Pioneering bioscience: meet our latest BBSRC fellow
A researcher in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology has been awarded a prestigious fellowship from Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
Dr Martina Foglizzo joins 14 other researchers as part of a £6million investment in future bioscience.
As part of her fellowship, Dr Foglizzo will examine a multi-protein “machine” that helps control the replication of DNA.
The “machine” known as 55LCC, is known to be a critical quality-control mechanism in cells.
I am extremely delighted to have been awarded a Discovery Fellowship to continue studying how DNA replication is regulated. This is a highly competitive scheme which will support my scientific endeavours and career development over the next three years. I am grateful to everyone who supported me during the application process and beyond.
Understanding DNA replication
DNA replication is essential for life because it helps to pass on genetic material from one generation to the next.
It’s also one of the first steps that cells must do to divide and create new cells – a process which happens nearly two trillion times a day.
Whilst DNA replication exercise is one of the most important processes in all living organisms, it’s also fraught with risks of mutation, which can lead to cell death or cancer.
In 2024, Dr Foglizzo was part of a group of scientists that discovered that 55LCC is a key quality-control mechanism in DNA replication.
Over the next three years, Dr Foglizzo will investigate the mechanistic details of how 55LCC functions, with a specific focus on understanding how the activities of 55LCC are regulated and how this molecular “machine” interacts with and mediates the disassembly of its substrates.
What is 55LCC?
55LCC is comprised of four-proteins. It works by utilising a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as an energy source to promote the disassembly of proteins involved in the replication of DNA when these are no longer required.
In doing so, 55LCC helps to govern the pausing or stopping of DNA replication to ensure its smooth progress.
Mutations in the proteins that help make up 55LCC are known to be associated with childhood syndromes involving hearing loss, cognitive and movement impairment, and epilepsy.
“Understanding how 55LCC functions at the molecular and mechanistic levels is crucial for future targeting of 55LCC in healthy and disease settings,” added Dr Foglizzo.
A commitment to innovation and leadership
Now entering its 10th year, the BBSRC Fellowship Scheme has become a cornerstone for supporting emerging bioscience leaders, offering early-career researchers a unique opportunity to pursue independent research.
Dr Robert Hardwick, Interim Associate Director for People, Talent and Culture at the BBSRC, said:
“We are immensely proud to support these fifteen outstanding researchers through our Fellowship scheme. Their projects not only demonstrate remarkable scientific promise, but also the potential to address pressing global challenges. With BBSRC’s support, they are well-placed to lead innovative and impactful research. This latest investment underscores BBSRC’s firm commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific leadership in UK bioscience. I extend my congratulations to our new fellows and look forward to seeing where your curiosity and dedication will lead you.”
Join a community of visionaries
BBSRC fellowships are designed for ambitious early-career researchers aspiring to make substantial contributions to their fields.
A PhD isn’t essential, but a bold vision for the future is.
You can also find out about Independent Research Fellowships on our website.
