1. Sir William Dunn Professor of Biochemistry
This is a prestigious academic chair at the University of Cambridge, established in 1914 through the endowment of Sir William Dunn, a banker and philanthropist. It is the senior professorship in biochemistry at Cambridge and has historically been held by eminent scientists, including Frederick Gowland Hopkins (Nobel laureate for the discovery of vitamins).
- Meaning: As the current holder, Laura Machesky occupies a leadership role in advancing biochemistry research at Cambridge. The title reflects her distinguished contributions to the field and her institutional authority.
2. FRSE (Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh)
FRSE denotes membership in the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Scotland’s national academy of science and letters. Fellows are elected based on outstanding contributions to science, engineering, humanities, or public service.
- Context for Machesky: She was elected in 2014 in recognition of her groundbreaking work in cell biology, particularly her discoveries related to the Arp2/3 complex—a key regulator of actin dynamics and cancer cell migration.
3. FMedSci (Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences)
FMedSci signifies fellowship in the UK Academy of Medical Sciences, which honors researchers who have made exceptional contributions to biomedical and health research. Fellows are leaders in advancing medical science and improving healthcare.
- Machesky’s Election: She became a Fellow in 2016, reflecting her transformative research on cancer metastasis, cell migration, and the energetics of cancer biology. Her work has deepened understanding of tumor invasion mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
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Key Implications of These Honors
- Academic Prestige: Both FRSE and FMedSci are highly selective, peer-nominated distinctions that underscore her international reputation in cancer and cell biology.
- Leadership Roles: As Sir William Dunn Professor, she directs cutting-edge research at Cambridge, continuing a legacy of innovation in biochemistry.
- Impact on Cancer Research: Her discoveries, such as the role of Fam49/CYRI in suppressing cancer cell migration, highlight her translational focus on addressing challenges in oncology.
Selected Publications:
1. The creatine-phosphagen system is mechanoresponsive in pancreatic denocarcinoma and fuels invasion and metastasis.
Nat Metab
. 2020
2. Collagen VI expression is negatively mechanosensitive in pancreatic cancer cells and supports the metastatic niche.
J Cell Sci
. 2022
3. CYRI-A limits invasive migration through macropinosome formation and integrin uptake regulation.
J Cell Biol
. 2021
4. Structural Basis of CYRI-B Direct Competition with Scar/WAVE Complex for Rac1.
Structure
. 2020
lab website：
https://macheskylabcambridge.co.uk/
