Our Research

Research is carried out in the John Durkan Research Laboratories in the Institute of Molecular Medicine on the St James's Campus.

Research interests include: applications of stem cell transplantation to haematological malignancies and severe aplastic anaemia. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD).

Validation of prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and the use of TK inhibitors in the treatment of CML are under investigation. New treatment modalities for multiple myeloma are being evaluated.

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) plays an important role in the interaction between platelets and the blood vessel wall, as well as serving as a carrier molecule for procoagulant factor VIII (FVIII). The variation in VWF concentration is of direct clinical relevance: deficiency of VWF is responsible for the most common inherited bleeding tendency (von Willebrand disease), while elevated VWF levels are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, cerebral artery disease, and venous thromboembolism. We are interested in determining whether carbohydrate structures on the surface of the VWF molecule play a central role in defining VWF activity.

Research focus has also been on the elucidation of the relationship between the protein C anticoagulant/cytoprotective pathway and sepsis or systemic inflammatory response sepsis syndrome. The group has established Activated Protein C replacement therapy in the treatment of septic shock.