Dr Jason Webber

Senior Lecturer

Biomedical Sciences

+44 (0) 1792 205678 ext 1655

j.p.webber@swansea.ac.uk

Academic Office - 428
Fourth Floor
Institute of Life Science 1
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4772-3014

ResearchGate

Google Scholar

ResearcherID

About

Dr Webber has a long-standing interest in the regulation of stromal cell phenotype. He completed a PhD at the Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff University, in 2009. After this, he applied an understanding of TGF-beta signalling to the field of cancer by exploring the role of small extracellular vesicles (EVs), typically referred to as exosomes, in modulation of the tumour microenvironment.

In 2014 Dr Webber was the recipient of a prestigious Career Development Fellowship, funded by Prostate Cancer UK (2014 – 2020). This allowed him to begin exploring the translational use of EVs, principally as biomarkers for early detection of aggressive tumours (prostate and others). This experience was enhanced by additional training at the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam.

Dr Webber’s current research interests continue to focus on the role of EVs in tumour progression and development of EV-based biomarkers. Recent collaborations have allowed him to expand this research to include diseases such as breast cancer, mesothelioma and tuberous sclerosis complex. Dr Webber is a current board member of the UK Society for Extracellular Vesicles.

Dr Webber supervises a number of PGR students at both the MSc and PhD level, and actively contributes to teaching on a variety of programmes within the Swansea University Medical School.

Areas Of Expertise

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)
Tumour microenvironment
Prostate cancer
Cancer biomarkers
Stroma
Cell differentiation
Proteoglycans

Career Highlights

Research

Understanding why some cancers are more aggressive than others'

Dr Webber’s research focuses on the role of small extracellular vesicles (EVs), often referred to as exosomes, as drivers of aggressive prostate cancer. He has previously demonstrated that cancer EVs can activate stromal cells, also present within the tumour microenvironment, thereby facilitating enhanced tumour growth. This function of EVs is likely due to heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs), present on the EV surface, which are required for EV-mediated growth factor delivery. In addition to their functional role, such EV-HSPGs may serve as novel biomarkers capable of discriminating patients with aggressive forms of cancer from those with slow growing tumours.

Currently, Dr Webber is exploring novel methodologies for combining multiple biomarkers, and he has an interest in the use of AI-based approaches to achieve this.

Additional research interests within Dr Webber’s lab include isolation of EVs from biofluid, functional analysis of EVs, and the role of EVs in rare diseases (e.g. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex).

Award Highlights Collaborations

Publications

Research Highlights

Liu, D., Puik, J., Patel, B., Venø, M., Vahabi, M., Prado, M., Webber, J., Rees, E., Upton, F., Bennett, K., Blaker, C., Immordino, B., Comandatore, A., Morelli, L., Sivakumar, S., Swijnenburg, R., Besselink, M., Jiao, L., Kazemier, G...., & Frampton, A. (2024). Unlocking the diagnostic power of plasma extracellular vesicle miR-200 family in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 43(1)
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-024-03090-z, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67056
Bordanaba-Florit, G., Royo, F., Albóniga, O., Clayton, A., Falcón-Pérez, J., & Webber, J. (2024). Integration of proteomic and metabolomic analysis reveal distinct metabolic alterations of prostate cancer-associated fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts from patient's stroma samples. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 1870(6), 167229
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167229, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67054
Welsh, J., Goberdhan, D., O'Driscoll, L., Buzas, E., Blenkiron, C., Bussolati, B., Cai, H., Vizio, D., Driedonks, T., Erdbrügger, U., Falcon‐Perez, J., Fu, Q., Hill, A., Lenassi, M., Lim, S., Mahoney, M., Mohanty, S., Möller, A., Nieuwland, R...., & Webber, J. (2024). Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 13(2)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12404, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67053
Bhaoighill, M., Falcón‐Pérez, J., Royo, F., Tee, A., Webber, J., & Dunlop, E. (2023). Tuberous Sclerosis Complex cell‐derived EVs have an altered protein cargo capable of regulating their microenvironment and have potential as disease biomarkers. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 12(6)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12336, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64712
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12336
Royen, M., Soekmadji, C., Grange, C., Webber, J., Tertel, T., Droste, M., Buescher, A., Giebel, B., Jenster, G., Llorente, A., Blijdorp, C., Burger, D., Erdbrügger, U., & Martens‐Uzunova, E. (2023). The quick reference card “Storage of urinary EVs” – A practical guideline tool for research and clinical laboratories. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 12(3)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12286, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64710
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12286
Islam, M., Dhondt, B., Syed, P., Khan, M., Gidwani, K., Webber, J., Hendrix, A., Jenster, G., Lamminen, T., Boström, P., Pettersson, K., Lamminmäki, U., & Leivo, J. (2022). Integrins are enriched on aberrantly fucosylated tumour‐derived urinary extracellular vesicles. Journal of Extracellular Biology, 1(10)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jex2.64, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61589
Shephard, A., Giles, P., Mbengue, M., Alraies, A., Spary, L., Kynaston, H., Gurney, M., Falcón‐Pérez, J., Royo, F., Tabi, Z., Parthimos, D., Errington, R., Clayton, A., & Webber, J. (2021). Stroma‐derived extracellular vesicle mRNA signatures inform histological nature of prostate cancer. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 10(12)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12150, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57984
Erdbrügger, U., Blijdorp, C., Bijnsdorp, I., Borràs, F., Burger, D., Bussolati, B., Byrd, J., Clayton, A., Dear, J., Falcón‐Pérez, J., Grange, C., Hill, A., Holthöfer, H., Hoorn, E., Jenster, G., Jimenez, C., Junker, K., Klein, J., Knepper, M...., & Martens‐Uzunova, E. (2021). Urinary extracellular vesicles: A position paper by the Urine Task Force of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 10(7)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12093, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64711
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12093
Lanning, B., Webber, J., Uysal-Onganer, P., Jiang, W., Clayton, A., & Dart, D. (2021). Prostate Cancer Cell Extracellular Vesicles Increase Mineralisation of Bone Osteoblast Precursor Cells in an In Vitro Model. Biology, 10(4), 318
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10040318, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61404
Rosas, M., Slatter, D., Obaji, S., Webber, J., Alvarez-Jarreta, J., Thomas, C., Aldrovandi, M., Tyrrell, V., Jenkins, P., O’Donnell, V., & Collins, P. (2020). The procoagulant activity of tissue factor expressed on fibroblasts is increased by tissue factor-negative extracellular vesicles. PLOS ONE, 15(10), e0240189
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240189, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61407
Bliss, C., Parsons, A., Nachbagauer, R., Hamilton, J., Cappuccini, F., Ulaszewska, M., Webber, J., Clayton, A., Hill, A., & Coughlan, L. (2020). Targeting Antigen to the Surface of EVs Improves the In Vivo Immunogenicity of Human and Non-human Adenoviral Vaccines in Mice. Molecular Therapy - Methods & Clinical Development, 16, 108-125.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtm.2019.12.003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54915
Théry, C., Witwer, K., Aikawa, E., Alcaraz, M., Anderson, J., Andriantsitohaina, R., Antoniou, A., Arab, T., Archer, F., Atkin‐Smith, G., Ayre, D., Bach, J., Bachurski, D., Baharvand, H., Balaj, L., Baldacchino, S., Bauer, N., Baxter, A., Bebawy, M...., & Zuba‐Surma, E. (2018). Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): a position statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and update of the MISEV2014 guidelines. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 7(1)
https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2018.1535750, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64722
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2018.1535750
Clayton, A., Buschmann, D., Byrd, J., Carter, D., Cheng, L., Compton, C., Daaboul, G., Devitt, A., Falcon-Perez, J., Gardiner, C., Gustafson, D., Harrison, P., Helmbrecht, C., Hendrix, A., Hill, A., Hoffman, A., Jones, J., Kalluri, R., Kang, J...., & Nieuwland, R. (2018). Summary of the ISEV workshop on extracellular vesicles as disease biomarkers, held in Birmingham, UK, during December 2017. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 7(1), 1473707
https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2018.1473707, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54916
Yeung, V., Webber, J., Dunlop, E., Morgan, H., Hutton, J., Gurney, M., Jones, E., Falcon-Perez, J., Tabi, Z., Errington, R., & Clayton, A. (2018). Rab35-dependent extracellular nanovesicles are required for induction of tumour supporting stroma. Nanoscale, 10(18), 8547-8559.
https://doi.org/10.1039/c8nr02417k, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54917
Shephard, A., Yeung, V., Clayton, A., & Webber, J. (2017). Prostate cancer exosomes as modulators of the tumor microenvironment. Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment, 3(12), 288
https://doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2017.32, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64723
http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2017.32
Salimu, J., Webber, J., Gurney, M., Al-Taei, S., Clayton, A., & Tabi, Z. (2017). Dominant immunosuppression of dendritic cell function by prostate-cancer-derived exosomes. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 6(1), 1368823
https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2017.1368823, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54918
Roberts-Dalton, H., Cocks, A., Falcon-Perez, J., Sayers, E., Webber, J., Watson, P., Clayton, A., & Jones, A. (2017). Fluorescence labelling of extracellular vesicles using a novel thiol-based strategy for quantitative analysis of cellular delivery and intracellular traffic. Nanoscale, 9(36), 13693-13706.
https://doi.org/10.1039/c7nr04128d, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54919
Welton, J., Brennan, P., Gurney, M., Webber, J., Spary, L., Carton, D., Falcón-Pérez, J., Walton, S., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., & Clayton, A. (2016). Proteomics analysis of vesicles isolated from plasma and urine of prostate cancer patients using a multiplex, aptamer-based protein array. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 5(1), 31209
https://doi.org/10.3402/jev.v5.31209, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54921
Webber, J., Spary, L., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., Brewis, I., & Clayton, A. (2016). Prostate stromal cell proteomics analysis discriminates normal from tumour reactive stromal phenotypes. Oncotarget, 7(15), 20124-20139.
https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.7716, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54920
Webber, J., Yeung, V., & Clayton, A. (2015). Extracellular vesicles as modulators of the cancer microenvironment. Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology, 40, 27-34.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.01.013, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54922
Welton, J., Webber, J., Botos, L., Jones, M., & Clayton, A. (2015). Ready-made chromatography columns for extracellular vesicle isolation from plasma. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 4(1), 27269
https://doi.org/10.3402/jev.v4.27269, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54925
Chowdhury, R., Webber, J., Gurney, M., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., & Clayton, A. (2015). Cancer exosomes trigger mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into pro-angiogenic and pro-invasive myofibroblasts. Oncotarget, 6(2), 715-731.
https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.2711, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54923
Webber, J., Spary, L., Sanders, A., Chowdhury, R., Jiang, W., Steadman, R., Wymant, J., Jones, A., Kynaston, H., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., & Clayton, A. (2015). Differentiation of tumour-promoting stromal myofibroblasts by cancer exosomes. Oncogene, 34(3), 290-302.
https://doi.org/10.1038/onc.2013.560, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54792
Spary, L., Salimu, J., Webber, J., Clayton, A., Mason, M., & Tabi, Z. (2014). Tumor stroma-derived factors skew monocyte to dendritic cell differentiation toward a suppressive CD14+PD-L1+phenotype in prostate cancer. OncoImmunology, 3(9), e955331
https://doi.org/10.4161/21624011.2014.955331, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54926
Webber, J., Stone, T., Katilius, E., Smith, B., Gordon, B., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., Brewis, I., & Clayton, A. (2014). Proteomics Analysis of Cancer Exosomes Using a Novel Modified Aptamer-based Array (SOMAscanTM) Platform. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 13(4), 1050-1064.
https://doi.org/10.1074/mcp.m113.032136, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54793
Webber, J. & Clayton, A. (2013). How pure are your vesicles?. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2(1)
https://doi.org/10.3402/jev.v2i0.19861, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64725
http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jev.v2i0.19861
Clayton, A., Al-Taei, S., Webber, J., Mason, M., & Tabi, Z. (2011). Cancer Exosomes Express CD39 and CD73, Which Suppress T Cells through Adenosine Production. The Journal of Immunology, 187(2), 676-683.
https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1003884, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64726
http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1003884

All Research

Journal Articles

Bordanaba-Florit, G., Royo, F., Albóniga, O., Clayton, A., Falcón-Pérez, J., & Webber, J. (2024). Integration of proteomic and metabolomic analysis reveal distinct metabolic alterations of prostate cancer-associated fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts from patient's stroma samples. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 1870(6), 167229
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167229, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67054
Liu, D., Puik, J., Patel, B., Venø, M., Vahabi, M., Prado, M., Webber, J., Rees, E., Upton, F., Bennett, K., Blaker, C., Immordino, B., Comandatore, A., Morelli, L., Sivakumar, S., Swijnenburg, R., Besselink, M., Jiao, L., Kazemier, G...., & Frampton, A. (2024). Unlocking the diagnostic power of plasma extracellular vesicle miR-200 family in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 43(1)
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-024-03090-z, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67056
Welsh, J., Goberdhan, D., O'Driscoll, L., Buzas, E., Blenkiron, C., Bussolati, B., Cai, H., Vizio, D., Driedonks, T., Erdbrügger, U., Falcon‐Perez, J., Fu, Q., Hill, A., Lenassi, M., Lim, S., Mahoney, M., Mohanty, S., Möller, A., Nieuwland, R...., & Webber, J. (2024). Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 13(2)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12404, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67053
Bhaoighill, M., Falcón‐Pérez, J., Royo, F., Tee, A., Webber, J., & Dunlop, E. (2023). Tuberous Sclerosis Complex cell‐derived EVs have an altered protein cargo capable of regulating their microenvironment and have potential as disease biomarkers. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 12(6)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12336, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64712
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12336
Royen, M., Soekmadji, C., Grange, C., Webber, J., Tertel, T., Droste, M., Buescher, A., Giebel, B., Jenster, G., Llorente, A., Blijdorp, C., Burger, D., Erdbrügger, U., & Martens‐Uzunova, E. (2023). The quick reference card “Storage of urinary EVs” – A practical guideline tool for research and clinical laboratories. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 12(3)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12286, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64710
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12286
Islam, M., Dhondt, B., Syed, P., Khan, M., Gidwani, K., Webber, J., Hendrix, A., Jenster, G., Lamminen, T., Boström, P., Pettersson, K., Lamminmäki, U., & Leivo, J. (2022). Integrins are enriched on aberrantly fucosylated tumour‐derived urinary extracellular vesicles. Journal of Extracellular Biology, 1(10)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jex2.64, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61589
Shephard, A., Giles, P., Mbengue, M., Alraies, A., Spary, L., Kynaston, H., Gurney, M., Falcón‐Pérez, J., Royo, F., Tabi, Z., Parthimos, D., Errington, R., Clayton, A., & Webber, J. (2021). Stroma‐derived extracellular vesicle mRNA signatures inform histological nature of prostate cancer. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 10(12)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12150, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57984
Erdbrügger, U., Blijdorp, C., Bijnsdorp, I., Borràs, F., Burger, D., Bussolati, B., Byrd, J., Clayton, A., Dear, J., Falcón‐Pérez, J., Grange, C., Hill, A., Holthöfer, H., Hoorn, E., Jenster, G., Jimenez, C., Junker, K., Klein, J., Knepper, M...., & Martens‐Uzunova, E. (2021). Urinary extracellular vesicles: A position paper by the Urine Task Force of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 10(7)
https://doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12093, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64711
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jev2.12093
Lanning, B., Webber, J., Uysal-Onganer, P., Jiang, W., Clayton, A., & Dart, D. (2021). Prostate Cancer Cell Extracellular Vesicles Increase Mineralisation of Bone Osteoblast Precursor Cells in an In Vitro Model. Biology, 10(4), 318
https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10040318, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61404
Rosas, M., Slatter, D., Obaji, S., Webber, J., Alvarez-Jarreta, J., Thomas, C., Aldrovandi, M., Tyrrell, V., Jenkins, P., O’Donnell, V., & Collins, P. (2020). The procoagulant activity of tissue factor expressed on fibroblasts is increased by tissue factor-negative extracellular vesicles. PLOS ONE, 15(10), e0240189
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240189, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61407
Bliss, C., Parsons, A., Nachbagauer, R., Hamilton, J., Cappuccini, F., Ulaszewska, M., Webber, J., Clayton, A., Hill, A., & Coughlan, L. (2020). Targeting Antigen to the Surface of EVs Improves the In Vivo Immunogenicity of Human and Non-human Adenoviral Vaccines in Mice. Molecular Therapy - Methods & Clinical Development, 16, 108-125.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtm.2019.12.003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54915
Théry, C., Witwer, K., Aikawa, E., Alcaraz, M., Anderson, J., Andriantsitohaina, R., Antoniou, A., Arab, T., Archer, F., Atkin‐Smith, G., Ayre, D., Bach, J., Bachurski, D., Baharvand, H., Balaj, L., Baldacchino, S., Bauer, N., Baxter, A., Bebawy, M...., & Zuba‐Surma, E. (2018). Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): a position statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and update of the MISEV2014 guidelines. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 7(1)
https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2018.1535750, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64722
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2018.1535750
Clayton, A., Buschmann, D., Byrd, J., Carter, D., Cheng, L., Compton, C., Daaboul, G., Devitt, A., Falcon-Perez, J., Gardiner, C., Gustafson, D., Harrison, P., Helmbrecht, C., Hendrix, A., Hill, A., Hoffman, A., Jones, J., Kalluri, R., Kang, J...., & Nieuwland, R. (2018). Summary of the ISEV workshop on extracellular vesicles as disease biomarkers, held in Birmingham, UK, during December 2017. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 7(1), 1473707
https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2018.1473707, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54916
Yeung, V., Webber, J., Dunlop, E., Morgan, H., Hutton, J., Gurney, M., Jones, E., Falcon-Perez, J., Tabi, Z., Errington, R., & Clayton, A. (2018). Rab35-dependent extracellular nanovesicles are required for induction of tumour supporting stroma. Nanoscale, 10(18), 8547-8559.
https://doi.org/10.1039/c8nr02417k, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54917
Shephard, A., Yeung, V., Clayton, A., & Webber, J. (2017). Prostate cancer exosomes as modulators of the tumor microenvironment. Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment, 3(12), 288
https://doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2017.32, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64723
http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2017.32
Salimu, J., Webber, J., Gurney, M., Al-Taei, S., Clayton, A., & Tabi, Z. (2017). Dominant immunosuppression of dendritic cell function by prostate-cancer-derived exosomes. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 6(1), 1368823
https://doi.org/10.1080/20013078.2017.1368823, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54918
Roberts-Dalton, H., Cocks, A., Falcon-Perez, J., Sayers, E., Webber, J., Watson, P., Clayton, A., & Jones, A. (2017). Fluorescence labelling of extracellular vesicles using a novel thiol-based strategy for quantitative analysis of cellular delivery and intracellular traffic. Nanoscale, 9(36), 13693-13706.
https://doi.org/10.1039/c7nr04128d, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54919
Welton, J., Brennan, P., Gurney, M., Webber, J., Spary, L., Carton, D., Falcón-Pérez, J., Walton, S., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., & Clayton, A. (2016). Proteomics analysis of vesicles isolated from plasma and urine of prostate cancer patients using a multiplex, aptamer-based protein array. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 5(1), 31209
https://doi.org/10.3402/jev.v5.31209, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54921
Webber, J., Spary, L., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., Brewis, I., & Clayton, A. (2016). Prostate stromal cell proteomics analysis discriminates normal from tumour reactive stromal phenotypes. Oncotarget, 7(15), 20124-20139.
https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.7716, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54920
Webber, J., Yeung, V., & Clayton, A. (2015). Extracellular vesicles as modulators of the cancer microenvironment. Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology, 40, 27-34.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.01.013, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54922
Welton, J., Webber, J., Botos, L., Jones, M., & Clayton, A. (2015). Ready-made chromatography columns for extracellular vesicle isolation from plasma. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 4(1), 27269
https://doi.org/10.3402/jev.v4.27269, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54925
Chowdhury, R., Webber, J., Gurney, M., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., & Clayton, A. (2015). Cancer exosomes trigger mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into pro-angiogenic and pro-invasive myofibroblasts. Oncotarget, 6(2), 715-731.
https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.2711, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54923
Webber, J., Spary, L., Sanders, A., Chowdhury, R., Jiang, W., Steadman, R., Wymant, J., Jones, A., Kynaston, H., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., & Clayton, A. (2015). Differentiation of tumour-promoting stromal myofibroblasts by cancer exosomes. Oncogene, 34(3), 290-302.
https://doi.org/10.1038/onc.2013.560, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54792
Spary, L., Salimu, J., Webber, J., Clayton, A., Mason, M., & Tabi, Z. (2014). Tumor stroma-derived factors skew monocyte to dendritic cell differentiation toward a suppressive CD14+PD-L1+phenotype in prostate cancer. OncoImmunology, 3(9), e955331
https://doi.org/10.4161/21624011.2014.955331, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54926
Webber, J., Stone, T., Katilius, E., Smith, B., Gordon, B., Mason, M., Tabi, Z., Brewis, I., & Clayton, A. (2014). Proteomics Analysis of Cancer Exosomes Using a Novel Modified Aptamer-based Array (SOMAscanTM) Platform. Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, 13(4), 1050-1064.
https://doi.org/10.1074/mcp.m113.032136, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54793
Webber, J. & Clayton, A. (2013). How pure are your vesicles?. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2(1)
https://doi.org/10.3402/jev.v2i0.19861, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64725
http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jev.v2i0.19861
Clayton, A., Al-Taei, S., Webber, J., Mason, M., & Tabi, Z. (2011). Cancer Exosomes Express CD39 and CD73, Which Suppress T Cells through Adenosine Production. The Journal of Immunology, 187(2), 676-683.
https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1003884, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64726
http://dx.doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1003884

Supervision

Selective Inhibition of extracellular vesicle subtypes associated with aggressive prostate cancer (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Shareen Doak

Taught Modules

PM-006 Foundation to health data and its application

The module aims to provide a student with an understanding of data and information. It will examine what information is, how it is collected, manipulated, presented and interpreted and why data driven decision making is a much more subjective process than it might appear. The primary aim is to provide a strong foundation of ideas that will properly prepare students for further study. The secondary aim is provide some of the skills necessary to manipulate and manage data.
PM-130 Fundamental Research Skills

This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of biochemistry and genetics degree programmes. Students meet with their tutors and will be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy.
PM-317 Genetics of Cancer

This module extensively explores the molecular and genetic foundations underlying key aspects of cancer, including angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell signalling, DNA damage, molecular pathology, invasion and metastasis, inflammation, and the Warburg effect. Expert insights will be shared by a consultant gastroenterologist and a consultant pathologist during select lectures. This approach aims to offer students a well-rounded understanding that integrates academic knowledge, research insights, and practical clinical expertise. Additionally, the module seeks to broaden students' perspectives by dedicating a final lecture to an individual who shares firsthand experiences of living with cancer. This unique session provides students with valuable insights into the human aspect of the disease, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation of the patient's journey. An appreciation for the way in which an individual¿s own genome can influence diagnosis, prognosis and treatment is also included.
PM-340 Being a Medical Scientist

Much of a scientist¿s career is spent writing and speaking about science. The aim of this module is to give students a higher level experience of what being a lead researcher is like, away from the lab bench. Drawing on core knowledge from other modules, students will refine their oral and written communication and learn what leadership skills are needed to succeed in modern science. They will also be challenged to consider ethical aspects of research, including new technologies and the use of animal and human subjects. The module will be highly interactive, taught using informal lectures interspersed with students working in groups.
PM-344 Capstone Project

The aim of this module is to provide a capstone experience to students¿ learning, through participating in their own enquiry-based research project, with guidance from an academic supervisor. The project may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, but it will always involve a research question that is drawn from the literature, and focused on a topic relevant to the life sciences. It will ask a research question and involve the critical analysis of research findings. Students will refine their oral and written communication skills to a graduate level through an oral presentation and dissertation on their research findings and conclusions.
PM-376 Advanced Research Topics in Biomedical Science

This module seeks to highlight various research activity currently conducted within the Swansea University Medical School, providing students with an understanding of a diverse array of research topics investigated within the biomedical sciences. Topics covered will reflect the current research staff activity including the role of extracellular vesicles in cancer, cancer therapeutics, biomaterials, role of cholesterol in cell biology, and use of lipidomics. Students will gain a background to each topic, an appreciation of the current methodologies utilised within each field and the current research developments within these.
PMNM02 Diagnostics and Imaging

Nanotechnology may lead to more rapid diagnostic tests, implantable devices, point of care instruments and improved medical imaging. This module will explore the application of nanotechnology to various medical techniques, focussing on novel research devices, pre-clinical tools and emerging technology within hospitals.
PMNM12 Research Innovation and Management

The growth of the personalised medicine industry and advances within medicine and engineering that have led to the emergence of nanomedicine, present exciting opportunities for the development of advanced therapeutics. However, the management of research and innovation from discovery through to the transition to clinical trial, present unique project management, regulatory and ethical challenges that must be considered to effectively develop new diagnostics and therapeutics. This module will take students through the development process for a novel nanomedicine, highlighting the project management, ethical and regulatory considerations at each stage. The module will also explore the challenges faced from an academic and industry perspective, as well as providing the opportunity for students to learn from industry leaders with direct experience of the research and innovation journey.
PMRM04 Dissertation (Research)

This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in teaching components in part one of their relevant programme. Students will work independently in order to critically explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of study.

Key Grants and Projects

Extracellular Vesicle Glycoproteins for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (EVGlyProD) 2021 - 2022

Extracellular Vesicle Glycoproteins for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (EVGlyProD), £97,531.82
The life cycle of extracellular vesicles in prostate cancer: from biogenesis and homing, to functional relevance 2019 - 2023

Horizon 2020 – Marie Skiodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks.
Making a difference in Prostate Cancer; developing a new blood-based test for early identification of aggressive disease 2019 - 2023

, £295,854.00
Exosomal heparan sulphate proteoglycans drive disease progression in patients with prostate cancer 2014 - 2021

Prostate Cancer UK, £679,601.00.

Career History

Senior Lecturer, Swansea University

July 2020 - Present
Research Fellow , Cardiff University

November 2014 - June 2020
Research Associate , Cardiff University

November 2008 - October 2014

Affiliated Positions

Honorary Research Fellow, Cardiff University

2020 - Present

Other Roles

Visiting Research Fellow, Erasmus MC

2016 - Present
Board Member , UK Society for Extracellular Vesicles (UKEV)

2017 - Present

Dr Jason Webber

Telephone number

Email address

Twitter Account

LinkedIn Account

Research Links

About

Areas Of Expertise

Career Highlights

Research Highlights

All Research

Selective Inhibition of extracellular vesicle subtypes associated with aggressive prostate cancer (current)

PM-006 Foundation to health data and its application

PM-130 Fundamental Research Skills

PM-317 Genetics of Cancer

PM-340 Being a Medical Scientist

PM-344 Capstone Project

PM-376 Advanced Research Topics in Biomedical Science

PMNM02 Diagnostics and Imaging

PMNM12 Research Innovation and Management

PMRM04 Dissertation (Research)

Extracellular Vesicle Glycoproteins for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis (EVGlyProD) 2021 - 2022

Making a difference in Prostate Cancer; developing a new blood-based test for early identification of aggressive disease 2019 - 2023

Exosomal heparan sulphate proteoglycans drive disease progression in patients with prostate cancer 2014 - 2021

Senior Lecturer, Swansea University

Research Fellow , Cardiff University

Research Associate , Cardiff University

Honorary Research Fellow, Cardiff University

Visiting Research Fellow, Erasmus MC

Board Member , UK Society for Extracellular Vesicles (UKEV)