Inflammatory signalling Dr Mads Gyrd-Hansen aims to elucidate fundamental mechanisms governing pro-inflammatory signalling during innate immune responses, and through this, to better understand how aberrant inflammatory signalling contributes to tumour development and cancer progression.

Adult gastrointestinal stem cells The gastrointestinal tract is lined with a single sheet of epithelium that is replaced every 4-5 days. The base of a flask-shaped structured called the crypt is where the gastrointestinal stem cells are found. These divide to form daughter cells that travel up the crypt to replace these cells. Dr Simon Leedham's current research focuses on the cell-signaling pathways that control intestinal stem cells and the dysregulation of these pathways in cancer.

Professor Vincenzo Cerundolo tells us how research in immunology leads to the development of new cancer treatments. Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system, and can be a powerful treatment for cancer. The most efficient prophylactic cancer vaccine today is the vaccine against papilloma virus, whereas the development of therapeutic vaccines is more challenging. With the aim of developing better treatment strategies for cancer patients, Professor Vincenzo Cerundolo is working to gain a better understanding of the cell-to-cell interplay required for optimal expansion and activation of tumour-specific T cell populations.

Professor Xin Lu talks about the links between cancer and regenerative medicine. Identifying the switches that turn cell growth off and on would have profound implications for cancer medicine. If the right mechanisms can be found, cancer cells could be targeted specifically, resulting in more efficient treatments. Professor Xin Lu is working to identify the molecular mechanisms that naturally suppress tumour growth. Nuclear reprogramming could also enable cells to be utilized more safely and effectively in regenerative medicine.

Dr Raghib Ali talks about INDOX, the cancer research network in India. The INDOX Cancer Research Network is a collaboration between Oxford and twelve leading cancer centres in India. As Director of this Network, Dr Raghib Ali aims to improve early detection of cancer and to develop effective and affordable cancer treatments for low and middle-income countries. Dr Ali's main interest is in colorectal (bowel) cancer and other chronic, non-communicable diseases. Incidence of colorectal cancer in India has been relatively low historically; understanding why may help us establish risk factors and also lead to new treatments.

Dr Patrick Pollard tells us about his research on cancer metabolism. Cancer cells produce energy predominately through a high rate of glycolysis; it has been suggested that this change in metabolism is the fundamental cause of cancer. Dr Patrick Pollard aims to elucidate the alternative metabolic strategies used by cancer cells with high concentrations of glucose to proliferate, even under conditions of stress. These mechanisms could then become targets for more effective cancer therapies.

Dr Opher Gileadi tells us how cells maintain genome integrity and how we can use it in our fight against cancer. While cigarette smoke and sun exposure can lead to DNA damage, which causes cancer, there are a number of natural processes within the body that can also lead to cell mutations. Dr Opher Gileadi studies the structure and chemical biology of the proteins involved in DNA repair and in recovery from DNA damage. Since DNA damage can be both a cause of cancer and a tool in fighting cancer, Dr Gileadi aims to uncover ways to better target and destroy cancer cells.

Professor Chris Pugh tells us about the links between genetics, renal disease and oxygen sensing. The kidney plays a central role in our metabolism, by controlling various physiological balances. Genetics is central to these mechanisms, since gene defects lead to all sorts of malfunctions. Oxygen sensing mechanisms were first discovered as a result of studies on the production of the kidney hormone erythropoietin. We now know that the underlying system controls about 1000 genes. Professor Chris Pugh is working on the oxygen sensing functions of the body to assist in designing better therapies for disorders that involve oxygenation problems, such as angina and cancer.

Dr Bee Wee tells us about Palliative Care in Oxford and her research on end of life care and fatigue. Due to advances in medicine prolonging the lives of those with progressive, life limiting diseases, the need for long-term palliative care has increased. Dr Bee Wee is currently researching end of life care for people with incurable cancer and advanced non-malignant disease, symptom management and rehabilitation, to improve quality of life for patients. Dr Wee is the Head of Palliative Care Research and Development, based at Sir Michael Sobell House in Oxford.

Professor Yvonne Jones talks about cell-cell communication and how this can help us develop new drugs. Cells communicate through receptors on their surface; however, when these finely tuned systems don't work correctly, diseases can be triggered. Professor Yvonne Jones has been working to identify the structural biology of cell surface recognition and signalling complexes. Receptors embedded in the surface are potential targets for therapeutic intervention in many diseases including cancer. Professor Jones is director of the Cancer Research UK Receptor Structure Research Group.