• PhD: Regulation of MAP kinase phosphatases
  University of Dundee, 2006–2010

Teaching Credits

MSE-3016 Pathophysiology (10 credits) - Module Organiser

MSE-2025 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (10 credits) 

MSE-3013 Third Year Research Project 

MSE-4025 Dissertation

Teaching and Supervision Roles

Undergraduate project/dissertation supervision. Supervision of PhD, MSc and MRes students.

Other roles

College representative on Research Concordat Committee

External and internal viva voce examiner

Teaching and Scholarship Awards

PGCertHE Stage 1 (2017)

PGCertHE Stage 2 (2018)

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Work in the Staples laboratory focuses largely on the characterisation of novel genome stability factors. Genome instability and DNA damage are central pathogenic mechanisms involved in cancer predisposition, premature ageing and neurodegeneration. Indeed, some cancer therapies target cancer-specific defects in DNA repair or replication fork protection mechanisms, and as such a complete understanding of such mechanisms is a major asset in the fight against cancer.

We have identified several novel DNA repair and replication fork protection factors, and our aim is to gain mechanistic insight into the function of these largely unstudied proteins with the ultimate goal of using this knowledge to design novel cancer therapies and/or predict therapeutic response.

2024

• PublishedMRNIP limits ssDNA gaps during replication stress
  Bennett, L., Vernon, E., Thanendran, V., Jones, C., Gamble, A. & Staples, C., 12 Aug 2024, In: Nucleic Acids Research. 52, 14
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2023

• PublishedCDK4/6 inhibitor-mediated cell overgrowth triggers osmotic and replication stress to promote senescence
  Crozier, L., Foy, R., adib, R., Kar, A., Holt, J., Pareri, A., Valverde, J., Riviera, R., Weston, W., Wilson, R., Regnault, C., Whitfield, P., Badonyi, M., Bennett, L., Vernon, E., Gamble, A., Marsh, J., Staples, C., Saurin, A. & Barr, A. & 1 others, Ly, T., 16 Nov 2023, In: Molecular Cell. 83, 22, p. 4062-4077 15 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedRuthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as FRET Donors: Structure- and Sequence-Selective DNA-Binding and Anticancer Properties
  Elgar, C. E., Yusoh, N. A., Tiley, P. R., Kolozsvári, N., Bennett, L., Gamble, A., Péan, E. V., Davies, M. L., Staples, C., Ahmad, H. & Gill, M. R., 18 Jan 2023, In: Journal of the American Chemical Society. 145, 2, p. 1236-1246 11 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

• PublishedMRNIP is a replication fork protection factor
  Bennett, L., Wilkie, A., Antonopoulou, E., Ceppi, I., Sanchez, A., Vernon, E., Gamble, A., Myers, K. N., Collis, S. J., Cejka, P. & Staples, C., 10 Jul 2020, In: Science Advances. 6, 28, 10 p., eaba5974.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2017

• PublishedApproaches for Identifying Novel Targets in Precision Medicine: Lessons from DNA Repair
  Williams, D. T. & Staples, C., 25 Aug 2017, Personalised Medicine. El-Khamisy, S. (ed.). Springer, Vol. 1007. p. 1-16 16 p. (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology).
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2016

• PublishedHuman CDK18 promotes replication stress signaling and genome stability
  Barone, G., Staples, C. J., Ganesh, A., Patterson, K. W., Bryne, D. P., Myers, K. N., Patil, A. A., Eyers, C. E., Maslen, S., Skehel, J. M., Eyers, P. A. & Collis, S. J., 14 Oct 2016, In: Nucleic Acids Research. 44, 18, p. 8772-8785 14 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMRNIP/C5orf45 Interacts with the MRN Complex and Contributes to the DNA Damage Response
  Staples, C. J., Barone, G., Myers, K. N., Ganesh, A., Gibbs-Seymour, I., Patil, A. A., Beveridge, R. D., Daye, C., Beniston, R., Maslen, S., Ahel, I., Skehel, J. M. & Collis, S. J., 6 Sept 2016, In: Cell. 16, 10, p. 2565-75 11 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe bornavirus-derived human protein EBLN1 promotes efficient cell cycle transit, microtubule organisation and genome stability
  Myers, K. N., Barone, G., Ganesh, A., Staples, C. J., Howard, A. E., Beveridge, R. D., Maslen, S., Skehel, J. M. & Collis, S. J., 14 Oct 2016, In: Scientific Reports. 6, p. 35548
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2014

• PublishedCcdc13 is a novel human centriolar satellite protein required for ciliogenesis and genome stability
  Staples, C. J., Myers, K. N., Beveridge, R. D., Patil, A. A., Howard, A. E., Barone, G., Lee, A. J., Swanton, C., Howell, M., Maslen, S., Skehel, J. M., Boutlon, S. J. & Collis, S. J., 1 Jul 2014, In: Journal of Cell Science. 127, p. 2910-2919
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe leukemia-associated Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor LARG is required for efficient replication stress signaling
  Beveridge, R. D., Staples, C. J., Patil, A. A., Myers, K. N., Maslen, S., Skehel, J. M., Boulton, S. J. & Collis, S. J., 29 Oct 2014, In: Cell Cycle. 13, 21, p. 3450-3459
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2011

• PublishedPhosphorylation of the kinase interaction motif in mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphatase-4 mediates cross-talk between protein kinase A and MAP kinase signaling pathways
  Dickinson, R. J., Delavaine, L., Cejudo-Marín, R., Stewart, G., Staples, C. J., Didmon, M. P., Trinidad, A. G., Alonso, A., Pulido, R. & Keyse, S. M., 4 Nov 2011, In: Journal of Biological Chemistry. 286, 44, p. 38018-26 9 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2010

• PublishedCross-talk between the p38alpha and JNK MAPK pathways mediated by MAP kinase phosphatase-1 determines cellular sensitivity to UV radiation
  Staples, C. J., Owens, D. M., Maier, J. V., Cato, A. C. B. & Keyse, S. M., 20 Aug 2010, In: Journal of Biological Chemistry. 285, 34, p. 25928-40 13 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2009

• PublishedRegulation of the inducible nuclear dual-specificity phosphatase DUSP5 by ERK MAPK
  Kucharska, A., Rushworth, L. K., Staples, C., Morrice, N. A. & Keyse, S. M., Dec 2009, In: Cellular Signalling. 21, 12, p. 1794-805 12 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2008

• PublishedNegative-feedback regulation of FGF signalling by DUSP6/MKP-3 is driven by ERK1/2 and mediated by Ets factor binding to a conserved site within the DUSP6/MKP-3 gene promoter
  Ekerot, M., Stavridis, M. P., Delavaine, L., Mitchell, M. P., Staples, C., Owens, D. M., Keenan, I. D., Dickinson, R. J., Storey, K. G. & Keyse, S. M., 1 Jun 2008, In: Biochemical Journal. 412, 2, p. 287-98 12 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2007

• PublishedBiophysical properties of salmonid alphaviruses: influence of temperature and pH on virus survival
  Graham, D. A., Staples, C., Wilson, C. J., Jewhurst, H., Cherry, K., Gordon, A. & Rowley, H. M., Sept 2007, In: Journal of Fish Biology. 30, 9, p. 533-43 11 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2022

• BU-IIA Funded Project: Drug Target in Pancreatic Cancer

  There is an urgent requirement to identify specific, precision medicine drug targets that selectively kill PDACs with mutations in BRCA2 and other DNA repair factors, or which sensitise them further to existing treatments. We are therefore applying for funding to develop CRISPR-Cas9 dropout screening at Bangor –a powerful technique for identifying novel precision medicine drug targets in cancer cells. While our initial focus is on PDAC, once in place this methodology can be applied to drive the discovery of drug targets for a wide array of human diseases.

  Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £49,466

  1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023

  Activity: Other (Contributor)

2021

• BBSRC reviewer

  20 Jun 2021

  Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)
• The Role of HERC2 in Ciliogenesis

  Invited talk at the 26th UK Cilia Network Symposium

  17 May 2021

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
• NWCR Scientific Committee Membership

  Member of scientific panel

  9 May 2021 →

  Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)
• Peer reviewer for the Humane Research Trust

  9 May 2021

  Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)

2020

• DNA Repair (Journal)

  Peer reviewer

  7 Nov 2020

  Activity: Publication peer-review (Editorial board member)
• Peer-reviewer for UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

  Peer-reviewer for UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

  25 Oct 2020

  Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)
• Molecular Oncology (Journal)

  Peer review

  11 Sep 2020

  Activity: Publication peer-review (Editorial board member)
• BBSRC Peer Review

  Reviewed a BBSRC Responsive Mode Application

  31 Aug 2020

  Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)
• Internal Examiner for PhD Viva

  21 Apr 2020

  Activity: Examination (Examiner)
• Chair for PhD Viva

  2 Apr 2020

  Activity: Examination (Examiner)
• Peer review

  Provided peer review for a BBSRC project grant application

  4 Mar 2020

  Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Contributor)
• PLoS Biology (Journal)

  Acted as peer reviewer

  7 Jan 2020

  Activity: Publication peer-review (Editorial board member)

2019

• External examiner for PhD candidate in Lancaster

  Supervised by Nikki Copeland

  13 Jun 2019

  Activity: Examination (Examiner)
• Examined Prof Ciaran Morrisons PhD student (Galway)

  External examiner

  4 Jun 2019

  Activity: Examination (Examiner)
• MRNIP is a novel replication fork protection factor

  15 min talk at international conference

  2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2018

• Novel players in replication fork protection

  Invited speaker to research seminar series

  18 Mar 2018

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
• External examiner for MRes viva

  29 Jan 2018

  Activity: Examination (Examiner)

2017

• Internal Examiner for PhD viva

  9 Nov 2017

  Activity: Examination (Examiner)
• The role of MRNIP in DNA repair

  Invited speaker to research seminar series

  11 May 2017

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• New radiosensitizers for triple-negative breast cancer

  01/07/2024 – 15/07/2027 (Active)

• Daughter Strand Gaps as determinants of chemoresistance

  03/06/2024 – 30/06/2026 (Active)

• A novel role for the innate immune sensor IFI16 in the cancer cell response to chemotherapy

  01/01/2024 – 31/03/2028 (Active)

• Regulation of chemosensitivity by the novel daughter strand gap suppressor MRNIP

  01/12/2023 – 15/12/2026 (Active)

• Regulation of DNA repair and innate immune response to radio- and chemotherapy by the DNA sensors cGAS and IFI16

  01/10/2023 – 30/11/2026 (Active)

• Wales Cancer Research Centre / Overcoming breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.'

  01/04/2023 – 15/04/2025 (Finished)

• Daughter strand gaps as crucial determinants of therapeutic response

  01/10/2022 – 31/12/2025 (Active)

• KESS II MRes with NWCR - BUK2E089

  01/10/2022 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)

• KESS II MRes with BEE Robotics BUK2E081

  01/07/2022 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)

• HEFCW HEIR COVID extension to UKRI FLF MRC bid (F008177, R49R01, MR/S034579/1)

  01/05/2021 – 31/08/2021 (Finished)

• KESS II MRes with North West Cancer Research BUK2225

  01/01/2021 – 31/03/2024 (Finished)

• KKESS II East Phd with North West Cancer Research BUK2E019

  01/02/2020 – 29/02/2024 (Finished)

• The role of MRNIP in replication fork stabilisation and DSB repair

  01/12/2019 – 31/12/2023 (Finished)

• Potential roles of MRNIP and IFI16 in linking oncogene-induced replication

  01/07/2019 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)

• Replication fork reversal and stability (UNS87415 Mr Anuj Narwal)

  01/06/2019 – 01/08/2019 (Finished)

• Investigation of novel regulators of genome stability

  01/01/2019 – 30/06/2022 (Finished)

• Autophagy dependent survival following Mec1(ATM/ATR) inactivation

  01/05/2018 – 31/07/2023 (Finished)

• Role of RadIP, a novel DNA repair factor in the DNA damage response to chemotherapy.

  01/11/2016 – 31/08/2020 (Finished)

• Targeting CtIP to sensitise cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents

  01/10/2016 – 31/07/2018 (Finished)

• Therapeutically relevant novel links between DNA damage and ciliogenesis

  01/10/2016 – 19/08/2023 (Finished)