Programme/index.htm) reflects that. in the external marketplace. It lives up to its name by filling a funding gap between interesting innovative science and research that has NIHR will lead on evaluation and late stage trials, and commercially exploitable potential. Together with other MRC and MRCT funds available to drive science towards commercialisation, will increase the amount of high-quality research in the it is a step towards meeting the strategic needs identified in the UK. Through the NIHR, the MRC will provide funding Cooksey report,” said Dr Dave Tapolczay, Chief Executive of MRCT. for trials that assess potential new treatments and their underlying mechanisms of action, and continue to To find out more about the fund, unit or institute scientists should contact Dr Lorraine Anderson, Development Gap Manager: email support trials in global health. [email protected], phone 0131 311 7011. 10

Managed translation programme SUPPORT FOR TRIAL DEVELOPMENT As part of its translational research strategy, the MRC is launching a major new funding stream – the Developmental Pathway The MRC has invested £4.6 million in 12 Funding Scheme (DPFS) (www.mrc.ac.uk/ApplyingforaGrant/ studies to help improve future large-scale AvailableGrants/DPFS/DPFSspecification/index.htm). The scheme healthcare trials, in areas ranging from screening for glaucoma to studying community treatment will support the development of novel therapies, interventions of alcohol dependence. and diagnostics, and the research tools used in the development of therapies, interventions or diagnostics. Projects should target The initiative, called Intervention Evaluation significant and unmet health needs. Study Platforms, will allow researchers to focus on the development of novel or complex interventions to the stage that NEW PATIENT GROUPS TO SPEED UP DISEASE STUDY they are ready to be evaluated in a definitive AND TESTING TREATMENTS (fully-fledged) trial. The MRC’s programme manager, Morven Roberts explained: “If they The MRC, the National Institute for Health Research and the Welsh were developing a drug, a researcher would and Scottish health departments have invested more than £7 million to work towards the gold standard, a large- establish small groups of extensively characterised patients for research. scale randomised controlled clinical trial, to demonstrate the drug’s effectiveness. But Thirteen cohorts across England, Scotland and Wales have been the MRC is particularly interested in more funded, providing a portfolio of common and rare diseases, including complex non-drug interventions, such as type 2 diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and testing screening interventions to see whether neuromuscular mitochondrial disease. The groups include both adults and they reduce cancer deaths and educational children and are across a wide geographic spread. interventions to test whether sexual health improves. Testing such interventions is difficult The aim of the Patient Research Cohorts Initiative is to underpin – determining how much, how often, when experimental medicine research in the UK by establishing small or where to deliver a complex intervention patient groups in areas that have high unmet need or where research (often comprised of many components), is bottlenecks are foreseen. The cohorts will be available to researchers often a study in itself. And the same effort is from industry and academia to carry out proof-of-concept studies and also required to find out the optimal outcome, investigations into the mechanisms of particular diseases. The investment the size of effect expected, the setting and the forms a key part of the overall strategy to turn scientific discoveries target population.” more quickly into health benefits for patients. Once up and running, details of each of the 13 cohorts will be available on the MRC website. This early development and feasibility work is often critical in making any final full trial The call for proposals went out last November and had a strong application attractive to funders. This is why response, with 81 proposals received across a wide range of the MRC issued a call for proposals for the diseases, totalling almost £60 million. These proposals were assessed intervention evaluation study platforms in March early this year by a 25-strong panel that included around a third 2007. Following this, a panel chaired by Professor industry representatives, as well as lay people and a range of clinical, David Armstrong recommended that 12 high methodological and statistical experts. The cohorts will be monitored by quality applications should be funded. To find an oversight group, also made up of representatives from industry and out more about the background to the call visit academia, epidemiology and statistics experts and lay people. www.mrc.ac.uk/applyingforagrant/ callsforproposals/closedcalls. Find out more at www.mrc.ac.uk. 11

OVERVIEW GROUPS TO INTEGRATE STRATEGY ACROSS MRC BOARDS

The MRC has established four overview groups to ensure that the research boards develop coordinated initiatives to deliver the agenda of the MRC’s new Strategy Board.

The four groups report to the Strategy Board, with the chair of each serving as a member of the board. Each group advises the Strategy Board on the allocation of funding and resources in their area. Their job is to review the MRC’s portfolio across the relevant research boards, identifying potential gaps and opportunities. They contribute to strategy development and oversee the implementation of the MRC’s funding priorities. They do not have funds to support response-mode applications and are not grant-awarding bodies.

Projects supported by the DPFS must have Membership of all groups, which will reflect the expertise required in clearly defined milestones, outcomes and each field, will be announced in due course. future value. These will help maximise success and enable the project to attract required The Global Health Group is downstream funding, whether from public or responsible for ensuring that the MRC private sources, along the path to meet its effectively addresses research needs clinical aims. The DPFS panels will, if necessary, across the spectrum of global health actively develop proposals, introducing issues. Its chair is Professor Sir Andrew Haines, Professor of Public Health and enhancements and emphasising coordination Primary Care at the London School of of projects and research resources within and Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. across centres and funding schemes. The Population Sciences Group Another scheme, MRC Technology’s is responsible for ensuring that epidemiology and medical social Development Gap Fund, will continue to sciences remain strong across all the support earlier stage proof-of-concept MRC’s research boards. The chair studies and research to bolster inventions and of this group is Professor David strengthen patent applications for scientists in Armstrong, Professor of Medicine and Sociology at King’s College School of MRC institutes and units (see page 9). Medicine London.

The Training and Careers Group Benefits to society is responsible for developing MRC The new measures for health research funding strategy for non-clinical and clinical training, careers and skills. The chair in the UK, and the emphasis on translation, will of this group is Professor Carol bring discoveries in science closer and faster Dezateux, Professor of Paediatric to the clinic and to society in general. They will Epidemiology and Head of the enable new therapies to be identified as early as Population Health Sciences Division and the Centre for Paediatric possible, and improve prevention, diagnostic and Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the public health strategies in the most efficient way, Institute for Child Health, University boosting productivity and the economy. There is College London. always the need for a vibrant and well-resourced basic science base, which the MRC will continue The Translational Research Group is responsible for ensuring that to support. These leading discoveries and the support for translational research is benefits that ensue will enable the MRC and strengthened across all the MRC’s its partners to play a prominent role in the research boards. Its chair is Professor worldwide effort of accelerating the process of Steve O’Rahilly, Professor of Clinical and Medicine at the turning science into outcomes, resulting in better University of Cambridge. and longer lives for us all. MRC’s charity launches new funding scheme

The Medical Research Foundation has launched a new funding scheme to help scientists disseminate their findings further than they usually would through publication in scientific journals – to patients, participants in research, healthcare practitioners and policy makers. MRC scientists (in units or funded by grants) and Medical Research Foundation- funded researchers can apply for INDUSTRY the awards, each worth up to UPDATE £30,000. The scheme is supported by the Fleming Memorial Fund for Medical Research, a charity which Multidisciplinary toxicology PhDs awarded is managed by the foundation. The first 11 PhD studentships have been awarded in the MRC’s prestigious new Integrative Toxicology Training Partnership. The Medical Research Foundation The studentships aim to train the next generation of is the MRC’s registered charity. toxicologists, boosting the UK’s supply of scientists in It has been supporting research multidisciplinary toxicology research. The programme will bring for over 80 years and funds together industry, government agencies and academia. As well as research and training which is the new PhDs, up to two Career Development Fellowships will additional and complementary be awarded later this year. to that supported by the MRC. With current assets of £39 million, The initiative follows the MRC’s 2006 review of toxicology, which the foundation is supported by highlighted the need for improvements in drug safety science people who leave bequests to and for a supply of well-trained multidisciplinary toxicologists. The the MRC in their wills, or who review also called for more integration of the different disciplines make donations in memory of of toxicology research. friends and family. It’s managed by an independent board of trustees Managed by the MRC Toxicology Unit in Leicester, the who take advice from MRC partnership is being overseen by a steering committee chaired experts on funding opportunities, by the unit’s Director, Professor Pierluigi Nicotera. The Toxicology while ensuring that donors’ Unit is one of Europe’s largest research institutions working on specific wishes for supporting both fundamental and applied toxicology. types of research are met. 13

OPPORTUNITIES

Board Deadline date Board meeting Molecular and Cellular Medicine 3 September 2008 4 & 5 February 2009 Infections and Immunity 10 September 2008 11 & 12 February 2009 Population and Systems Medicine Board 17 September 2008 18 & 19 February 2009 Neurosciences and Mental Health 24 September 2008 26 & 27 February 2009

Calls for proposals Deadline date Panel meeting Biomarkers (new dates) 17 June 2008 29 September 2008 Milstein Fund (see below) 16 July 2008 December 2008

Fellowships Deadline date Interviews Clinical Research Training Fellowship (round two) 19 September 2008 2–4 March 2009 Senior Non-Clinical Fellowship 26 September 2008 12 & 13 March 2009 Special Training Fellowship in Biomedical Informatics 3 October 2008 18 March 2009 Clinician Scientist Fellowship/ Senior Clinical Fellowship 21 November 2008 3–5 June 2009

Milstein Fund: increased support for high payback research

To further strengthen the Council’s commitment to innovative, high-payback research, the budget for this year’s Milstein Fund has been raised to £5 million, with the upper limit for individual awards increased to £500,000.

The Milstein Fund was launched in 2006 to specifically support pioneering, high payback research which is at too early a stage to fare well in the usual review and assessment process. Milstein Fund support is only available for innovative proposals that are unlikely to gain funding through other MRC grant schemes. For instance, those that are truly multidisciplinary, involve the innovative use of new technologies, have highly unpredictable outcomes or involve a novel hypothesis or approach which could change the direction of thought in a discipline.

Find out more at www.mrc.ac.uk/applyingforagrant/callsforproposals/milsteinfundawards. CENTRE PROFILE MRC CENTRE FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

On 1 March the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh gained full MRC centre status. This award built on the original centre development funding to the Institute for Stem Cell Research, which has now been brought together with clinical and translational scientists from the university’s College of Medicine to create the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine. The centre aims to develop therapies for human disease, using stem cells as a starting point.

Research at the centre involves all types of stem and research facilities, basic research scientists and cells; adult, embryonic and those found in cord blood, biotechnology companies in one location. I think that’s a underpinned by basic research efforts. Learning what unique combination with huge potential for translational prompts cells to differentiate and how to control this research but also for the use of stem cells in drug process is at the heart of future stem cell-based therapies. discovery and development work. It will be a unique resource in the UK.’’ The Chancellor’s building, next to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, is the home of one part of the new centre. This collaborative potential is reflected in the design of At the moment, research staff are split between there the new laboratory. Centre manager Dr Gordon McLean and the Roger Land building on Edinburgh University’s outlined plans: “The new building has been designed to science campus two miles away. A new laboratory due remove as many of the corridors and most of the walls, to completed in early 2011, the Scottish Centre for creating an open-plan environment designed to facilitate Regenerative Medicine, will unite the research teams, with and promote interaction and collaboration. There will bench space for 180 scientists. be a centralised tissue culture facility surrounded by lab space separated from the write-up desk space by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, so there will be plenty of Grand designs opportunities to share ideas.’’ When Network visited the Director, Professor Sir Ian Wilmut, he described his vision for the Repairing bones future of research on the site: Currently at the centre, Dr Brendon Noble, director of ‘‘We will have a centre working the Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Collaboration, with stem cells, a research is investigating bone and cartilage repair. He is keen hospital with a clinical trials unit, to stress that stem cells are the starting point for the Edinburgh University’s teaching development of therapy: ‘‘We need to regenerate and mend things, effectively we want to repair the with a microelectronics group that has expertise in skeleton using what we know about stem cells, those building silicon chips. These are used to make cell-media that are already in the person or those manufactured surfaces with the right features to encourage cells to in the laboratory and put back in. Both approaches are specialise into the required type of cell. important.’’ In the long term, Brendon hopes therapies derived from stem cells could be used to strengthen slow-healing bone fractures or repair torn cartilage. Stem cells and the thymus Over in the Roger Land building, the target of Dr Clare At the moment, he’s trying to find out how to keep Blackburn’s work is less well known. The thymus, a cells alive and active when they are put back into bone small organ lodged above the heart, influences the where other cells have died or become inactive. body’s ability to respond to infection by producing ‘‘One of our preoccupations is ageing,’’ he explained. virus-fighting T cells. Like bone, with age the thymus loses ‘‘The environment within the body changes hugely its potency and so the ability to mount new immune as you age. If you take stem cells out of a 90 year-old responses diminishes. person and put them in a dish in the lab they grow fantastically but they are relatively inactive in the body. Clare explained: ‘‘The thymus is one of the first organs The media we use to grow cells in a dish is simple to to degenerate, it’s thought to begin in teenage years and control and is very different to an ageing body. We by the time a person is 30 to 40 years old the organ has need to learn how to support cells to keep them alive shrunk and the whole structure has changed, so fewer when you put them back into the bone and we are new T cells are produced.’’ using carriers or scaffolds that re-create a supportive environment for the cells.’’ Already, a research By transplanting cells from the developing thymus of a programme using adult stem cells taken from damaged mouse embryo to the kidney capsule of another mouse, tissue, modified in the lab and re-introduced to the her team has been able to grow a whole functioning body is showing promise in pre-clinical models. It is thymus in the capsule’s supportive environment. hoped this work will go into a patient clinical trial after another two years of development. ‘‘The cells transplanted from a mouse embryo are already restricted to becoming the thymus. What we are Encouraging stem cells to specialise involves controlling interested in is how these cells arise, what stimulates the and this can be achieved without gene organ to form where it does and what limits the size of it. therapy by exposure to hormones or signalling molecules Learning how to boost thymus function could help boost and even subtle adaptations to the surface of whatever immunity,’’ said Clare. the cells are growing on. So Brendon is also collaborating CONTINUED >> next page 16

MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine >> CONTINUED

The most likely clinical application is too and so this system needs to haematopoietic stem cells in the in bone marrow transplant patients. be restored with a bone marrow umbilical cord can be enhanced and Clare added: “The treatments adults transplant. Haematopoietic stem cells wishes to develop new lab protocols are given before a bone marrow are important clinically because they to achieve this. Cord blood is a well transplant knock out what is left are responsible for the successful known source of stem cells and has of the thymus so they are in a outcome of bone marrow transplants. been used in transplants between poor position to reconstitute their siblings to repair the blood cell immune system after the transplant. Alexander explained: ‘‘The problem system of the older child. This is one of the major causes of is that bone marrow transplants are mortality after an adult has had a not always easily available. There is bone marrow transplant.’’ a shortage of matching donors, and Leading the field so it would be desirable to produce Other research at the centre is Clare recognises that communicating haematopoietic stem cells in the lab focused on understanding the with the public about her work is so that we could create a bank of properties of stem cells, how to an important part of what she does, cells for transplantations.’’ control stem cell self-renewal and and has contributed to three short differentiation in vitro and in vivo, and films about stem cells used in public There are challenges to overcome. how to harness this knowledge to engagement work. At the moment blood cells can be develop new therapies. produced from embryonic stem cells in the lab but they are weak and in For all the scientists working under Blood stem cells and experiments using mice they haven’t the umbrella of the MRC Centre transplants shown the same restorative ability for Regenerative Medicine, the Next door, Professor Alexander as naturally occurring blood stem route to developing therapies based Medvinsky is investigating the cells. Alexander and his team are on stem cells is challenging. But development of haematopoietic currently using a mouse model to with the facilities and collaborative (blood) stem cells, those that give learn how to improve the potency opportunities that will soon be on rise to all blood cells throughout a of lab cultured cells. offer, they are well placed to lead the person’s life. When a patient receives field of regenerative medicine into chemotherapy or radiation to destroy In future research he hopes to therapy for patients. cancer cells, blood cells are destroyed investigate how the potential of

Right: Light micrograph of a human embryo at the two-cell stage of development. OBITUARIES

Samuel Kwaku Dunyo, 1958-2008 Weilin Wang, 1983-2008 Dr Sam Dunyo, head of the Farafenni field station at Weilin Wang was in the second year of her PhD at the MRC Laboratories in The Gambia, died on 1 May the Mammalian Unit, MRC Harwell, when 2008 at the MRC ward in Fajara, following a long illness. she died while on a climbing holiday in Scotland.

A graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Weilin was born in Nanning, China, the only child of and Technology in Ghana, Sam obtained his PhD at the Yaodong and Lin Lin Wang. She came to the UK in Danish Bilharzis Laboratory in Copenhagen. He worked 2001, and after completing her A-levels went on to at Ghana’s Ministry of Health as a District Medical obtain a BSc (Hons) degree in biochemistry from Officer and in 1991, he was seconded to Noguchi York University. It was while at York that her passions Memorial Institute for Medical Research at the University for climbing and science were kindled. Weilin came of Ghana in Legon to work on the epidemiology of to MRC Harwell in August 2006 and her intelligence, malaria. He joined the MRC in 2000 as a research determination and enthusiasm for research were epidemiologist with the malaria programme in Farafenni, evident from the start. “She became known for her love before becoming head of the field station in 2004. of chocolate, especially in her irresistible brownies, tea with the bag left in, anything pink, and playing football; Sam was a key figure in several clinical trials of safety but the single thing that everyone remembers about and efficacy of new anti-malarial drugs and carried out Weilin was her big, big, smile,” said scientist Liz Bentley, research into the effectiveness of combinations of anti- who was Weilin’s PhD supervisor. “We are in no doubt malarial drugs and their impact on transmission. Professor that Weilin was just at the beginning of an exciting Tumani Corrah, Director of the MRC in The Gambia, paid research career and would have successfully defended tribute: “Sam was a soft spoken man of few words who her PhD .” As a tribute to Weilin, MRC Harwell is was totally committed to improving the health of West introducing a prize which will be awarded every year Africans through research.” Dr David Conway, head of to the student who has contributed most to the life of the malaria programme, added: “Sam had a passionate the unit. commitment to identifying optimal therapies and means of preventing malaria in children, which formed the basis Weilin was with her boyfriend Chris when she died – for his vital research achievements in The Gambia.” you can read his tribute to her at www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=291120. He is survived by his wife Roseline and their sons Shlomo, Isaac, Joshua and Emmanuel. OBITUARIES CONTINUED >> next page Obituaries >> CONTINUED Inner and outer space Dr Derek Bangham, Have you ever noticed how some scientific 1924–2008 images look very similar to things you might Dr Derek Bangham, a leading see down a telescope? authority on biological standardisation who Photographer and graphic designer Graham Reed at the MRC contributed to the safety Clinical Sciences Centre has teamed up with the interim Director, of many medicines and the Professor Amanda Fisher, in a project aimed at getting young people reliability of diagnostic tests, more engaged with science. Twelve UK schools have been asked died in January aged 83. to develop artwork inspired by pairs of microscopic and telescopic images published at www.myscopic.co.uk. The best images are Derek Bangham qualified being exhibited at the Royal Albert Hall from May 2008. in medicine at University College Hospital in London Red hole in 1948. He spent six months as a medical officer on the Created by students from Park View Community School, Durham Community Business gold coast of Africa before College and Sion-Manning RC Girls School with composer Duncan Chapman. carrying out various clinical posts in the UK and joining Far away, in a galaxy not yet researched lies the Red Hole. This the MRC National Institute deadly creation has an enormous appetite. Eventually the whole for Medical Research (NIMR) universe will get gobbled up if we don’t react quickly. The Red Hole in 1956. His division was will consume anything, including satellites and novas, although its responsible for many aspects main meal is stars. The Red Hole attracts stars with a blue magnetic of the control of biological force laid inside the hand. The bright red colour of the hand is medicines and for the WHO thought to be flourescent. Centre for International Biological Standards, which Blackberry he directed from 1961. Dr Bangham moved to the new Photo credit: Janice Carr, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health, USA. National Institute for Biological What does a blackberry look like up close? Beautifully textured as Standards and Control in this image shows, but unlike raspberries, blackberries do not have 1972 when it took on these tiny bristles. This means that bacteria and parasites can’t stick to responsibilities, and remained them as easily. Tiny single-celled organisms can cling to the raspberry there until his retirement in bristles and cause diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. 1986. His contributions to medicine led to honorary Under your skin fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians in 1981 Photo credit: Michaela Frye, Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, Cambridge, UK. and the award in 1986 of the first silver plate of the UK All over the surface of your skin are squashed keratinocytes (care- Society for Endocrinology for ah-tin-oh-site), cells that make the protein keratin, the stuff of your his distinguished contribution hair and nails. These cells are an important protection against the to British endocrinology. outside world. You shed them daily. Within a month your body has Throughout his career made a new layer. Dr Bangham contributed extensively to the legal and regulatory control of biological substances. 19 Veterinary research: insights into human disease Animal and human cells work in the same way and we suffer many of the same diseases. Yet there has been very little exploration of these similarities. The Comparative Clinical Science Foundation (CCSF), which promotes comparative research into diseases suffered by both humans and animals, published its research strategy in April.

As part of the search for better treatments and cures for diseases such as cancers and genetic disorders, as well as better treatments, the CCSF intends to bring together medical and veterinary researchers. The MRC is working with the foundation to develop this area. CCSF projects will investigate the similarities and differences of specific conditions in sick people and animals. The ultimate goal is to identify better treatments and cures for diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders, which can then be applied for the benefit of both people and animals.

There are many diseases that could benefit from this sort of research. For instance, one in three cats older than 12 years has evidence of kidney dysfunction, and kidney disease is one of the most common reasons for owners of aged cats to go to the vet. Kidney disease is also emerging as an important public health issue in humans. Scientists believe a comparative approach could identify shared environmental factors that damage the kidneys, suggest biomarkers and genes related to disease and enable studies of potential new treatments.

At the moment the CCSF is working on explaining the benefits of comparing humans and other animals in research and is planning a series of workshops to increase the numbers of researchers in this area. To find out more, go to www.onemedicine.org.uk. MRC Top Professor Leszek Borysiewicz PEOPLE Middle Professor Robert Millar Bottom left Dr Kurt Sales Bottom right Vivienne Parry Forty-four new fellows have joined the ranks of the Royal Society, which is made up of 1,300 of the most distinguished scientists from the UK, other Commonwealth countries and the Republic of Ireland. The main criteria for election is scientific excellence, with fellows elected for life. Among the new fellows are the MRC Chief Executive, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz and many others from the wider MRC family. The new fellows from MRC units include Professor , Professor of Signal Transduction at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit, Dr Anne O’Garra, head of the division of immunoregulation at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research, group leader Dr Harvey McMahon and senior scientist Dr Jan Löwe of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and Professor John Duncan, assistant Director of the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit. Current and past recipients of MRC funding who join these scientists are Professor Alan Ashworth, Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, Professor Brian Foster, Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Oxford, Professor Stephen Jackson, Frederick James Quick Professor of Biology at the University of Cambridge and head of Cancer Research UK Laboratories, the Gurdon Institute of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Professor Michael Alpers, John Curtin Distinguished Professor at the Curtin University of Technology, Professor , Professor of Protein at the Institute of Cancer Research, Professor Claudio Daniel Stern, Professor of Anatomy at University College London and Professor , deputy Director of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and Professor of Cancer Genetics at the Institute of Cancer Research. Sir , Regius Professor of Medicine at the University of Oxford and Chair of the Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research, has also been elected.

Director of the Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Professor Robert Millar, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), joining such distinguished predecessors as Sir Walter Scott and Charles Darwin. Fellows are elected in recognition of outstanding achievement in their fields and contribution to public service. President Sir Michael Atiyah said: “The collective expertise and experience of the fellowship enables the RSE to uphold its Royal Charter for the ‘advancement of learning and useful knowledge’ and deliver meaningful public benefit activities today”.

Several MRC scientists have been awarded prestigious fellowships of the Academy of Medical Sciences. Recipients include Dr Steve Gamblin, joint head of the Molecular Structure Division and Dr Victor Tybulewicz head of the Immune Cell Biology Division, both at the MRC’s National Institute for Medical Research, and Dr Mick Hastings, programme leader in Circadian Neurobiology at the MRC’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology. 21

They are joined by Professor Barry Everitt, Professor of Dr William Frankland, an allergy specialist who worked Behavioural Neuroscience in Cambridge who specialises alongside Sir Alexander Fleming and was the first to in addiction research, and Professor John Hardy, a demonstrate the benefit of immunotherapy for allergy neuroscientist at UCL (University College London). sufferers. Professor Lee’s research focuses on the causes, Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences are elected mechanisms and treatment of asthma and allergy. for their outstanding contributions to the advancement Stephen Durham, President of the BSACI said: “The of medical science, for innovative application of scientific William Frankland Award recognises Professor Tak Lee’s knowledge and conspicuous service to healthcare. marvellous achievements as clinician and scientist and his enormous contribution to the specialty over many The Minister of State for Science and Innovation, Ian years, which has been of great benefit to sufferers of Pearson, has appointed writer and broadcaster Vivienne allergic disease.” Parry to the MRC’s Council. Vivienne combines a science background with a strong public engagement record; she The Japanese Foreign Ministry’s prestigious Hideyo has worked with a broad range of organisations from Noguchi Africa Prize has been awarded to Dr Brian charities to the media. She said: “I feel very honoured Greenwood, who directed the MRC Laboratories in to be appointed to the Council of the MRC which has The Gambia for 15 years. Dr Greenwood has been such an outstanding reputation for scientific excellence. recognised for his research into the prevention of In making this appointment, the MRC has demonstrated malaria, pneumonia and meningitis in African children. that it is committed to wider stakeholder involvement At an award ceremony next month, he will receive a in its decision-making. I look forward to being an citation, a medal and an honorarium of 100 million yen ambassador for the MRC and to further supporting its (approximately half a million pounds). Dr Greenwood public engagement work.” spent more than 30 years in Africa and carried out landmark research. His clinical studies and field trials of Professor Sir Philip Cohen, Director of the MRC Protein drugs and vaccines have underpinned many influential Phosphorylation Unit at Dundee has been elected a national and international public health policies. He said: member of the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) “I am very proud to have been awarded this prestigious for his excellence in original scientific research. The NAS is a prize which honours the inspirational life of Dr Noguchi private, nonprofit honorific society of distinguished scholars and which recognises my contribution to medical engaged in scientific and engineering research, dedicated to research in Africa. This could not have been achieved furthering science and technology and to their use for the without the support of many colleagues in Africa whose general welfare in the United States. Membership is one of work is also honoured by this award.” the highest honours given to a scientist or engineer. “I have to admit to being completely surprised by this!” said Sir Dr Kurt Sales of the Human Reproductive Sciences Philip. “This is a great honour and a comparatively rare one Unit in Edinburgh has been awarded the 2008 Society for a scientist outside of the USA”. for Reproduction and Fertility New Investigator Award. The prize, which honours his research in the fields of Professor Tak Lee, head of the division of asthma, allergy reproduction and fertility, is given annually to a scientist and lung biology at King’s College London has been with no more than 10 years of post-doctoral experience. awarded the prestigious William Frankland Award for Dr Sales will give lectures at the annual meeting of the distinguished services to clinical allergy. The annual award Society for Study of Reproduction in Hawaii in May was established by the British Society for Allergy and and at the Society for Reproduction and Fertility annual Clinical Immunology (BSACI) in 1999 to honour conference to be held in Edinburgh in January 2009. RESEARCH ROUNDUP

TB uses fat droplets to survive and spread New method speeds up biological analysis Researchers have discovered fat droplets in MRC scientists have developed a way to detect and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium which causes quantify small biological molecules that’s 100 times TB. This fat content may help it to survive when it faster than previous methods. The discovery opens infects new people, challenging the established view up a multitude of new possibilities for biomedical and that TB bacteria coughed up by infected people pharmaceutical science, such as speeding up screening multiply rapidly. The team, led by Professor Mike Barer for promising new drugs. The method, developed by of the University of Leicester, showed that, unlike TB Professor Dietrich Volmer at MRC Human Nutrition bacteria growing in test tubes, many of the bacteria Research in Cambridge, is derived from a technique growing in sputum are loaded with fat droplets. With known as MALDI, which was developed for large colleagues at St George’s, University of London, they biological molecules but does not generally work well went on to show that these ‘fat bacteria’ are in a for small molecules. The scientists adapted it by installing non-growing state in which they are more likely to a high-frequency laser on a mass spectrometer. This survive the process of passing from one person to combination significantly speeds up the rate of analysis another. Their results also showed that the fat droplets of biological samples and improves precision and help increase the bacterium’s resistance to drugs. accuracy. In one application, Professor Volmer compared Professor Barer said: “We think the droplets signify the analysis of osteoporosis and asthma drugs in samples bacterium’s readiness for transmission, and suspect of blood plasma from rats. While conventional mass the higher the proportion of droplet-laden cells in the spectrometry assay took more than four hours, the new sputum sample, the slower the patient will respond technique enabled complete analysis in less than five to treatment.” minutes, without any compromise in quality.

Public Library of Science Medicine 2008; 5: e75 Analytical Chemistry 2007; 79: 9000-9006 23

New type of brain nerve cell discovered Genetic link to pre-eclampsia Researchers at the MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Researchers have discovered a gene, called COMT, that’s Unit in Oxford have identified a previously unknown linked to the development of pre-eclampsia, a condition type of brain nerve cell in rats. Called ‘ivy’ cells because that causes high blood pressure, fluid retention and their structure resembles the dense woven pattern swelling in pregnant women. The discovery may lead to of the stalks and leaves of an ivy plant, the cells are development of a screening test to identify women at thought help the brain to lay down new memories, risk of the dangerous condition. MRC-funded researchers recall previous ones and direct appropriate behavioural Professor Asif Ahmed and Dr Shakil Ahmad of the responses. The research revealed that ivy cells are the University of Birmingham and Birmingham Women’s most abundant type of inhibitory nerve cell in a part of Hospital worked with US colleagues to produce mice the cerebral cortex that processes learning and memory. genetically engineered to lack the COMT gene. When Inhibitory cells synchronise and control the activity the gene was absent, the mice experienced symptoms of excitory cells, allowing the brain to remain active similar to pre-eclapmsia, including protein leakage in without becoming overexcited – such a state can lead urine, high blood pressure and problems with blood to epileptic seizures. Researcher Dr Thomas Klausberger vessels in the placenta caused by decreased oxygen said: “Although cortical nerve cells have been studied levels. The symptoms were reversed when the mice for more than a century, the basic knowledge of how were given a supplement of a steroid hormone called many different cell types exist and how they cooperate 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME). 2-ME is formed when the in time remains elusive. We have discovered that ivy cells coded for by COMT breaks down oestrogen, a act slowly in neuronal terms and provide stability to the hormone essential to healthy pregnancy. Professor Ahmed nerve cell functions within the cortex. The discovery of explained: “The link between low levels of COMT protein this class of highly abundant and chemically distinct nerve and 2-ME in women who have pre-eclampsia suggests cells and that they act via a unique set of messengers that screening for irregularities in the COMT gene in highlights the continued need to understand the basic pregnant women could identify those at risk of developing principles of cell organisation in the brain.” preeclampsia. The 2-ME, metabolised from oestrogen, may serve as both a diagnostic marker and therapeutic Neuron 2008; 57: 917-929 supplement for the treatment of pre-eclampsia.’’

Nature 2008; Advance online publication PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

National Science and Engineering Public talks relate research to real life Week 2008 Let’s talk about… sex and babies is a new initiative National Science and Engineering Week in March saw from the MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit and people of all ages don lab coats and goggles to take Edinburgh University’s Division of Reproductive and part in a diverse range of science activities. Developmental Sciences, which together ran a series of public talks over the winter months. The Dana Centre in London ran a series of public events that aimed to dispel modern myths and old- The format cleverly related basic research to real life wives’ tales about health issues such as cancer, mental by first setting the scene from a clinical point of view health and prenatal diet. MRC scientists including Dr for the topic under discussion, and following this with Hazel Inskip from the Epidemiology Resource Centre an outline from a scientist who explained how research (University of Southampton) and Dr Marcus Richards was trying to address the problems raised in the clinic. from the Unit for Lifelong Health in London were on Questions were taken from the audience, who were hand to explain current research findings and chat to encouraged to participate by voting on issues raised people to help them make informed choices about during and after the talks. their own health. The first series, which began in November last year Launched by Carol Vorderman and invaded by aliens and finished in March, covered the effects of obesity on from BBC One’s Dr Who, the Cambridge Science pregnancy, cloning, prevention strategies for unplanned Festival hosted activities by eight MRC units and centres. pregnancies, causes of male infertility and menstrual Dr Ann Prentice from the MRC Collaborative Centre periods. All the talks attracted audiences of more for Human Nutrition Research gave a talk on research than 100 people, mainly comprising school students, into osteoporosis in older people called ‘Preserve the teachers, and the general public. Feedback has been old, but know the new’. The MRC Epidemiology Unit extremely positive. The next series which begins this got pulses racing with an interactive test to separate autumn is now being planned. the fitness fiends from the couch potatoes and explain the links between lifestyle and health. Visitors could also take a tour of the MRC Cancer Cell Unit to find out how cancer drugs make it from bench to bedside.

The Science Festival was a partnership between the University of Oxford, the MRC, the Wellcome Trust and several other organisations. From astrophotography to the science behind cooking, there was a variety of activities for budding researchers. The Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit in Oxford and the Mammalian Genetics Unit at Harwell both opened their doors to schools, allowing students to meet scientists, tour laboratories and learn more about research. Bird flu and the risk to humans was the topic of a popular MRC Café Scientifique on viruses at the Vale & Downland Museum in , which also hosted a family art/science day on MRC haematological and immunological research. 25

Edinburgh Science Festival Gresham’s School grabs PhD students from MRC units debating title throughout Scotland joined forces Gresham’s School in Norfolk this Easter to run activities at the triumphed over Queens’ School 2008 Edinburgh Science Festival. in Bushey to win the East regional Young visitors were invited into a final of the MRC-sponsored make-believe MRC lab to work on Institute of Ideas and Pfizer a number of experiments, including Debating Matters Competition, the chance to ‘make a test tube which was held at Magdalene baby’, ‘build a virus’ or test their College, Cambridge on 9 April. reaction time. Debating Matters challenges The Edinburgh Science Festival is young people to research their the UK’s largest public celebration arguments and engage intelligently of science, and is widely accepted with key contemporary issues, as one of the most successful such as ‘Excessive caution and public science events worldwide. bureaucracy are keeping drugs from patients who need them’ Thirty-three students from all and ‘Globalisation is good for five Scottish MRC units took the developing world’. A unique part this year; their involvement feature of the competition is was coordinated by Human the grilling that debaters face Reproductive Sciences Unit PhD from a panel of expert judges, student, Rob Hooley. “It was quite who question them on their a challenge, bringing everything arguments and challenge them to and everyone together to the defend their research and thinking right place at the right time,” Rob before giving them feedback on explained. “I’m sure it’s all been their performance – all in front of worthwhile. The kids really seemed the audience. to enjoy the activities and we’ve had some fantastic feedback.” Dr Hugh Pelham, Director of the MRC Laboratory for Molecular And the parents agreed. As one Biology and one of the judges, mum explained: “My nine year-old said: “I found it good fun, with a son is very interested in viruses, serious yet informal atmosphere. and wanted to know what a virus It was also stimulating – I was still looks like. He really enjoyed the rehearsing arguments hours and activity, and the students were even days later. The students did wonderful.” Another parent a great job, and it was interesting added: “We came to the MRC lab to see how they chose their because the children wanted to strategies and tried to cope with come in, and I thought it would the barrage of arguments – fun to bring science to life for them.” watch but difficult to do.” RESEARCH CENTRE NEWS

Scottish Minister visits Social and Public possible, and we value the work done by this unit,” Health Sciences Unit she said. “Research helps us prioritise our targets and With the aim of improving and extending dialogue the key findings outlined here will be of interest to the between researchers and health policymakers, Minsterial Taskforce on health inequalities.” Professor Sally Macintyre, Director of the MRC’s Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow, hosted a visit to the unit in April by the Scottish Minister for New animal house opens in Cambridge Public Health, Shona Robison. The MRC has opened a new state-of-the-art mouse facility at the Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge. Professor Macintyre gave Ms Robison a broad The new facility is a replacement, upgrade and expansion overview of the unit’s research, much of which is of of older facilities for breeding and housing mice for use in direct relevance to policy-makers within the Scottish medical research. It will support internationally important Government Health Directorate. The Minister also met MRC research into cancer, leukaemia, asthma, allergy a small group of researchers and talked with them about and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and key findings from recent research into topics including Parkinson’s, for which there are currently no completely trends in health inequalities; sexual health among young effective treatments or cures. people and gay men in Scotland; alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour in young people; and the health The use of animal models of disease is an important impacts of housing improvement and area regeneration. part of the MRC’s translational strategy. This new facility will bring together the needs of different research Ms Robison expressed a keen interest in the work groups and will provide a centre of excellence for the presented. “Research findings are vital to make sure care and welfare of mice, as well as providing modern that we make the best evidence-based decisions facilities for those caring for them.

Creative energy: what drives scientists EVENTS and writers? DIARY The MRC is celebrating the common aim of scientists and fiction writers – to imagine and invent. In collaboration with PEN – the international writers’ organisation – we BA Festival of Science are holding an evening event on 10 July. Panelists, who will The British Association for the Advancement of Science speak on the theme of creativity, include Sir Aaron Klug, (the BA) is holding its flagship festival at the University Nobel Prize winner and scientist at the MRC Laboratory of Liverpool and the surrounding city from 6–11 of Molecular Biology, Dr Sheena McCormack, clinical September, to coincide with the city’s 2008 title of epidemiologist at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit, and Ruth Capital of Culture. Visitors can expect an explosion of Padel – poet and the great great grand-daughter of science throughout the city. The programme includes Charles Darwin. The discussion will be chaired by novelist events, debates and activities that will help people and president of English PEN, Lisa Appignanesi. PEN has uncover the truth about issues that affect us all – from already published profiles of MRC scientists on its website, climate change to what we are eating. which fiction writers can use as a resource to learn more about science and scientists: www.englishpen.org/ To find out more, visit www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience. aboutenglishpen/partnerships/medicalresearchcouncil. Scientists who want to be involved can email [email protected] to find out more. YOUR FEEDBACK

MRC Network is for anyone who has an interest in the work of the MRC, including scientists, doctors and health professionals involved in medical research, government departments and parliamentarians, and university staff and students. The aim is to provide a quick, easy- to-read summary of activities across the MRC, from research news through to funding, grant schemes and policy issues, with pointers to more in-depth information on websites and in other publications. Guidance on animal We are very keen to receive feedback on Network and suggestions for new features from our readers. So if you have any comments, research published please let us know. Just email: [email protected]

Five of the UK’s major funders of animal MRC Network is produced by the MRC research have published common guidelines publications team and is available in print for using animals in research. Compliance with and in downloadable pdf format at: the guidelines will be a condition of funding for new grants www.mrc.ac.uk involving the use of animals. One requirement is that, when collaborating with laboratories outside the UK, researchers and their local ethics committees must check that welfare IMAGES standards are consistent with the principles in UK legislation Cover: Stem cells, coloured scanning electron and the new guidelines. Any significant deviations will need micrograph (SEM) © Science Photo Library prior approval from the funding body. Page 2: © Noel Murphy Page 5: Ethiopian wolves © Getty images The booklet is a joint effort by the MRC, the National Centre Page 7: © Trovis for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Pages 10/11: © Noel Murphy Research, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Natural Environment Research Council and the Medical Research Council Wellcome Trust – the first time the five funders have come 20 Park Crescent together to produce guidelines on animal research. It will help London W1B 1AL ensure clear and consistent guidelines, in a time when scientists Tel: 020 7636 5422, Fax: 020 7436 6179 are often funded by several different bodies. www.mrc.ac.uk

The guidelines are aimed not just at university researchers, but also the veterinary and animal care staff who work with them, the ethics committees that review research proposals and animal care, and the staff at the institutes and units of the research funding bodies. They include advice on designing experiments to minimise the number of animals used, and also the best ways to house, transport, handle and restrain animals to minimise distress. You can view the booklet online at www.mrc.ac.uk or, to request a hard copy, email Cert no. SGS-COC-003156 [email protected].