Patrick Hussey

Professor Patrick Hussey is a faculty member at Durham University's Department of Biosciences, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. He holds the rank of Professor and has served in leadership roles including Head of the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (2010-2013), Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Science) (2014-2019), and former President of the Society of Experimental Biology (2015-2017). His research focuses on plant cytoskeleton dynamics, membrane interactions, and autophagy mechanisms. He is also a visiting professor at the University of Lisbon, Huazhong Agricultural University, and Charles University, Prague.

Education:

• BSc in Biochemistry, University of Liverpool
• PhD in Biology, University of Kent at Canterbury (in association with the John Innes Centre, Norwich)

Research Interests:

Professor Hussey's work centers on the structure and function of the plant cytoskeleton, particularly actin and microtubule interactions with membranes. He investigates membrane contact sites (ER-PM, ER-mitochondrial), autophagy regulation, herbicide resistance mechanisms, and signaling pathways. His lab pioneered the Durham Centre for Bioimaging Technology, emphasizing advanced microscopy techniques in plant cell biology.

Publications Trends:

His recent work emphasizes autophagy mechanisms in plant cells, ER-membrane contact site functions, and the role of actin in cytokinesis. Key themes include mitophagy regulation, protein interactions at membrane contacts, and cytoskeletal dynamics during developmental processes.

Awards & Roles:

• Elected to the Royal Society of Biology Council (2016)
• Former Trustee of Newcastle's Centre for Life (2014-2019)
• Editorial board member of Current Biology

Grants & Labs:

He leads research on plant cytoskeletal networks and membrane interactions, supported by grants from the BBSRC and ANR. His team collaborates internationally, focusing on imaging technology and plant stress response mechanisms.