Dr Jill Madine PhD

My current research group focuses on cardiovascular amyloid, specifically the aortic amyloid protein medin, and amyloid formation and deposition by immunoglobulin light chains. Our research encompasses a range of techniques including immunohistochemistry, protein extraction from human tissue, electron microscopy, in vitro protein characterisation using biophysical approaches, structural NMR, and cell viability studies. We are particularly interested in the role of cofactors (e.g. glycosaminoglycans), membrane asssociation and post-translational modifications (e.g. phosphorylation and nitration) in initiation and progression of fibril formation and effect of amyloid deposition on the integrity of surrounding tissue.

I have studied a range of amyloid proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases mainly amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein. Specifically I am interested in the role that accessory molecules (e.g. glycosaminoglycans) and post-translational modifications have on the kinetics, morphology and pathogenicity of these amyloid proteins and testing methods that aggregation could be inhibited/prevented.

I have employed NMR metabolomics as an emerging technique to investigate potential disease pathways through development of a cellular model to investigate the underlying mechanisms for amyloid toxicity. In addition we are probing the application of NMR metabolomics as a diagnostic tool to identify potential biomarkers for early amyloid disease diagnosis.