Newcastle University Alumni Honoured as Fellows of the Royal Society
The prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Society (FRS) recognises exceptional scientific achievement. This year, three Newcastle University alumni – Patrick Chinnery, Maria Harrison, and Yanick Crow – were bestowed with this esteemed honour.
27 June 2024
Dr. Patrick Chinnery is a leading neurologist and clinician scientist currently based at the University of Cambridge. He spent the first two decades of his career at Newcastle University, where he obtained both his medical degree and Ph. Dr. Chinnery's research focuses on inherited neurological diseases, particularly those affecting the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diseases are a complex group of disorders caused by mutations in the mitochondrial genome. Dr. Chinnery's groundbreaking work has shed light on how these mutations arise and are inherited. His team's research has revealed that mtDNA diseases originate within the population through spontaneous mutations and are passed down exclusively through the maternal line. This explains the remarkable diversity of clinical presentations observed in these disorders, as different mutations can lead to a wide range of symptoms affecting various organs and systems.
Chinnery's research reveals a significant co-evolutionary relationship between the nuclear genome and mitochondrial genome, showing how our chromosomal DNA affects mtDNA inheritance and how mtDNA segments transfer back to the nucleus, highlighting the dynamic nature of our genetic makeup. His dedication extends to the clinical realm, where his research has led to the identification of numerous genes responsible for mtDNA diseases and paved the way for the development of the first licensed treatment for a mitochondrial disorder, offering hope to patients struggling with these debilitating conditions.
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Dr Maria Harrison, a trained microbiologist, has dedicated her career to understanding the intricate relationship between plants and their fungal partners. This mutually beneficial association, known as arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, plays a crucial role in plant health and ecosystem function.
Dr. Harrison's research focuses on how plants accommodate these fungal symbionts within their root cells and facilitate the exchange of essential nutrients like phosphate and carbon. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this remarkable partnership.
Dr. Harrison's academic journey began at Newcastle University, where she studied microbiology. She then went on to pursue plant molecular biology at the University of Manchester, ultimately obtaining her Ph.D. in 1987. Following her Ph.D., Dr. Harrison embarked on a research career in the United States, first at the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and later at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research.
Throughout her career, Dr Harrison has garnered recognition for her exceptional contributions. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy for Microbiology. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions and on editorial boards of prestigious scientific journals. Notably, in 2019, Dr Harrison was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, a testament to the global impact of her research.
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Yanick Crow, a clinician scientist with expertise in both medicine and genetics, is currently affiliated with the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh and the Imagine Institute in Paris. His research delves into a specific class of rare genetic disorders known as type I interferonopathies.
These disorders arise from malfunctions in the type I interferon system, a crucial component of our immune response. Dr. Crow's research focuses on understanding how genetic mutations can lead to an overactive type I interferon response, ultimately causing significant damage to the body's tissues.
By studying type I interferonopathies, Dr. Crow aims to gain deeper insights into the complex mechanisms of our immune system, particularly how it distinguishes between self and non-self and fights off viral infections. His research has led to the development of multiple diagnostic tests, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis of these rare conditions. Additionally, Dr. Crow's work on disease pathogenesis has opened doors for the development of targeted treatment strategies, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Crow's academic journey began at Newcastle University, where he received his medical degree. He further specialised in adult and paediatric medicine before pursuing a Ph.D. in molecular genetics from Leeds University. He is actively involved in professional societies related to genetics and paediatric neurology.
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