Contact
Biography
2011. PGCE (HE). Fellow.
1997-2001 PhD - Biochemistry/Nutrition, John Innes Centre and Institute of Food Research,
1994-1997 BSc (Hons) Plant Science, University of Nottingham.
I have held several post-doctoral posts in England (King's College, London), and internationally (University of Singapore, and University of Antwerp).
Expertise Summary
My research interests are tailored around the key theme of plant bioactives and health. This interest has allowed me to conduct numerous research projects that has contributed to gaining a better understanding of the mechanistic response of mammalian cells and tissues to plant bioactives and associated molecules. Key areas of expertise include methodologies to explore the nutritional quality of plant-based foods, the analysis of plant bioactives, biomarker analysis, the development and validation of cell based models to assess signaling networks linked to cellular damage, and biochemcial and molecular methods to study cytoprotection and inflammation. A range of methods rare used in our work ranging from Western blot analysis, in vitro cell culture systems, ELISA methods, mitochondrial function, transport, antioxidant assessments, nutrient analysis, characterisation of bioactives using analytical chemistry techniques, Free radical analysis and other biochemical methods.
Teaching Summary
My main teaching activities are in the field of biochemistry, nutrition and health. I teaching and contribute to the following modules on the undergraduate BSc and MSc degree courses:
- BIOS1062 - Fundamentals in Food Science and Nutrition
- BIOS1067 - Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
- BIOS2037 - Global Issues in Nutrition
- BIOS2039 - Practical Techniques in Nutrition
- BIOS3030 - Molecular Nutrition
- BIOC3068 - Research Projects
I also teach on the following MSc Nutritional Sciences/ Animal Nutrition modules:
- BIOS4069/ BIOS4087 Fundamentals of Nutrition
- BIOS4027 Research Projects
- BIOS4068 Nutrition and Metabolism
- BIOS4067/ BIOS4088 Molecular Nutrition
I also supervise PhD students across a range of areas.
Research Summary
My current publication list can be accessed via this link,
I have published over 70 peer reviewed journal articles, several book chapters and numerous conference abstracts. I have a H index of 30, and 5666 citations spanning two decades of research. My work has been used in various Research Excellence Framework submissions. Several of our papers have been highly cited including the papers, Hydrogen Sulfide and Cell Signaling, now cited over 1400 times and Bioactive S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the genus Allium: the chemistry of potential therapeutic agents, cited over 600 times.
Research is focused on the areas described below.
Sulfur derived plant-bioactives.
Our group has a long standing interest in sulfur biochemistry and its links with health and disease. Studies have focused on cross-disciplinary research that combines expertise in plant sciences and human health. We have conducted numerous studies to determine the potential health benefits of various plants particularly, Brassica and Allium vegetables, through to durian. Brassica and Allium vegetables are of dietary significance since they are key source of inorganic and organic sulfur in the human diet. Upon ingestion, sulfur storage compounds known as glucosinolates and S-alkenyl cysteine sulfoxides, are broken down in plant tissues to release reactive sulfur compounds known as isothiocyanates and various di- and tri-sulfides. These compounds are readily absorbed in humans, accumulate in cells and tissues, and are readily metabolized. Several of these metabolites exert effects on signaling systems linked to health and reducing disease risk. We were one of the first groups to use liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy methods to detect urinary metabolites of glucosinolates in humans. This research confirmed the generation of isothiocyanates on ingesting of Brassica vegetables and highlighted the use of urinary metabolites as markers of consumption in humans. We have also determined the bioactive nature of these molecules, and assessed the capacity of a range of sulfur compounds to induce Nrf-2 signaling, programmed cell death, and to mitigate inflammatory signaling cascades. A selection of work can be found in the below papers.
1. 7-Methylsulfinylheptyl and 8-methylsulfinyloctyl isothiocyanates from watercress are potent inducers of phase II enzymes. Carcinogenesis. 2000. 21(11):1983-8
2. Development of isothiocyanate-enriched broccoli, and its enhanced ability to induce phase 2 detoxification enzymes in mammalian cell. Theor Appl Genet. 2003. 106(4):727-34
3. Broccoli and watercress suppress matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and invasiveness of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2005. 209(2):105-13
Gaseous signaling molecules
Having spent several years developing models to assess the bioactive nature of plant phytochemicals, we also began to question whether part of the biological effects of sulfur compounds was due to them acting as novel hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor molecules. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the third gaseous mediator to be characterized in animal, plants and bacteria, alongside nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gases are important in the immune system, cardiovascular system and brain. Reductions in the levels of these molecules are linked to many diseases in humans. We have identified various roles for these gases in biological systems and have been involved in the development of chemical tools to manipulate cellular levels. The below papers capture some of the work in this field.
4. Hydrogen sulfide protects colon cancer cells from chemopreventative agent β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate induced apoptosis. World J Gastroenterol. 2005; 11(26):3990-3997.
5. The Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Formation of Inflammatory Mediators in Macrophages. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2010;12(10):1147-54.
6. S-propargyl-cysteine Protects Both Adult Rat Hearts and Neonatal Cardiomyocytes From Ischemia/Hypoxia Injury: The Contribution of the Hydrogen Sulfide-Mediated Pathway. J. cardiovascular pharmacol. 54 (2), 139-146
7. Garlic and gaseous mediators. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2018;39(7):624-634.
8. Diet and Hydrogen Sulfide Production in Mammals. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2021. 34(17):1378-1393
An expansion on our work on plant sulfur biochemistry lead us to assess the impact of common therapeutics on mammalian sulfur metabolism and vitamins. While this is a new area of research it is hoped that we can continue to explore how therapeutic intakes can potentially act as drivers of malnutrition in the general population. We have recently reported on how some common therapeutics impact on gaseous mediator levels, and that this observation could explain some of the side-effects attributed to long term therapeutic usage. This work is ongoing.
9. Impact of lifestyle factors on dietary vitamin B6 intake and plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate level in UK adults: National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (NDNS) (2008-2017). Br J Nutr. 2023;130(8):1403-1415.
10. The Impact of Drugs on Hydrogen Sulfide Homeostasis in Mammals. Antioxidants (Basel)). 2023. 12(4):908
Novel Food Plants and emergent allergens.
Given our work on inflammatory signaling in mammals, dietary plants, and shifts in the use of novel crops and sustainable diets, we have recently started to examine the potential impacts of emergent and novel plants crops as sources of allergens in the human food chain. This work evolved from our interest in the role of plant bioactives and inflammation. Currently, we are focused on assessing novel plant crops as sources of allergens and to identify novel routes by which some of these potential allergens may enter the human food chain. A selection of articles have been published in this area and work from this research has been presented at various international conferences.
1. Update on the global prevalence and severity of kiwifruit allergy. International Journal of Food Science & Technology 58 (12), 6158-6181
2. Evaluation of food allergen information, labeling and unintended food allergen presence in imported prepacked foods and drinks purchased online in the UK. Food Control 162, 110462
3. Edible Algae Allergenicity. Journal of Applied Phycology 35 (1), 339-352.