About
Summary
Upon completion of my doctorate in molecular endocrinology at the University of Athens, under Professor C.E. Sekeris supervision, which described for the first time the mitochondrial subcellular localization of transcription factors such as the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) and characterized the function of this transcription factor in mitochondria, I joined the Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow where I isolated, purified and functionally characterized the DNA damage responsive gene TTC5 (tetratricopeptide repeat domain 5) or STRAP (Stress Responsive Activator of p300) polypeptide. I joined the University of Manchester, Manchester Pharmacy School in 2003 where I am Principal Investigator and Group Leader investigating the signaling events stimulated in microenvironmental conditions such as hypoxia, inflammation and oxidative stress and how these conditions facilitate cancer cells to evade immunosurveillance and remain irresponsive to drug therapy. Current research in my laboratory investigates the role of enzymes implicated in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Modulation of ROS production and hence changes in oxidative stress affect vital cellular pathways including autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and cellular energy metabolism. My studies have shown that the regulation of these pathways differs in early or late stages of breast cancer leading either to survival, cell proliferation and increased migratory potential or cell death. Overall studies carried out in my laboratory describing the factors involved in the differential regulation of oxidative stress and how the activity of these factors is linked to different stages of breast carcinogenesis pave the way for the discovery of novel biomarkers and enable personalized therapy.
Positions
Senior Lecturer May 2016 -
Lecturer, Principal Investigator, Group Leader Aug 2003 - Apr 2016
Molecular Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, University of Manchester
Research: Lead an active research program in Molecular Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, publish papers in academic journals, present research at national and international meetings, and seek both internal and external support for research.
Teaching: Undertake undergraduate and postgraduate teaching of major curriculum components of the MPharm course, contribute to the improvement of teaching practices and design of innovative learning experiences, coordinate teaching modules, supervise the research activities of postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Leadership and Management: Member of the Editorial Board of the journals: Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, Oncology Reports, World Journal of Medical Genetics. Member of the Genetic Modification and Biohazards Safety Advisory Group of the University of Manchester, Member of the Fitting to Practice Committee of the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences of the University of Manchester, Chair of the Biological Safety Committee of the Manchester Pharmacy School of the University of Manchester, Member of the Teaching Executive of the Manchester Pharmacy School of the University of Manchester, Member of the Research Executive of the Manchester Pharmacy School of the University of Manchester, Chair of the Curriculum Review Group of the Manchester Pharmacy School of the University of Manchester, Module leader of the final year research project module of the MPharm course in the Manchester Pharmacy School of the University of Manchester, Postgraduate tutor providing support to postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows carrying out biological and biochemical research, Interviewer for the undergraduate students admission in the Manchester Pharmacy School in the University of Manchester.
Postoctoral Research Associate Feb 1997 - Jul 2003
Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow
As a postdoctoral researcher in the University of Glasgow IBLS, I isolated purified and
functionally characterised a novel polypeptide called STRAP (Stress Responsive
Activator of p300), which is a transcriptional co-activator involved in the DNA damage
response. This protein performs a key role in facilitating stress-responsive protein-protein
interactions within the p300/CBP co-activator complex. Strap is characterised by the
existence of six tandem tetratricopeptide (TPR) motifs distributed throughout its
sequence. TPR motifs have been identified in proteins with various cellular functions. In
agreement with the action that has been attributed to the TPR domains STRAP
accumulation under cellular stress conditions strengthens the interaction between
p300/CBP and the transcription factor p53. Furthermore, I have defined the molecular mechanisms entailed in the regulation of the function of STRAP protein under stress showing the crucial involvement of ATM kinase in this process and described the DNA damage signaling pathway through which STRAP regulates the function of the p53 tumour suppressor. By modulating the p300/CBP complex and being involved in the regulation of the p53 transcriptional activity STRAP protein is currently used in the pharmaceutical industry for the design of novel substances for the treatment of conditions related to the p53 stress response, such as cancer therapy induced toxicity, hyperthermia, hypoxia, stroke, ischemia, acute inflammation, burns or cell aging, and in the preservation of organs or tissues prior to transplantation. Two patents have been filed for STRAP and the results of this investigation have been published in high impact factor scientific journals.
Education
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 1990 - 1995
Field of study: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Endocrinology, Genetics
Degree: PhD
As a postgraduate student in the National Hellenic Research Foundation I pursued research that described for the first time the mitochondrial subcellular localization of the
Glucocorticoid Receptor and characterized its function in rat liver mitochondria. My
investigation has revealed the role of GR in the regulation of the mitochondrial
metabolism. In particular, I have demonstrated that the glucocorticoid receptor is
imported from the cytosol into the mitochondria and binds with high affinity to six
mitochondrial Glucocorticoid Responsive Elements (GREs) present within the
mitochondrial genome. These findings support the notion that the mitochondrial genome
is a primary site of action of steroid hormones and that these hormones play a crucial role in the mitochondrial biogenesis. These observations are used in the clinical practice for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses related to mitochondrial metabolism and the respiratory chain.
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 1979 - 1983
Field of study: School of Pharmacy
Degree: BSc in Pharmacy