Biomarkers and Genes

Research in Lab Coat looking at results on screen.

Accelerating Biomedical Discoveries into Clinical Treatments

Translating research into new innovative therapies and treatments is a driving force for the Biomarkers and Genes research theme at the Medical School.

Research scientists employ a wide range of approaches from laboratory, mass spectrometry, computer modelling, and epidemiological studies to applied problems in the identification and use of biomarkers.

Working with the British Heart Foundation Cymru and expert researchers from across the world, the Medical School is developing new treatments for heart disease and helping improve the clinical management of patients. The Medical School has strong partnerships with clinicians, engineers and computer scientists from across Swansea University cementing it as Wales’s home for cardiovascular research.

With more than 20 Principal Investigators, the Medical School is also accelerating biomedical discoveries into clinical treatments for other major diseases, including neurological disorders, diabetes and cancer - with a strong focus on nanotoxicology.

Biomarkers and Genes Research Highlights

The Biomarkers and Genes theme has been key to much of our translation impact when it comes to improving outcomes for patients and insights for medical and public health professionals.

Our identification, understanding and use of Biomarkers coupled with world leading expertise in Genes allows us to continue to have significant impact upon the world’s premiere global health challenges, building upon our pioneering research contributions in genetic toxicology, DNA repair mechanisms, and the genetics of microbes and cell organelles.

Exploring Global Challenges Podcast

Listen to some of our researchers discuss global challenges

Effect of structured self‐monitoring of blood glucose

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in non-insulin treated T2D: The SMBG Study

The value of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) in people with non-insulin treated T2D has been debated for many years with current UK guidelines limiting its use. We led a study across Wales and England to evaluate ‘Structured SMBG’ and demonstrated that it can provide clinically significant improvements in blood glucose control. We also found that it improved an individual’s quality of life. This evidence demonstrates that SMBG is a useful aide in diabetes self-management.

Cholesterol in Human Health and Disease

Cholesterol metabolites in Parkinson's disease diagnosis and therapy.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. We and others have previously shown that endogenous cholesterol metabolites are key factors for neurogenesis and neuronal survival. We currently study the function and mechanism of action of specific cholesterol metabolites that are up- or down-regulated in PD patients. Our aim is to utilise these metabolites as well as related compounds to ameliorate PD symptoms in rodent models of PD.

Biomarkers and Genes Core Research Focus

The critical mass of the Biomarkers and Genes theme comes from 4 key and distinct sub-themes, these sub-themes contribute to the collaborative and innovative culture of the Medical School’s research, each attracting significant and prestigious investment and a wealth of PhD and other research students.

Cancer

Cancer will affect half the population in the UK in the coming years, with many of those still dying of the disease because of late presentation and lack of therapeutic options. Hence, Medical School researchers are actively studying this disease to better understand mechanisms, develop better diagnostic markers and develop novel therapeutic avenues to improve patient outcomes.

Cancer Research

Cardiovascular

We integrate leading-edge laboratory and clinical research, collaboration between the public, NHS, social care, innovation and industrial partners to improve the treatment and prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular

Diabetes

Diabetes and related metabolic conditions are a leading cause of ill-health and premature mortality exerting huge financial pressures on the health services. The Diabetes Research Group is active in areas of basic, clinical, epidemiological, social care and health services research. The Groups overarching aim is to address these important health-care needs by undertaking and supporting translational research to advance development and implementation of therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes

Neuroscience and Neurology

Neuroscience research within the Medical School encompasses laboratory research into biological mechanisms underpinning nervous system function and clinical research into neurological disorders including Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and Epilepsy. The aim of our work is to provide a better understanding of brain function to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disease.

Neuroscience and Neurology