Andrew Macdonald

Profile

I am a Professor of Tumour Virology. After post-doctoral training at the world-leading MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit in Dundee, I was awarded a five-year fellowship to establish my own group in Leeds in 2006 studying the biology of DNA tumour viruses. I achieved tenure in 2011, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2013 and full Professor in 2020. I was Head of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology from 2020 to 2023 and am now the Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation for the Faculty of Biological Sciences. 

Responsibilities

• Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation

Research interests

DNA tumour viruses are the causative agents of around 15% of all cancers in humans and also cause significant global morbidity. Sadly, current therapeutic strategies to treat these viruses are often sub-optimal. In my group we work across disciplines with clinicians and industrialists to generate key insights into the mechanisms of virus replication, persistence and disease with the overarching goal of finding new treatments. Using this approach also enables us to uncover new avenues of biology and to learn more about the ways in which cells function in the host. Our focus is predominantly on members of the human papillomavirus and polyomavirus families, both as agents of disease and as model systems for our fundamental biology research. Our research takes place in a well-funded, supportive environment in which our staff and students are given every opportunity to grow as scientists, to present and publish their data and are guided in their careers, whatever their ultimate career destinations. 

• HPV hijacking of EGFR via its oncogenic ion channel, the E5 viroporin: a new paradigm for virus-driven carcinogenesis
• Live cell imaging capability for research on pathogenic viruses
• Towards the development of entry inhibitors of BK polyomavirus to treat PVAN
• Understanding the role of TAZ in HPV-driven cancers
• Why is CFTR required for the multiplication of BK polyomavirus in kidney cells?

Qualifications

• BSc, Leeds; PhD 2001, Leeds

Professional memberships

• Microbiology Society

Student education

Potential undergraduate and post-graduate projects

We are keen to recruit exceptional individuals and undergraduate and post-graduate level to join our multi-disciplinary team of researchers. We are a well-funded laboratory, based in refurbished laboratory space with access to state of the art molecular and cellular facilities.  We have a thriving mix of post-doctoral and graduate scientists and we publish in high impact peer reviewed journals.

Undergraduate project topics:

• Human papillomaviruses and their links to cancer
• Studying polyomavirus lifecycle and pathogenesis
• Host factors required for virus lifecycles
• Immune evasion strategies of viruses

Postgraduate studentship areas:

• Human papillomaviruses and their links to cancer
• Studying polyomavirus lifecycle and pathogenesis
• Host factors required for virus lifecycles
• Immune evasion strategies of viruses

See also:

• Faculty Graduate School
• FindaPhD Project details:
  • BBSRC White Rose studentship
  • HPV E5 self funded PhD opportunity

Academic roles:

Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation

Committees: Faculty Executive Committee, Faculty Strategy Group, Faculty Research and Innovation Committee, Faculty Impact and Innovation Committee, University Leadership forum, University Research and Innovation Board

Projects

<li><a href="//phd.leeds.ac.uk/project/1906-how-does-the-e5-oncoprotein-contribute-to-human-papillomavirus-replication-and-disease?">How does the E5 oncoprotein contribute to human papillomavirus replication and disease?</a></li>