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Alexandra Preston
BSc (Hons)
Postdoctoral Scientist
Characterising cellular metabolism during the terminal differentiation of erythroid cells will allow us to understand the requirements of red blood cells to perform their crucial ultimate function – maintenance of oxygen homeostasis. My research focuses on metabolism during erythropoiesis, with a particular focus on genomic regulation and mTOR signalling. I use primary human and murine cell models to answer questions regarding iron homeostasis in this context.
Before joining the Drakesmith group I graduated from the University of Bath in 2017 with a 1st class BSc(Hons) in Biology. Here I had the great pleasure of working with Professor David Tosh and Professor Tony Perry. I also spent a year in the Rogers group at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, during my undergraduate degree. I am lucky enough to be funded by an MRC WIMM scholarship.
Publications
Plasma iron controls neutrophil production and function
Frost J. et al, (2021), Science Advances
Adaptive immunity and vaccination – iron in the spotlight
Preston A. et al, (2021), Immunotherapy Advances, 1
Hepcidin-Mediated Hypoferremia Disrupts Immune Responses to Vaccination and Infection
Frost J. et al, (2021), Med, 2
Mevalonate kinase deficiency leads to decreased prenylation of Rab GTPases
Jurczyluk J. et al, (2016), Immunol Cell Biol, 94