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. A wide variety of molecular and cell biology techniques are used, including quantitative PCR, cell imaging, diverse second messenger studies and investigations into the cell cycle. Protein structure and function, with particular emphasis on recombinant proteins used therapeutically. Biomolecular analysis is mainly undertaken in the Biomolecular Sciences suite of the Science and Engineering Research Centre , which also houses facilities for animal cell culture.
Work also uses micro-organisms to clean up effluents.
Facilities for ecotoxicology and conservation studies are available on the Scraptoft Campus. Field research is also undertaken on the Shetland Islands. The school is expanding rapidly into new areas while retaining its involvement with traditional land-based industries. Reflecting a long history of agricultural education, the campuses are well provided with demonstration and teaching units, which can be used for research, notably the Equine Unit at Caythorpe. As part of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the School has access to specialised laboratory facilities, and through its connection with DMU Lincolnshire Farms Ltd., there are opportunities for experimental work on modern commercial farms.