BLOOD cancer research charity, Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK (LMRUK) invests in specialist research through their annual grant funding scheme, which is now open for 2022 applications.
Every year, the charity awards a grant to a specialist researcher or scientist who is advancing the understanding of stem cells and how they can be used to treat blood cancer patients, particularly through stem cell transplants, or exploring the different nature and causes of blood cancer.
Dr Rhys Morgan, a leukaemia researcher and lecturer in Biomedical Science was awarded the charity’s research grant last year. He began the first phase of a new research pilot into the oncogenic protein, β-catenin and how it controls protein expression in leukaemia cells.
Thanks to the grant funding, Dr Morgan has undertaken a cutting-edge sequencing analysis to understand how β-catenin controls the critical steps between gene activation and protein expression; a process frequently hijacked by blood cancer cells.
Dr Morgan said:
“These funds have allowed us to perform an expensive, but highly informative, technique called RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to understand how the cancer-promoting protein β-catenin causes inappropriate gene activation in leukaemia cells, an analysis not previously undertaken before.
“Without such vital funding from charities like LMRUK, we simply wouldn’t be able to pursue this research.”
All applications for the research grant are assessed by LMRUK’s Research Review Committee (RRC) to ensure they are relevant to the charity’s objectives.
The RRC comprises of one Trustee, or representative from the charity and at least four expert scientists and clinicians, each with their own specialist area of expertise and background in blood cancer and research.
Dr Joanna Tilley, Operations Director at LMRUK said:
“Our charity focuses on investing in vital research into more effective blood cancer treatments in the hope of protecting the next generation.
“This wouldn’t be possible without the generous donations we receive from our fantastic supporters, which enables us to continue investing in potentially life-saving research through our annual grant scheme.”
Researchers can now apply for LMRUK’s 2022 research grant and applications are due by 31st May 2022. Details and information about the grant can be found on the charity’s website here: https://lmruk.org/research/.
