The aim of the group is to understand the function and regulation of genes which determine the sensitivity of cells to therapeutic drugs and environmental agents. This is important in view of the unequivocal role of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of human disease and because the same families of genes can determine both the beneficial and adverse effects of drugs. In addition, there is now considerable evidence that these proteins have the capacity to generate drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy. Individuality in the expression of these proteins can therefore be a significant factor in both disease susceptibility and the outcome of drug therapy.

Some of this individuality is genetically determined and the study of this genetic variability is currently known as pharmacogenetics. Work within the group addresses both fundamental and applied questions associated with the function of these genes and has a fundamental interest in cancer aetiology and drug development and use. A wide range of pharmacological, molecular and genetic approaches are applied in this work including the generation of transgenic models.

Future projects:

• Genetic factors which determine clinical response to anticancer drug treatment.
• Molecular biology, genetics and functions of the mammalian cytochrome P450 system.
• Genetic and environmental factors involved in the aetiology of colon cancer.
• Application of transgenic approaches to study gene-environment interactions.
• Role of oxidative stress genes in cancer aetiology and treatment.