Hvad er dit forskningsfelt kort beskrevet?

We aim to understand how chromosomal instability impacts on pathological human disorders, including premature aging, cancers, infertility and dementia. We focus on genome instability caused by mutations in genes playing a role either in DNA repair or in controlling the process of mitosis. Moreover, there are some unusual structural features of the genome itself that we investigate, such as so-called chromosome fragile sites, that are unusually vulnerable to being unstable and drivers of some disease conditions. We combine protein biochemistry with molecular/cell biology and high-resolution imaging to study human cells. Latterly, in collaboration with theoretical and experimental physicists, we have pioneered the use of optical tweezers to analyse human chromosomes by combining microfluidics, single molecule biophysical techniques, and fluorescent imaging.

Hvad er de forskningsmæssige udfordringer?

One challenge is pathway redundancy in human cells. Evolution has allowed human cells to develop multiple back-up and salvage pathways that come into play only when the primary DNA repair process fails. Hence, conventional genetic analysis has often failed to define the key genes required for DNA repair because mutants lacking those genes do not have a clear phenotype due to redundancy with other pathways. Another challenge is the complexity of protein co-operation in the cell. For example, there are over 500 different proteins in human cells that in one way or another are required for genome maintenance/repair. Furthermore, these proteins are often highly regulated by post-translational modifications to generate an enormous complexity in each repair pathway. It can, therefore, be a daunting prospect to characterize the full set of players in each DNA repair process.

Hvorfor er netop dette forskningsområde interessant?

In the past three decades or so, it has been an exciting time for researchers in our field with the discovery that hereditable mutations in genes encoding DNA repair factors can lead to a predisposition to various cancers, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Moreover, it is remarkable how many other conditions, such as premature aging, age-associated neurodegeneration, loss of motor control (ataxia), microcephaly, infertility/premature onset of the menopause are triggered by defects in one or several of the processes required for DNA repair. Therefore, it is crucial for us to define the function of those genes and the various pathways they operate in.

Hvad forventer du af dit medlemskab af Videnskabernes Selskab?

I hope to widen my range of contacts in Danish science community and contribute to the dissemination of science as a positive influence in society. Having spent most of my career overseas, I would like to use my international network to promote the interests of the Academy and Danish science/education communities internationally.

Fortæl lidt om mennesket bag forskeren.

I am British and have spent most of my career at the University of Oxford. I am married to a professor at the University of Copenhagen, who is British and was born in China. I have a son and a daughter from a previous marriage, both of whom live in the UK. I also have a delightful granddaughter whom I see far too infrequently. My wife and I love to travel. Because our family ties to China and UK, we relish the opportunity to experience the varied geography and culture in China and UK, as well as the superb variety and quality of food found in the different regions. We have really been enjoying our life in Denmark since we moved here. The wonderful ‘new Nordic’ cuisine, clean living environment, reliable public transport and friendly trustworthy people have together made a big difference to our quality and enjoyment of life.