Professor Lowndes is an expert on the mechanisms of cell cycle control and the DNA damage-response, a thorough understanding of which will translate into improved cancer diagnosis and therapeutic regimes. In 2001, he was appointed to the Chair of Biochemistry at the National University of Ireland Galway and founded the Genome Stability Laboratory, which focuses on the mechanisms of sensing and responding to DNA damage using yeast and vertebrate cells. More specifically, the two major areas of current focus are the function and regulation of checkpoint mediators (Rad953BP1) and PIK kinases, (Mec1ATR and ATM).Professor Lowndes has played a pivotal role in positioning NUI Galway at the forefront of cancer biology within Ireland. In particular, he has led the development of an internationally recognised and expanding cluster of excellence in cell cycle and genome stability studies and is the founding director of the Centre of Chromosome Biology (a target=_blank rel=nofollow href=http:www.chromosome.ie)http:www.chromosome.ie) . The CCB currently consists of ten laboratory heads who direct over 80 full time researchers engaged in studies related to the function and regulation of checkpoints, centromeres, centrosomes, chromatin, DSB repair, DNA synthesis, nucleoli, trans lesion DNA synthesis and telomeres.Near 60early stage researchers have received training under Professor Lowndes mentorship, including 33 completed PhD. Four PhD students are currently being supervised by Prof Lowndes.

Cancer Biology Cellular responses to DNA damage Cell cycle control