Working out the shape of molecules to drive drug development

Professor Richard Bayliss, based at the University of Leeds, is studying molecules involved in controlling how cells multiply. If this process goes wrong, then cells can multiply out of control and tumours can develop.

Professor Bayliss is using powerful technology to investigate the precise shapes of these tiny molecules, how they come together with other molecules and what their potential role is in cancer.

Learning more about the detailed shape of these molecules could help scientists develop new treatments that target the molecules and stop them working, halting the cancer’s growth. Finding treatments that work on different parts of these molecules could also increase the number of treatment options available to patients whose cancer stops responding to existing treatment.

Learning more about key processes in healthy cells and how these change in cancer cells is important for developing new and more effective treatments in the future and helping to beat cancer sooner.

You can read more about some of Professor Bayliss’ research on our science blog.