Dr Ross Chapman studies the molecular events triggered by DNA damage detection, and why defects in these events lead to immune deficiency and cancer in humans. GENOME INTEGRITY

Whilst controlled DNA breaks allow for our vast repertoire of antibodies, DNA damage happening out of context can lead to cancer or predisposition to cancer. Recent developments in personalised medicine exploit the DNA repair weaknesses of cancer cells to selectively kill them. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms can help develop innovative and targeted therapies.