Dundee MRC PPU wins £27 million-plus for groundbreaking disease and reagents research

Its grant recognises the unit’s pioneering work in cell signalling and the development of reproducible reagents for consistent replication of experiments within the broader scientific world that have enabled the development of novel therapies. 

The PPU unit is acknowledged for its advances in areas such as Parkinson’s disease, immune disorders and cancers.

In addition, its longstanding DSTT (Division of Signal Transduction Therapy) collaboration with industry has attracted £60 million investment since its foundation 26 years ago, and led to the clinical approval or more than 40 drugs that target cancer and other conditions 

Unit director Dario Alessi commented on the award:

“It is incredibly important that we have been able to renew our Medical Research Council funding. This is a tremendous boost for our research and reflects the high quality and importance of the advances that our scientists are making into the understanding of human diseases such as Parkinson’s, immune disorders, and cancer.

“This support will enable us to continue our 25-year partnership with pharmaceutical companies that provides us with opportunities to translate our research and accelerate drug discovery.” 

MRC executive chair Professor Patrick Chinnery credited the MRC PPU for its lead role in “rigorous fundamental research and then working with industry to translate those breakthroughs for patient benefit”.

He added: “The MRC PPU have an outstanding culture of collaboration and sharing their leading research expertise, products and techniques with the wider scientific community.” 

Pic: MRC PPU Alessi Lab’s Dr Francesca Tonelli performing immunoprecipitation (photo: Pawel Lis)