Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology

Bringing together biochemistry, cutting-edge technology and multi-omics approaches to study the chemistry of life. From the study of individual proteins to complex biological systems, we provide vital links between basic and translational research. The department is home to a wide range of academics and research fellows.

The Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, the oldest in Europe, has been a beacon of excellence for teaching and research since it was created in 1905. The fusion of the full breadth of biochemical research with systems-based studies, which encompasses everything from multi-'omics, data analysis and structural biology through to synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, gives our department world-leading attributes. These are enhanced by outstanding research facilities and a strong desire to communicate our findings with the outside world.

Staff in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology

Our challenges

Multi-omics

Proteomics studies all proteins and peptides in an organism, while metabolomics focuses on the diverse small molecules involved in cellular metabolism. These techniques bridge genomics and transcriptomics using advanced technologies like mass spectrometry, including single-cell analysis, to unravel biological systems.
Systems and computational biology

Analysing 'Big Data' for research requires specialised computing and statistical expertise. Our Computational Biology Facility (CBF) excels in this, working on projects from across the globe. We focus on large data analyses, including multi-omics integration, to enable systems-level modelling of complex biological systems.
Photosynthesis, plants and crops

Our research on plants and photosynthesis covers the biology and ecology of bacteria, algae, fungi, and plants, along with their interactions. We use advanced techniques to improve photosynthesis, CO2 fixation, metabolism, plant development, and agricultural production sustainably, aiming to provide solutions for global food security amid climate change.
Structural and mechanistic biology

We use mathematical modelling, X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to tackle key structural biology questions. We study enzymes in the nitrogen cycle, disease-causing protein structures in neurodegenerative diseases, and the regulation of signalling enzymes in health and disease.
Biochemistry of cell signalling

Understanding how organisms communicate, and what happens when ordered communication fails, is crucial in both health and disease and understanding systems-level cell signalling. We study protein post-translational modifications from atomic to organism levels, measuring, quantifying, and investigating what happens when these processes go wrong.
Dynamic cell biology

Dynamic cell-microenvironment interactions control most human biological processes, with disruptions driving many diseases. We use multidisciplinary approaches to study how cells integrate mechanical and biochemical signals from the microenvironment to regulate migration, mechanotransduction, transcription, and tissue remodelling. We focus on how these mechanisms influence cancer invasion, metastasis, and response to targeted therapies.

Research centres

Centre for Proteome Research (CPR)

Both a research hub and Shared Research Facility, CPR develops and applies advanced proteomics technologies to solve problems in biology and medicine.

Centre for Metabolomics Research (CMR)

CMR employs state-of-the-art equipment and robust standard operating procedures for human, plants, and microbial studies, to understand systems at cellular, tissue and whole organism levels.

Computational Biology Facility (CBF)

The Computational Biology Facility supports data-driven biological and clinical research through new collaborations. We aim to eliminate informatics bottlenecks in omics pipelines, offering solutions from large-scale systems biology investigations to bespoke services.

NMR Centre for Structural Biology

The NMR Centre features an 800 MHz solid-state spectrometer and 600 and 700 MHz solution-state spectrometers, all with cryogenic probeheads and autosample changers. A dedicated computing lab handles data processing and analysis.

Barkla X-ray Laboratory of Biophysics

The Barkla X-ray Laboratory of Biophysics, Europe's first combined crystallography-scattering X-ray facility, boasts a vast network of national and international collaborators. Our programmes have benefited from long-term grant support from BBSRC, MRC, STFC, and biomedical charities like the MND Association and ALSA.

GeneMill and Protein Production Facility

The GeneMill is an automation, synthetic biology and protein production facility as well as a founder member of the Global Biofoundry Alliance, formed as part of the UK government initiative to strengthen engineering biology capabilities in the country and beyond.

Case studies

NMR: Metabolite profiling of immunological responses

We use metabolite profiling of biofluids and biomaterials to understand disease responses, aiding diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies. High-resolution NMR metabolomics allows us to investigate conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis, probing small molecules sensitively and efficiently.

CBF: Case studies and publications

Whether you have a research idea or a complete dataset, we can help. We pride ourselves on our flexibility to offer services at any stage of the research pipeline. If you come to us with a research idea, we can help you write a research grant and explore project feasibility.