Dr Quan Hao is working on new mathematical and computational procedures for solving A-ray diffraction structures of metalloproteins. This work is an excellent example of interdisciplinary research based on the DMU-Daresbury initiative. Professor M Aulton has research interest in drug delivery systems with particular reference to tablet coating and powders. Research is an integral part of the activities of the school, which offers training at graduate, doctoral and post-doctoral levels. The school has an international reputation and enjoys collaborations in the UK and worldwide.
Research receives support from research councils, industry, hospital and charitable organisations.
The school also provides taught postgraduate courses through distance learning in Clinical Pharmacy for Community, Hospital or Psychiatric Pharmacists, leading to Certificate, Diploma, MSc or DPharm. The Cell Signalling Laboratory investigates responses to cell surface receptor activation at the cellular and molecular level, particularly in relation to issues of human disease. The work focuses on the molecular pharmacology of G protein-coupled receptors for nucleotides, the P2Y receptors. Emphasis during the next year will be placed on receptors in human vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, studies will be pursued on the cell and molecular biology of hepatocyte regulation by P2Y receptors, and on the study of various P2Y receptors transfected into 1321N1 cells.