Pathology - Research
The Department of Pathology's research groups are involved in research
that is internationally renowned. The research undertaken is innovative
with researchers constantly finding ways of collaborating with local
and international scientists. The Department currently conducts research
within the following groups:
We are interested in the biology of human tumours, and our research focuses on the
molecular regulation of blood (angiogenesis) and lymphatic (lymphangiogenesis)
vessel formation and function during human tumour growth and metastasis. Specific
areas of research interest include human breast, kidney and colorectal cancer.
Autoimmune Diseases Research Group
We are interested in genetic variability that alters susceptibility to a range
of autoimmune diseases including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid
arthritis, gout and autoimmune hepatitis. In to identifying and characterising
genes that alter risk, we are conducting studies to evaluate the impact specific
genetic variants have on the efficacy and toxicity of drugs used routinely to manage
these chronic, life-long illnesses.
The focus of our research is the cytogenetic
and molecular genetic basis of human cancer. Our Aims are to :-
- Identify new gene alterations which are relevant to the cause and/or progression
of human cancer;
- Better understand the molecular mechanisms that determine
acquired gene rearrangements in cancer cells; and
- Actively translate current research knowledge in these fields to the clinical
diagnostic laboratory setting.
The Free Radical Research Group consists
of biochemists and cell biologists undertaking a range of interrelated
research projects on aspects of oxidative
stress and antioxidant action. Current areas of research include oxidant
production by neutrophils, with emphasis on the enzymology of myeloperoxidase
and the molecular and cellular reactions of the neutrophil oxidant, hypochlorous
acid; mechanisms and consequences of thiol protein oxidation; redox regulation
of cell signaling; oxidative stress and apoptosis; radical scavenging
mechanisms and reactions of superoxide radicals.
This group works on a range
of projects that explore how genes influence the onset, progression
and treatment of disease. Much of their current research centres on
psychiatric genetics and pharmacogenomics (the
impact of genetic variation on responses to drugs). The lab is exploring
how genetic variation impacts on risk of complex disease, such as depression
and other conditions, and carrying out pharmacogenomics analyses in
a wide range of disciplines, inlcuding psychiatry,
gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, and
clinical pharmacology.
 The
Haematology Research Group was established in 1981 within the Haematology
Department at Christchurch Hospital in order to provide research and
development expertise for the department. Our main area of research
interest is the immunobiology of cancer and leukaemia. Our long term
aim is to
develop better methods for the diagnosis
and treatment of malignant disease.
 The Liver Sieve research group has an interest in
the fine vessels of the liver. These vessels are unique in having small (0.1
millionth of
a meter) holes in their walls. The holes act as a filter or sieve restricting
large particles to the blood and allowing smaller particles into the
liver. The Liver sieve, formed by fenestrated sinusoidal endothlium,
separates chylomicrons and food fats from their remnants with dietary
cholesterol and fat soluble vitamins. The sieve is altered by many
factors such as alcohol, stress, ageing and diabetes, thus leading to
post prandial
hyperlipidaemia atherosclerosis and asteoporosis.
Prof. Madhav Bhatia joined the Department in early 2010, from
the National University of Singapore. He has an active research programme
on the molecular pharmacology and molecular pathology of acute pancreatitis,
a common but problematic condition.
An active research program complements the clinical diagnostic side of Molecular
Pathology. The focus of the group's research falls on the identification and
characterisation of abnormalities of human proteins that are associated with disease.
Topics include:
- structure and function
relationships of fibrinogen
- methods to stabilise proteins; and
- development of methods to detect variants
at the DNA and protein levels.
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Angiogenesis Research Group