Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy

Department of Biological Sciences

Organisation profile

The Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy delivers research, teaching and outreach in gene and cell therapy, with a focus on rare diseases of the neuromuscular and central nervous systems.

RESEARCH

Academics from the Biological Sciences, Computer Science and History departments work closely together and with external partners to develop novel therapeutics for rare diseases including ataxia telangiectasia, motor neuron disease (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy, but also for more common ailments like spinal injuries and Parkinson Disease. They also work on the identification of genes responsible for rare diseases and on the repurposing of approved drug treatments for new applications. Additionally, they study the history of rare diseases from antiquity to the Middle Ages.

For details you can use the tabs above to browse researcher profiles, projects, research outputs and other relevant information.

The research activity in the CGCT has been funded by numerous charitable and public organisations including Action for A-T, the Association Française contre les Myopathies, the Daphne Jackson Trust, the European Union, Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK, Spinal Research, and others.

You can watch CGCT Director Prof Yáñez-Muñoz in a 5-minute, plain-language videoclip on the Ataxia telangiectasia research:

TEACHING

The academics in the CGCT teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in their respective areas of expertise. Much of this teaching concerns the human genome, inherited diseases and current developments in gene and stem cell therapeutics. Their research groups host final year undergraduate students, and postgraduate students enroled in the MSc by Research, or in PhD programmes, for their research projects.

OUTREACH

CGCT scientists have developed and participate in numerous outreach activities. The highlight in this area is the annual Royal Holloway Rare Disease Day event, aimed at A-level student visitors who enjoy lectures, a stakeholder exhibition including many associations of people affected by rare diseases, and several hands-on activities in the teaching labs. The researchers also participate in other outreach activities, like in the Biology Master Class.

Beyond their teaching activities, the academics have prominent roles in relevant charities like the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (where Prof Yáñez-Muñoz is the President).

Watch a 2-minute videoclip of the Rare Disease Day event at Royal Holloway:

CGCT Launch Meeting

Launch Meeting of the Centre of Gene and Cell Therapy

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Our work contributes towards the following SDG(s):