Prof Matilda Katan
Professor of Protein Biochemistry
Structural & Molecular Biology
Div of Biosciences
- Joined UCL
- 1st Oct 2011
Research summary
The aim of our current research is to obtain and use structural and mechanistic insights into cell signalling proteins and, together with mapping their network connectivity, understand their biological functions and deregulation in disease. We are also moving this fundamental research forward towards drug discovery. We cover several key cell signalling components: tyrosine kinase receptors (FGFR), phosphoinosite-signalling enzymes (PLC), small GTPases from Ras and Rho families and novel enzymes involved in posttranslational modifications. Deregulation of these cellular components has been linked to a number of diseases, notably, to different types of cancer and to immune disorders.
Experimentally, our programme combines structural biology, cellular systems biology and animal work. Our multidisciplinary approaches are further expanded through collaborations within and outside UCL.
Main Funding
CRUK, MRC and AstraZeneca
Teaching summary
Teaching involves:
Education
- University of Glasgow
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1985
- Other higher degree, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science | 1981
Biography
Following a completion of PhD in Biochemistry at Glasgow University, further scientific career was in cancer research at dedicated institutes in London, Imperial Cancer research Fund, Ludwig Institute for Cancer research and Institute of Cancer Research. This research area remains the focus of current work at ISMB.