WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE RECEIVING THIS AWARD?
Prior to receiving this award I was just commencing my training as a Rheumatology Specialist Registrar, which is a total of five years of clinical practice. I had no previous laboratory exposure and was very keen to gain experience in translational medicine which is an important feature on the journey to becoming a medical consultant and potentially leading clinical research in the future. This was greatly limited by funding, which this award was imperative in overcoming that barrier.
YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT IN LAY TERMS
This project focused on methotrexate which despite many advances in the field of rheumatoid arthritis remains the first line anchor drug used in this condition. Despite its wide use, the mechanism of action is still being defined. This research involved examining the way cells taken from the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis behaved after exposure to methotrexate. We also looked at any changes in the way genes behaved after exposure to methotrexate. This information is invaluable in understanding why certain patients respond better than others to the drug and may lead to more tailored treatment for patients in the future.
HOW HAS ISSF HELPED YOUR RESEARCH CAREER?
The ISSF has given me an exposure to laboratory based translational research in my chosen speciality of rheumatology. It has given me a link with the UCD Centre for Arthritis research and assisted me in forming professional contacts with the laboratory based research team. It has given me a solid basis in laboratory techniques, molecular and cellular techniques including DNA methylome and transcriptome analyses which will be of enormous benefit for further research and in pursuing a PhD.
TANGIBLE OUTPUTS AS A RESULT OF RECEIVING THE AWARD
- Ng CR, Sheridan K, Cowley S et al. Methotrexate reduces the invasive activities of primary RA synovial fibroblasts, Annals of the Rheumatic Disease 2020;79:1349
WHAT DID THE AWARD MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?
This award was of huge significance to me personally. It was a massive opportunity to gain experience in translational research and learn skills that will be of use to me throughout my career. I also hope to build on this knowledge and these professional relationships built to further future work and research. It was also wonderful to play a part in forwarding the current knowledge on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as I encounter patients with this condition every day of my clinical practice.