Professor Robert Falconer,Director of ICT and Professor of Medicinal Chemistry
Information about Professor Robert Falconer at the University of Bradford.
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
(Faculty of Life Sciences) - Email:
- r.a.falconer1@bradford.ac.uk
- Telephone:
- +44 1274 235842
12
publications.Biography
Robert Falconer is the Director of the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics. A Pharmacist by training, he obtained his pharmacy degree from The School of Pharmacy, University of London (now UCL School of Pharmacy). He undertook his pre-registration pharmacy training year at Joyce Green Hospital, Dartford, Kent. He then returned to academia in London, where he undertook a PhD in medicinal chemistry (2000). He was subsequently appointed Research & Teaching Fellow, and then Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences.A move to the new Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT), University of Bradford followed (2005) followed, to establish a new medicinal chemistry team there. He is an academic responsible primarily for research, but also research-informed teaching (primarily the ICTâs post-graduate MSc courses) and the training of research students. His major interests include the cancer cell glycocalyx, and in the development of protease-activated anticancer prodrugs.He was promoted to Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in 2019. He is a founder of University spin-out company Incanthera plc, leads the ICT's £2m Doctoral Training Centre. He is a member of several professional and learned societies, notably the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and is a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, he has previously served as Honorary Treasurer for the RSC Central Yorkshire Local Section Trust (2012-18).
Research
The Falconer group is primarily focused on the tumour glycocalyx as a therapeutic target, and glycosyltransferases in particular, and in tumour protease-activated drug delivery. He is an experienced principal investigator and has secured funding from research councils and medical charities. He currently holds grants from Breast Cancer Now, Bone Cancer Research Trust, and Incanthera plc. He also leads the newly created Institute of Cancer Therapeutics Doctoral Training Centre (ICT DTC), established in 2019 following a major 10-year investment by Incanthera plc (£2m). He has a keen interest and track record in knowledge transfer and cancer drug development. As lead medicinal chemist, he is co-founder and technology co-inventor of the âcrocus smart-bombâ (MMP-targeted anti-vascular agent ICT2588), which is being progressed to the clinic by Ellipses Pharma/Incanthera Ltd. Incanthera is an ICT/University of Bradford spin-out company (www.incanthera.com). He is co-inventor on four patents associated with this technology. Current Research Projects 1. Anti-cancer agents targeting the tumour glycocalyx This research is focused on the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of inhibitors of polysialyltransferase (and prodrugs thereof) as a means by which to modulate tumour cell migration, invasion and metastasis. The polysialyltransferases are responsible for the tumour cell surface biosynthesis of polysialic acid (polySia), which plays a key role in the metastatic process in a number of cancers (see review: Curr. Cancer Drug Targets, 2012, 12, 925-939). We are employing computational methods to aid the inhibitor design process and have the capability to assess enzyme inhibition (see Carbohydrate Polymers, 2021, 259, 117741 and Analyst, 2020, 145. 4512-4521, ), cell-surface polySia decoration (see review: Carbohydrate Polymers, 2019, 224, 11545), and effects on cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, cell migration and invasion (see PLoS ONE, 2013, 8, e73366; Scientific Reports, 2016, 6, 33026; ChemBioChem, 2017, 18, 1332-1337). This work is currently supported by a PhD studentship in the ICT Doctoral Training Centre. 2. Endoprotease-activated therapeuticsThis research is focused on the transformation of potent cytotoxic agents to inactive peptide-conjugates that are selectively activated within the tumour microenvironment. We are currently interested in the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which are a family of endopeptidases, and other endoporteases overexpressed in tumours. We are employing both solution and solid phase chemistry to synthesise peptide-based therapeutics with potent but selective cytotoxicity in vivo. Compounds are assessed for in vitro cytotoxicity, successful cleavage in tumour tissue, stability in normal tissues (liver, kidney, lung) and plasma (key collaboration Prof Paul Loadman, Dr Huw Jones, ICT), before being evaluated in vivo (key collaboration with Dr Steve Shnyder, ICT). We are additionally pursuing prodrugs of DNA repair targets in collaboration with Prof Sherif El-Khamisy (ICT & University of Sheffield). Our lead compound ICT2588 was commercialised through Incanthera plc (see Cancer Research, 2010, 70, 6902-6912; Molecular Pharmaceutics, 2014, 11, 1294â1300). We have a particular interest in osteosarcoma, and in developing kinder treatments for this deadly disease that mainly affects children and young adults. Funded by the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) through a PhD studentship (2018-22), and a project grant (2023-26), our aim is to achieve preclinical proof-of-concept for an MMP-activated tumour-targeted prodrug of methotrexate. We will evaluate our lead molecules in clinically-relevant orthotopic models of the disease in collaboration with Prof Allie Gartland (University of Sheffield). A new project focused on neuroblastoma, and targeted delivery of an inhibitor of DNA repair, funded by Worldwide Cancer Research (2023-25) commenced in April 2023.We continue our long-standing collaboratiion with the Daldrup-Link group (Standford University, USA) to further develop a novel theranostics, which have shown efficacy in breast cancer (see Small, 2014, 10, 566-575) and glioblastoma (see Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 2017, 16, 1909-1921 and Nanotheranostics, 2019, 3, 299-310).Current projects are additionally focused on development of treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer and neuroblastoma. Our research is currently funded by Breast Cancer Now, Bone Cancer Research Trust, Worldwide Cancer Research, the ICT Doctoral Training Centre, and the Masonic Charitable Foundation.Current Team membersPhD studentsGabriel Nwokolo (Masonic Charitable Foundation 2024-28)Zubeda Khatoon (ICT DTC 2022-26)Louise Stevenson (DiMeN/University of Sheffield with Prof Sherif El-Khamisy 2021-24)Post-Doctoral Researchers Dr Goreti Ribeiro Morais (ICT DTC)Dr Hannah Spencer (BCRT 2023-26)Dr April Baral (Worldwide Cancer Research 2023-25)
Research supervision
Professor Robert Falconer is responsible for the supervision of 3 postgraduate researchers at the University of Bradford.
Teaching
Details on teaching interests, highlights and modules are available for Professor Robert Falconer as follows:
Teaching interests
Robert's teaching activities are primarily focused on the application of medicinal chemistry to cancer drug discovery, with contributions to several modules across the ICT's MSc and MRes post-graduate courses in Cancer Drug Discovery, Cancer Pharmacology, and Drug Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology. He leads the Principles of Drug Discovery module (INC7014-B), which provides an overview of the various elements of the drug discovery process, from designing molecules, through in vitro screening, drug metabolism and ultimately clinical trials. He contributes to some modules in the MPharm Pharmacy and BSc Clinical Sciences degrees.He regularly supervises research projects and dissertations for MSc/MRes and undergraduate students, including ERASMUS placement students from overseas partners, and is also a personal academic tutor for students undertaking the Foundation in Clinical Sciences course.
Professional activities
Information about education, employment and areas of particular interest for Professor Robert Falconer is as follows:
Employment
- UCL School of Pharmacy - Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the year 2003 (specified as 01/06/2003)
- University of Bradford - Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry in the year 2005 (specified as 01/09/2005)
- University of Bradford - Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in the year 2019 (specified as 16/12/2019)
- University of Bradford - Reader in Medicinal Chemistry in the year 2013 (specified as 01/09/2013)
- UCL School of Pharmacy - Research & Teaching Fellow in the year 2000 (specified as 01/10/2000)
Education
- University of London, School of Pharmacy - PhD
- Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust - MRPharmS
- University of London, School of Pharmacy - BPharm (Hons)
- Scientific Advisory Board Member: Health Research Charities Ireland/ Health Research Board Ireland Joint Funding Scheme (2020)
- Elected Member: EPSRC Peer Review College (2006-)
- Editorial Board Member: Scientific Reports (Nature publishing group) (2016-)
- Scientific Advisory Board Member: Neuroblastoma UK (2016)
- Committee Member: RSC Central Yorkshire Local Section Member Network (2008-10; 2012-18)
- Honorary Treasurer: RSC Central Yorkshire Local Section Member Network (2012-18; 3 terms)
- Scientific Advisory Board Member: Medical Research Charity Group/ Health Research Board Ireland Joint Funding Committee (2018)
- Co-Founder, Member of Scientific Advisory Board: Incanthera plc (www.incanthera.com)
- External Examiner: MRes Drug Sciences, UCL School of Pharmacy Joint Postgraduate Board (2018-22)
- Scientific Committee Member: Kidscan Children’s Cancer Research (2016-)
- External Examiner: MPharm Pharmacy, BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast (2020-24)
- Commendation - Outstanding Achievement Award (PhD student supervision) in the year 01-APR-22 (specified as 01/04/2022)
- Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry in the year 01-JAN-19 (specified as 01/01/2019)
- Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in the year 01-JAN-17 (specified as 01/01/2017)
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society / General Pharmaceutical Council, Member
- Amercian Association for Cancer Research, Member
- British Association for Cancer Research, Member
- European Association for Cancer Research, Member
- Royal Society of Chemistry, Fellow
Publications
There are 12 publications involving or that are attributed to Professor Robert Falconer.
Peer Reviewed Journal
Title | Year | Publication name | Journal | Volume | Pages | Authors | Editors | ISSN | Publisher | DOI | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dess–Martin periodinane-mediated oxidation of the primary alcohol of cytidine into a carboxylic acid | 2024 | Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry | 22 | Serre, A.R.E;Jha, V.;Rivault, A.;Eriksson, L.A.;Ribeiro Morais, G.;Falconer, R.A. | Royal Society of Chemistry | 10.1039/d4ob00240g | |||||
Cancer-specific glycosylation of CD13 impacts its detection and activity in preclinical cancer tissues. | 2023 | Iscience | 26 | Barnieh FM;Galuska SP;Loadman PM;Ward S;Falconer RA;El-Khamisy SF; | 2589-0042 | 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108219 | |||||
The role of MT1-MMP in the progression and metastasis of osteosarcoma | 2022 | Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment | 9 | Spencer, H.L.M.; Shnyder, S.D.; Loadman, P.M.; Falconer, R.A. | DOI:10.20517/2394-4722.2021.174 | ||||||
Chemoselective Solution- and Solid-Phase Synthesis of Disulfide-Linked Glycopeptides. | 2022 | Journal of Organic Chemistry | 87 | Banisalman KAF;Polykandritou A;Barnieh FM;Ribeiro Morais G;Falconer RA; | 1520-6904 | 10.1021/acs.joc.2c01651 | |||||
An assay for quantitative analysis of polysialic acid expression in cancer cells | 2021 | Carbohydrate Polymers | 259 | Guo, X.; Elkashef, S.M.; Patel, A.; Ribeiro Morais, G.; Shnyder S.D.; Loadman, P.M.; Patterson, L.H.; Falconer, R.A. | 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.117741 | ||||||
Progress towards a clinically-successful ATR inhibitor for cancer therapy | 2021 | Current Research in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery | 2 | 100017 | Barnieh, F.M.; Loadman, P.M.; Falconer, R.A. | 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100017 | |||||
Is tumour-expressed aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) structurally and functionally unique? | 2021 | Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Reviews on Cancer | 1876 | Barnieh FM;Loadman PM;Falconer RA; | 1879-2561 | 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188641 | |||||
Glycosyl disulfides: importance, synthesis and application to chemical and biological systems | 2021 | Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry | 19 | Ribeiro Morais, G.; Falconer, R.A. | 10.1039/D0OB02079F | ||||||
An efficient assay for identification and quantitative evaluation of potential polysialyltransferase inhibitors. | 2020 | ANALYST (PRINT) | 145 | 4512 - 4521 | Guo X; Malcolm J.R.; Ali M.M.; Ribeiro Morais G; Shnyder S.D.; Loadman P.M.; Patterson L.H.; Falconer R.A. | 1364-5528 | 10.1039/d0an00721h | ||||
Novel Ran-RCC1 inhibitory peptide-loaded nanoparticles have anti-cancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo | 2019 | Cancers | 11 | 222 | Haggag, Y.A.; Matchett, K.B.; Falconer, R.A.; Isreb, M.; Jones, J.; Faheem, A.; McCarron, P.; El-Tanani, Mohamed | 10.3390/cancers11020222 | |||||
Recent advances in the analysis of polysialic acid from complex biological systems | 2019 | Carbohydrate Polymers | 16 | Xiaoxiao Guo, Sara M. Elkashef, Mark Sutherland, Paul M. Loadman and Robert A. Falconer | 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115145 | ||||||
Theranostic nanoparticles enhance the response of glioblastomas to radiation | 2019 | Nanotheranostics | 3 | 299 - 310 | Wu, W.; Klockow, J.L.; Mohanty, S.; Ku, K.S.; Aghighi, M.; Melemenidis, S.; Chen, Z.; Li, K.; Ribeiro Morais, Goreti; Zhao, N.; Schlegel, J.; Graves, E.E.; Rao, J.; Loadman, Paul M.; Falconer, R.A.; Mukherjee, S.; Chin, F.T.; Daldrup-Link, H.E. | 10.7150/ntno.35342 |