Dr Lewis Francis

Publications

  1. & (2019). Biomimetic hydroxyapatite/collagen composite drives bone niche recapitulation in a rabbit orthotopic model. Materials Today Bio 2, 100005
  2. & (2019). Direct monitoring of breast and endometrial cancer cell epigenetic response to DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Biosensors and Bioelectronics 141, 111386
  3. & (2019). Delayed endometrial decidualisation in polycystic ovary syndrome; the role of AR-MAGEA11. Journal of Molecular Medicine
  4. & (2019). Liquid crystal delivery of ciprofloxacin to treat infections of the female reproductive tract. Biomedical Microdevices 21(2), 21-36.
  5. & (2019). HBO1 directs histone H4 specific acetylation, potentiating mechano-transduction pathways and membrane elasticity in ovarian cancer cells. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine 17, 254-265.

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Teaching

  • PM-120 Skills for Geneticists I

    This module is designed to develop the skills required for students of genetics and medical genetics. Students will meet with tutors and be given a series of assignments designed to develop skills in key areas such as essay writing, presentations and general numeracy. Joint sessions will cover generic skills such as internet searching for scientific sources, referencing and plagiarism.

  • PM-240 Carbohydrate Metabolism and Glycobiology

    Saccharides are the major source of energy and carbon that is used by the cell for growth and maintenance. The central roles of glycolysis in providing cellular energy and components from saccharides substrates, and the regulation of these processes are explained. The relationship between glycolysis and glycogen metabolism in mammals is explored as one of the ways in which substrate supply to the pathway is regulated. The complexity of the mechanisms, including hormonal, for controlling glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in mammalian to maintain blood concentrations is compared to glycogen and glucose metabolism in muscle tissue. The role or glycosyltransferases in the synthesis of oligo- and polysaccharides, including glycoprotein assembly, is also explained.

  • PM-300 Medical Genetics

    The course is designed to provide an advanced study of the identification of human genes and the determination of the influence of human genes upon disease and health status. Gene identification provides targets for the development of new pharmaceuticals and the range of variation present in the population.

  • PM-304 Biomolecular Research Project

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  • PM-334 Biochemistry Literature Review and Communication

    Students will acquire a detailed knowledge of one topical research area of key importance to their particular degree scheme.

  • PM-334C Adolygiad Llenyddiaeth Biocemeg a Chyfathrebu

    Bydd y myfyrwyr yn dysgu gwybodaeth fanwl o un maes ymchwil cyfamserol â phwysigrwydd allweddol i'w cynllun gradd penodol.

  • PM-357 Biomedical Laboratory Techniques

    The module will provide practical and in depth theory of applications and equipment available to MSci students in the biomedical research laboratories based at the Medical School. The module will provide guidelines and rationale for experimental design, and data and statistical analysis.

  • PM-357C Technegau Labordy Biofeddygol

    Bydd y modiwl yn darparu damcaniaeth ymarferol a manwl o¿r cymwysiadau ac offer sydd ar gael i fyfyrwyr MSci yn y labordai ymchwil biofeddygol sydd wedi'u lleoli yn yr Ysgol Feddygaeth. Bydd y modiwl yn darparu canllawiau a rhesymeg ar gyfer cynlluniau arbrofol, a dadansoddiad data ac ystadegau.

  • PM-400 Advanced Research Project A

    The advanced research project is a key component of the final year of study, providing students with experience of conducting cutting-edge research in the Institute of Life Science and Centre for Nanohealth over an 9-month period. The project will fall into one of the current medically-related research themes: Biomarkers and Genes; Microbes and Immunity; Devices. Students will employ a range of advanced analytical procedures to investigate a specific topic. In addition, they will gain experience in preparing a research proposal and presenting their data in various formats. Research topics will be assigned that are appropriate to a specific degree title. For example, a Genetics student could be assigned a project investigating gene function in an insect vector of a tropical disease, using the technique of RNA interference. The advanced research project is divided between 2 modules, PM-400 and PM-402. PM-400 includes the following components: (1) Preparation of a research poster, (2) A 15-minute audio recording giving a presentation of the research area, (3) Lab performance and (4) Oral defence of the project in an open viva (20-minute presentation followed by 10-minutes of questions).

  • PM-400C Prosiect Ymchwil Uwch A

    Mae'r prosiect ymchwil uwch yn elfen allweddol o'r flwyddyn astudio olaf. Mae'n rhoi cyfle i fyfyrwyr gael profiad o ymgymryd ag ymchwil arloesol yn y Sefydliad Gwyddor Bywyd a'r Ganolfan NanoIechyd am naw mis. Bydd y prosiect yn canolbwyntio ar un o'r themâu ymchwil canlynol sy'n berthnasol i'r gwyddorau meddygol: Biofarcwyr a Genynnau; Microbau ac Imiwnedd; Dyfeisiau. Bydd myfyrwyr yn defnyddio amrywiaeth o dechnegau dadansoddi uwch i ymchwilio i bwnc penodol. Yn ogystal, byddant yn cael profiad o lunio cynnig ymchwil a chyflwyno eu data mewn amrywiaeth o fformatau. Dynodir themâu ymchwil sy'n briodol i deitl gradd penodol. Er enghraifft, os yw myfyriwr yn astudio Geneteg, gellir dynodi prosiect yn ymchwilio i weithrediad gennyn mewn fector pryfed clefyd trofannol, gan ddefnyddio techneg ymyrraeth RNA. Rhennir y prosiect ymchwil uwch rhwng dau fodiwl, PM-400 a PM-402. Mae PM-400 yn cynnwys y cydrannau canlynol: (1) Llunio poster ymchwil; (2) Recordiad sain 15 munud sy'n cyflwyno'r maes ymchwil; (3) Perfformiad yn y labordy a (4) Amddiffyn y prosiect mewn arholiad llafar agored (cyflwyniad 20 munud i'w ddilyn gan 10 munud o gwestiynau).

  • PMLM01 Analytical Techniques for Medicinal Chemistry and Nanomedicine

    This module will enable students to understand the basic and advanced concepts of separation science, how it is integrated with several forms of compound detection, gain `hands on¿ problem solving experience and strategic method development for complete bioanalysis according to compound chemical characteristics and method application.

  • PMND00 Nanomedicine Research Dissertation

    This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in teaching components in part one of their relevant programme. Students will work independently in order to critically explore and add to the evidence base for a topic of relevance to their area of study within nanomedicine.

  • PMNM04 Nanomedicines and Therapeutics

    The module will explore the history and development of molecular medicines. Using landmark technology and chemical development phases, the traditional small chemical entities using in molecular medicine will be outlined, using drugs such as taxols and tamoxifen as exemplars. The common target oncology and non oncology disorders will outlined and their respective targets for such medicines detailed alongside drug modes of action and delivery (IV and oral). Further exploration of targeted nanoparticle delivery, from early first generation drugs such as Abraxane to second generation biologically targeted SMART delivery systems, will expand the knowledge to future molecular medicines such as antibody drug conjugates and kinase inhibitors. Excitingly the module will include guest lectures from industry and clinicians, covering the spectrum of drug development to delivery and clinical considerations.

  • PMNM11 Nanomedicines, pharmaceuticals and advanced therapeutics

    This module will explore the history and development of molecular medicines and pharmaceuticals, providing the basis for an advanced understanding of next generation therapeutic approaches. Using landmark technology and chemical development phases informed by separation science and mass spectrometry, the module uses an application driven approach to provide the student with an extensive knowledgebase of drug development, the pharmaceutical industry and nanotherapeutics. Students will be able to characterize and map the path of a drug from administration, to metabolism and elimination, and critically evaluate drug design and delivery approaches. Traditional small chemical entities used in molecular medicine will be outlined, using drugs such as taxols and tamoxifen as exemplars. Common target oncology and non-oncology disorders will provide the context; with students encouraged to explore targeted nanoparticle fabrication, drug encapsulation and release profiling, from early first generation drugs such as Abraxane to second generation biologically targeted SMART delivery systems. Future molecular medicines such as antibody drug conjugates and kinase inhibitors will be taught by guest lectures from industry and clinicians, covering the spectrum of drug development to delivery and clinical considerations.

  • PMNMD0 Postgraduate Taught Masters Dissertation

    Students will have the opportunity to join an established research group or industry partner to work in a modern and well equipped laboratory, or alternatively undertake a suitable non-laboratory based project. In this module the student will be able to gain extensive `hands on¿ specialist expertise in a chosen topic which could be targeted to their future career in the field of nanomedicine/ mass-spectrometry. Please note that the topic choice will be made in conjunction with the supervisor, based upon novelty, feasibility and practical considerations on a 'first come first served' basis. The final approval of the topic rests with the module lead .

  • PMZM15 Nanomedicines and Therapeutics

    The module will explore the history and development of molecular medicines. Using landmark technology and chemical development phases, the traditional small chemical entities using in molecular medicine will be outlined, using drugs such as taxols and tamoxifen as exemplars. The common target oncology and non oncology disorders will outlined and their respective targets for such medicines detailed alongside drug modes of action and delivery (IV and oral). Further exploration of targeted nanoparticle delivery, from early first generation drugs such as Abraxane to second generation biologically targeted SMART delivery systems, will expand the knowledge to future molecular medicines such as antibody drug conjugates and kinase inhibitors. Excitingly the module will include guest lectures from industry and clinicians, covering the spectrum of drug development to delivery and clinical considerations.

Supervision

  • Biodegradable Nanovectors for the Treatment of Advanced Ovarian Cancer. (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr David Williams

  • Utilising Marine Collagen as a Niche Structure for Enhanced Osteoarthritic Repair (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Ilyas Khan

  • Identification and Characterisation of tracheal cartilage derived stem cells for airway tissue engineering (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Ilyas Khan

  • Epigenetic mechanisms drive potential therapeutic development in gynaecological cancers (current)

    Student name:
    MSc
    Other supervisor: Prof Deyarina Gonzalez

  • Biomimetic approaches for articular cartilage regeneration (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Ilyas Khan

  • Development and Characterisation of Microneedle-Assisted Transfersomes for Transdermal Drug Delivery (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Zhidao Xia

  • The development and application of a MeDIP assay to determine a link between epigenetics and metabolism in ovarian cancer progression (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr James Cronin

  • 3D-patient derived tumour model for epigenetic drug testing Ovarian Cancer (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Prof Deyarina Gonzalez

  • Geochemistry of cancer: Effect of Selenium as a treatment and characterization of a copper biomarker of ovarian cancer (current)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Prof Steve Conlan

  • The application of solid state chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) for epigenetic profiling of insects. (awarded 2019)

    Student name:
    MRes
    Other supervisor: Dr Chris Cunningham

  • 'Aberrant Epigenetics and the Differentiation of Gynaecological Cancers' (awarded 2018)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Prof Steve Conlan

  • 'The impact of HBO1 in Ovarian Cancer' (awarded 2018)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Prof Steve Conlan

  • '''Atomic force microscopy study of the interactions between colloids and surfaces- membranes and cells''' (awarded 2018)

    Student name:
    PhD
    Other supervisor: Dr Yon Ju-Nam
    Other supervisor: Dr Christopher Wright

Research Groups

  • Reproductive Biology and Gynaecological Oncology

    Reproductive biology and gynaecological oncology research in Swansea covers basic and translational research into: Uterine pathologies, Gynaecological and in vitro fertilisation

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