Research and Innovation Services : University of Dundee, Scotland, UK

Researchers at the University of Dundee have established a novel, highly efficient gene silencing system known as snoMEN^®1. Application of this technology to the field of cancer has led to the ground breaking discovery of molecules capable of targeting micro RNA precursors (pri-/pre-miRNA) associated with disease.

Researchers at the University of Dundee have established a transgenic mouse model of psoriasis which recreates the main characteristics of human psoriasis in vivo. The model is suitable for pre-clinical drug discovery and is available on a fee-for-service basis.

Researchers at the University of Dundee have established a novel, highly efficient gene silencing system known as snoMEN^®1. Application of this technology to the field of cancer has led to the ground breaking discovery of molecules capable of targeting micro RNA precursors (pri-/pre-miRNA) associated with disease.

Researchers at the University of Dundee have designed and synthesised a novel, multifunctional protease inhibitor which effectively attenuates multiple endo/lysosomal proteases.   Intended to overcome the problem of redundancy with this class of drugs, the new molecule represents a significant advance with far-reaching therapeutic potential.

Researchers at the University of Dundee have established a highly efficient gene silencing system with the potential to impact upon multiple areas from basic gene expression research to gene therapy.

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a novel and important component of a central tumor suppressor pathway. This discovery has the potential to impact upon the detection and development of novel treatments for a wide range of cancers and other disorders.

Studies at the University of Dundee using patient samples have identified Siglec-9 as a novel target for the treatment of AML. A monoclonal antibody(mAb) is under development as a novel therapeutic for this condition  and other proliferative  diseases of the haematopoietic system. system. This provides an exciting new opportunity for the treatment of AML.

Based in the School of Computing, the group led by
Dr Jesse Hoey, Professor Stephen McKenna and Professor Manuel Trucco has built up an international reputation in its field. Computer vision is relevant to a wide variety of technology sectors including animation, construction, surveillance, robotics and medical diagnostics.

A range of expertise is available in concrete science, environment and construction technology; durability, repair and maintenance strategies; recycling/reuse of materials and sustainability issues; novel construction applications; and risk assessments and whole life cost analysis.

The University of Dundee’s School of Engineering offers a strong interdisciplinary approach, excellent research links and an international reputation. This has resulted in substantial research income from both research councils and industry.

A method to enable the rapid identification of optimal or desirable conditions for maintaining a selected protein in solution for further investigation has been developed by the University of Dundee. This overcomes current problems in maintaining sufficient quantities of protein in solution for subsequent evaluation.

A program for generating molecular topologies and unique molecular descriptors from coordinates of small molecules. Rapid Licence - non-exclusive software licence - cost: £500 + VAT.

The Centre offers expertise in facial analysis and with comparison of other body parts including hands and superficial vein patterns. Collaborations currently exist with investigative agencies and biometric companies.

The IPD group can assist businesses through the delivery of creative workshops, the creation of influential prototypes and the exploration of design strategy and management. The group have a successful track record in collaborating with industry to improve processes and products.

A team of research scientists at the Wellcome Trust Biocentre at the University of Dundee have developed specific inhibitors and activators of protein kinases in the insulin signalling pathway with the aim of identifying novel drug targets for a variety of diseases including diabetes, cancer and ischaemic injury.

IMSaT is aimed at developing emerging medical technologies from the lab to commercialisation. The Institute brings together medical, applied physics, biology and bioengineering scientists together to work in purpose built laboratories. Its activities are driven by the needs of the clinical end users and the medical device industry.

In a collaborative project between the Universities of Dundee and St Andrews a series of compounds activating the p53 tumour suppressor have been identified. Data is available showing one of these compounds preferably kills tumour cells expressing normal p53 and reduces tumour growth in a xenograft model.

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a number of lead compounds that inhibit family 18 chitinases. Specific potent inhibitors would be of considerable interest for the development of novel therapeutics with fungicidal, insecticidal or anti-inflammatory potential. Natural inhibitors are already known but none are suitable as drug leads.

IMAR expertise focuses on important aspects of our daily activities: posture, movement and ergonomics with an emphasis on sports and disability. Facilities consist of five motion laboratories, including a sports biomechanics laboratory, used for both clinical and research work.

We use eye movement recordings, brain activation studies and behavioural tests: these have relevance to the development of new products and services.

Vegetation can stabilise slopes adjacent to railways and roads and prevent failures and erosion of natural slopes and agricultural systems. The interactions between roots, water and soil strength are of particular interest with respect to the likely effects of climate change.

The unit represents an integrated professional, industry standard, drug discovery facility to translate basic biomedical research into potential new therapies through the discovery and patenting of novel pre-clinical leads and candidate small molecules.