Work in the Staples laboratory focuses largely on the characterisation of novel genome stability factors. Genome instability and DNA damage are central pathogenic mechanisms involved in cancer predisposition, premature ageing and neurodegeneration. Indeed, some cancer therapies target cancer-specific defects in DNA repair or replication fork protection mechanisms, and as such a complete understanding of such mechanisms is a major asset in the fight against cancer.

We have identified several novel DNA repair and replication fork protection factors, and our aim is to gain mechanistic insight into the function of these largely unstudied proteins with the ultimate goal of using this knowledge to design novel cancer therapies and/or predict therapeutic response.

Teaching Credits

MSE-3016 Pathophysiology (10 credits) - Module Organiser

MSE-2025 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (10 credits) 

MSE-3013 Third Year Research Project 

MSE-4025 Dissertation

Teaching and Supervision Roles

Undergraduate project/dissertation supervision. Supervision of PhD, MSc and MRes students.

Other roles

College representative on Research Concordat Committee

External and internal viva voce examiner

Teaching and Scholarship Awards

PGCertHE Stage 1 (2017)

PGCertHE Stage 2 (2018)

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)