Dr Robert Britton

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Genetics, Genomics and Cancer Sciences, University of Leicester

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My background is in chemistry and the majority of my research uses a chemical approach to probe biological systems, be that designing and synthesising novel molecules to inhibit dysregulated proteins or using chemical tools to understand the mechanism of action of pharmaceuticals and resistance.

Scientific Inspiration

Anyone with passion and scientific curiosity inspires me.

Research Groups

Leicester Cancer Research Centre

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Enthusiastic, approachable, and supportive

Provision of Training

Initially, I have a ‘hands-on’ approach to training, where possible, and help with introductions when other training is required in different research groups and departments, which can be intimidating for new/ younger researchers.

Progression Monitoring and Management

Once confidence starts to grow I step back and support ideas and progression, but keep up-to-date with weekly chats and plenty of ‘corridor/ lab’ discussions.

Communication

I would prefer face-to-face communication, followed up by emails, but we have also used mobile communications (WhatsApp or phone calls) when we are in different buildings or departments.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

The Role of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase in B-Cell Development and Health: From Molecular Pathways to Therapeutic Opportunities

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

The Role of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase in B-Cell Development and Health: From Molecular Pathways to Therapeutic Opportunities

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Harriet Walter, Professor Martin Dyer, Dr Sandrine Jayne

University of Registration: University of Leicester

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Stem Cells, Structural Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Pharmaceuticals)

Project Outline

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical signalling molecule within the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway, regulating B-cell maturation, survival, activation and immune function. Loss-of-function mutations in BTK cause X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA), while aberrant BTK activation contributes to autoimmune diseases and B-cell malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Despite its clinical significance and the emergence of BTK inhibitors as major therapeutic agents, the precise mechanisms by which BTK controls human B-cell development and how its dysregulation drives disease remain incompletely understood.

This project aims to investigate the molecular and cellular functions of BTK and determine how alterations in BTK signalling influence disease pathogenesis.

BCR pathway modulators, including BTK-targeting pharmaceuticals provide a range of molecular tools to study BTK function through kinase activity inhibition, BH2 domain inhibition and protein degradation (PROTACs).

Using cell models and primary human B-cells the project will aim to elucidate BTK function using a range of techniques, including established biochemical assays, such as flow cytometry and electrophoresis, biophysical and structural assays to study biomolecule interactions, advanced imaging techniques, such as electron-microscopy, and high-definition mass spectrometry to investigate inhibitor action and BTK interactions.