Dr Katy Roach

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Translational science leader with extensive experience in multi-organ fibrosis, respiratory and inflammatory biology, driving preclinical drug development and clinical translation. Proven track record in mechanistic insight generation, translational program leadership, and leading international industry collaborations to accelerate therapeutic development. Expertise spans cellular and tissue models, human assays, and multi-omics approaches, with recognition for high-impact publications, external partnerships, and leading multidisciplinary research teams. Specific experience leading international industry collaborations for preclinical drug development and advancing scientific knowledge.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, detail-oriented, organised.

Provision of Training

While I will oversee your early training, I expect you to quickly develop the ability to design, evaluate, and refine your own methodologies. I will encourage you to take initiative in determining suitable methodologies and adapting them as needed for your project. Your practical training will be supported by senior members of the group, allowing you to learn from their expertise while developing your own independence.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will set clear, achievable goals and review them regularly. If progress slows, we will collaboratively adjust your plan to keep you on track. My goal is to challenge and motivate you to achieve your best work while providing guidance when needed.

Communication

During normal supervision, I expect regular communication about your progress — including updates on experiments, data, and methods — either through scheduled meetings, informal check-ins, or written summaries. You are encouraged to raise questions or concerns at any time rather than waiting for formal reviews. Constructive, transparent communication helps us address challenges early and maintain steady progress. If you ever experience challenges that affect your work or well-being, I welcome open conversation so we can find appropriate solutions together.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during the core hours of 8am - 4pm, 9am - 5pm, or 10am - 6pm (or a subset if working part time).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

PKN2 as a Regulator of Tissue Integrity in Ageing: Mechanisms of Fibrosis Across Organs

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).

PKN2 as a Regulator of Tissue Integrity in Ageing: Mechanisms of Fibrosis Across Organs

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Anvesha Singh

University of Registration: University of Leicester

BBSRC Research Themes:

Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

The ageing population faces rising incidence of degenerative diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and aortic stenosis, which share overlapping features of tissue fibrosis, stiffening, and structural decline. Understanding how tissues preserve integrity across the lifespan is central to the BBSRC remit Integrated Understanding of Health: Ageing and Regenerative Biology. Protein kinase N2 (PKN2) is a compelling regulator: its loss disrupts cardiac development and structure, and human genetic evidence links PKN2 loss to lung fibrosis. Yet, how PKN2 safeguards ageing tissues and whether boosting its activity can counter degeneration remain unclear.

Aims & Objectives

We will define PKN2's protective mechanisms in ageing fibrosis and test whether restoration can reverse damage. Objectives:

1. Map PKN2 in situ in aged human lung and aortic valve tissues and relate expression to fibrosis severity.

2. Dissect PKN2-regulated pathways controlling fibroblast activation, mechanotransduction, matrix deposition, senescence, and metabolism.

3. Test gain-of-function by PKN2 overexpression to determine if it normalises structure and function in disease-relevant cells.

Methodology & Our Strength

Our unique strength is direct access to human lung and aortic valve tissues, enabling translational anchoring. Spatial IHC/RNAscope will quantify PKN2 across cell niches. In vitro, we will compare lung fibroblasts and aortic valve fibroblasts under matched pro-fibrotic (TGF-β1) and biomechanical conditions (tunable stiffness, cyclic stretch). PKN2 overexpression (lentiviral) will be evaluated using functional assays (matrix production, contraction), mechanotransduction (RhoA/ROCK,), senescence, and integrated RNA-seq/proteomics/secretome analysis.

This work will clarify the fundamental question of how a single kinase coordinates structural maintenance and regenerative potential across organ systems, providing mechanistic insight that could guide future therapies.