معرفی
Laura Greaves is a Professor of Molecular Biology at Newcastle University, where she leads research on mitochondrial genetics in cancer at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research. She is also the Faculty Research Theme Lead for Mitochondria and Neuromuscular Diseases and serves as Curriculum Chair for the Faculty of Medical Sciences MRes Programme. Her work bridges the fields of mitochondrial biology, cancer research, and ageing studies.
- PhD in Pharmacology from Newcastle University (2006)
- BSc (Hons) Pharmacology from Newcastle University (2002)
Professor Greaves' research focuses on the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and their relationship with ageing. Her laboratory investigates how somatic mtDNA mutations prevalent in both normal human colonocytes and colorectal tumors lead to altered mitochondrial function, potentially acting as early modulators of cancer development. Using state-of-the-art preclinical models that combine key oncogenic nuclear drivers with relevant mtDNA mutations, her team interrogates molecular mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction influences cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy response. Her work has significant implications for understanding the metabolic vulnerabilities of tumors and developing personalized treatment approaches.
Analysis of Professor Greaves' recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of mitochondrial biology, ageing, and cancer. Her research employs cutting-edge technologies including genetic mouse models, intestinal organoids, and single-cell multiomic analyses to investigate how mtDNA mutations affect cellular metabolism and tumor development. The publications demonstrate a consistent trajectory examining metabolic reprogramming in cancer, stem cell dynamics in ageing tissues, and the functional consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction across various biological contexts.
- British Society for Cell Biology, Women in Cell Biology Early Career Medal (2022)
As a Principal Investigator, Professor Greaves has secured significant funding including MRC support for the Lifelong Health and Wellbeing Centre for Ageing and Vitality programme and a Newcastle University Research Fellowship. She serves on the MRC National Mouse Genetics Network Executive Board and as an NC3Rs Panel Member, demonstrating her leadership in research methodology and animal model development. Her collaborative approach is evident in numerous interdisciplinary projects, particularly with Professor Owen Sansom at the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute. Professor Greaves also emphasizes the importance of inclusive research culture, advocating for recognition of all contributors to scientific work.
Professor Greaves leads a research group within the Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, a collaborative environment where multiple groups focus on different aspects of mitochondrial DNA mutations and biology. Her lab utilizes advanced technologies including the mitochondrial mutator mouse model and recently developed mtDNA base editors to directly manipulate mitochondrial DNA. The development of intestinal organoids has been particularly transformative for her research, enabling sophisticated drug testing approaches in the context of colorectal cancer.
