Alexandra Preston

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 1^st 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.

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