SURE

Dr Jane Armstrong is a Senior Lecturer in Life Sciences in the Department of Pharmacy, Health and Well-being. The catabolic process of autophagy (self-eating) promotes cell survival and cell health by removing damaged proteins and organelles and providing energy. Deregulated autophagy is now associated with numerous diseases, including cancer. Her current research is directed towards deciphering the molecular regulation of autophagy in the skin, in the context of skin cancer (primarily melanoma) and the inflammatory skin disorder psoriasis. The identification of novel regulators of autophagy will ultimately facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers of disease progression. She also has an interest in retinoid biology and pharmacology involving study into the mechanism of action of both naturally-occurring retinoids, such as retinoic acid isomers, as well as synthetic retinoids e.g. fenretinide. This has culminated in projects relating to the development and biological evaluation of novel inhibitors of retinoic acid metabolism for the treatment of cancer and dermatological diseases. She is committed to promoting public engagement with science in a health setting, specifically to improve knowledge concerning the scientific basis of cancer so that both patients and society in general may be better informed. She is actively involved with the North Eastern Skin Research Fund, which is dedicated to providing research support to and increasing public awareness of life-threatening skin cancer and life-ruining inflammatory skin diseases. In addition, she works with the local charity FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) and participates in their cancer education and awareness programmes and events. Her research makes a positive contribution to health in terms of improving the outcome for people with cancer by enhancing detection/diagnosis and treatment approaches.