Receptor Signalling

What we do

Each of the receptor signalling groups within Reproductive and Developmental Medicine have their own research program, tackling key aspects of signalling control. They also engage in collaborative projects to study the fundamental biological processes and clinical problems related to receptor signalling.   

Why it is important

Hormones and other signalling molecules control all aspects of reproduction and work by binding to and activating receptors that are expressed by target cells within reproductive tissues.  Defects in the action of these receptors and the underlying signalling pathways are responsible for many of the problems of pregnancy, such as premature labour and metabolic disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome.   Different defects of the same signalling pathways are also responsible for the development of ovarian cancer and other gynaecological malignancies.

Impact 

We have published important papers on the signalling pathways that control normal labour, the growth of follicles in ovaries, the growth of reproductive tissues and stem cells. We have also published key papers on their associated pathophysiology which includes premature labour, gynaecological malignancies and polycystic ovarian syndrome.  This work has led to the identification of better ways of diagnosing disease and of better drugs for disease treatment.  

Summary of current research

• Premature labour and inflammatory modulator signalling, led by Professor Phil Bennett 
• Cell signalling control of stem cell differentiation, led by Dr Wei Cui
• Gynaecological malignancy and tyrosine kinase receptor signalling, led by Dr Nick Dibb
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome and androgen signalling, led by Professor Stephen Franks
• Regulation of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling, led by Dr Aylin Hanyaloglu
• Follicle development and growth factor signalling, led by Professor Kate Hardy
• Hormonal and G-protein receptor control of reproduction, led by Professor Ilpo Huhtaniemi
• Premature labour, progesterone and cell adhesion signalling, led by Professor Mark Johnson
• Nuclear receptor control reproductive function and metabolism, led by Professor Malcolm Parker
• Nuclear Receptors and Pluripotency, led by Dr Véronique Azuara
• Oxytocin receptor signalling and parturition, led by Dr Vasso Terzidou

Lead researchers