SPRIN

G 2018The Humane Research Trust

NEWSLETTER

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NEW STUDY FUNDED BY THE HUMANE RESEARCH TRUST TO INVESTIGATE HOW CYTOGLOBIN PROTECTS CANCER CELLS FROM CISPLATIN

The Humane Research Trust recently awarded funding to a team of experts to “Understand the role of cytoglobin in cancer cell resistance to cisplatin”. Dr Nikolas Hodges at The School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, will lead the research. The project aims to study how a protein called cytoglobin, that is over-expressed

in some head and neck cancer cells, protects them from the commonly used anti-cancer drug cisplatin.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has a 5-year survival of less than 40% and recurrence and drug-resistance are serious clinical problems. Since its discovery in 2004, the function of cytoglobin has remained something of a mystery, but appears to depend on the amount of cytoglobin that is present in the cells.

In some patients, levels of cytoglobin are greatly increased so we are interested in the question: “Can a better understanding of

cytoglobin help improve the prognosis of these patients?” To investigate this, we have “engineered” human cancer cells that produce different amounts of cytoglobin that we can grow and test in the laboratory. We will use these cells to study how cytoglobin affects cellular phenotype, for example, cell growth, and how it protects them from the toxicity of cisplatin. We are particularly interested in how cytoglobin might change the activity and function of mitochondria in cancer cells, which as well as being important for cellular energy production, are a major source of damaging reactive oxygen species, as well as being an important target for cisplatin-induced toxicity. To do this, we intend to study in detail how mitochondrial function (respiration) is altered by cytoglobin as well as subsequent metabolic changes to the cells.

Based on some of our preliminary results, we are particularly interested in a family of molecules called cardiolipins that are known to be found specifically in the mitochondria and are believed to be closely involved in regulating a process called apoptosis – a form of “cell suicide” following treatment with toxic molecules like cisplatin (Figure 2). We think that by understanding this process in more detail we can find new ways of “re-sensitising” cancer cells to cisplatin.

In collaboration with clinicians at the University of Liverpool, we will also study for the first time the levels of cytoglobin in patient biopsy samples and try to relate this to disease outcome. By understanding in detail, the function of cytoglobin in cancer, our research has the potential to improve the effectiveness of existing drugs like cisplatin and may also help to find new ways to better target treatment to patients who are most likely to benefit from it. This will not only have a positive outcome for patients, but by helping to improve the efficacy of existing drugs means the need to test new drugs using animals could be reduced in the future.

Dr N

ikolas Hodges

Figure 1: Proposed biological functions of cytoglobin. The tumour suppressor-like and oncogene-like functions of cytoglobin is shown to

be associated with are summarised in the diagram above. The expression level of cytoglobin is associated with which

phenotype prevails within the tumour.

Brook House, 29 Bramhall Lane South,Bramhall, Cheshire SK7 2DN

Registered Charity No. 267779

Figure 2: We hypothesize that by altering mitochondrial function cytoglobin reduces the sensitivity of cells to drugs like cisplatin. A major

aim of this project is to understand this mechanism in more detail

Everyone here at the Trust would like to congratulate Dr Michael Wormstone from the University of East Anglia, on winning an Innovation and Impact Award. Find out more from the man himself, as he explains a little about the award and the associated project.

“In February 2018, UEA hosted its inaugural Innovation and Impact Awards. The awards celebrated staff and students who have shown a strong commitment to innovation and impact. I was a finalist

in the Consultancy Project of the Year category and I found out on the evening that I had won. This award recognises an outstanding consultancy project that can clearly demonstrate a commercial, social, health or cultural impact beyond academia. The generous support of the Trust underpins our research and this platform is fundamental to allowing engagement with outside organisations and successes such as this recognising the impact of our work.”

Improving cataract surgery outcomesCataract (a clouding of the lens) affects tens of millions and is treated by surgical removal of the cataract and introduction of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) into residual lens tissue, which restores visual power. While initially very successful, secondary visual loss often occurs due to a wound-healing response known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

Dr Wormstone, with the late Prof. George Duncan, worked closely with clinical colleagues at Norwich to develop a human lens tissue model that is based on a simulated cataract operation. This is commonly regarded as the premier experimental model to investigate events following cataract surgery. Using this system, factors regulating specific characteristics of PCO have been elucidated and consequently targets for pharmacological treatments identified.

The model has also allowed evaluation of several novel IOL designs and their ability to influence PCO; one design has been in clinical use for more than a decade while another next-generation lens will soon undergo clinical trials. The model continues to be developed and further links with companies to develop their IOL designs have been established. The potential reach of this work could benefit millions of cataract patients.

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IT’S OFFICIAL! WE NOW HAVE AN EBAY ACCOUNT! Do you sell goods or unwanted items on eBay? You can now support The Humane Research Trust by choosing a charity listing and donating a percentage of the proceeds. When you are listing an item, look out for the ‘Selling details’ section, here you will find the option to ‘Make a donation’. Simply tick the box, select the percentage you would like to donate (choose between 10% - 100%) and then select The Humane Research Trust. When you sell items for charity, your listing will be highlighted with the blue and yellow charity ribbon to help encourage buyers and when your item sells eBay credits back a portion of the seller fees.

We are thrilled to announce that our fabulous supporter Anita Roebuck will be running not 1, not 2... but 3 half marathons in aid of the Trust!

Anita has signed up to run:l The Yorkshire Half Marathon on Sunday 8th Aprill The Derby Half Marathon on Sunday 3rd Junel The Hull Half Marathon on Sunday 10th June

Anita tells us a bit more about her passion for animals and overcoming a serious injury: ‘I’ve been running for over 4 years and really enjoy taking part in the Run for All events each year. People that know me, know of my passion for animals and I will support them in any way I can, hence wanting to raise money on behalf of The Humane Research Trust. Funding will help this amazing charity do research and implement the available alternatives without testing on animals.’

Anita had a huge setback in 2016, when she broke her ankle and required a metal plate implant to help repair it. After having to give up running, which she loves, for 8 months whilst recovering, she eventually made it back to training last year. In her own words, ‘It’s been a long haul and so the half

marathons I will be running in this year are going to be my comeback!’

Having been a vegetarian for over 20 years, Anita also did Veganuary this year and has continued to be vegan since. This inspired her moto on her Sheffield race number ‘Vegan Powered’!

We are thrilled that Anita has chosen to support the Trust and really appreciate all the time and effort she has already put in, in preparation for all 3 events. We will follow her progress and look forward to posting updates

and pictures on our facebook page.

You can sponsor Anita by visiting her BT My Donate page:www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/anitaroebuck1

ANITA ROEBUCK - VEGAN POWERED!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR MICHAEL WORMSTONE!

The Trust is extremely honoured and very excited to have been chosen by our new supporters, Sue and Anne, as their nominated UK charity for their forthcoming Camino 2018 challenge, which will take place from 21st April right through to early June! Let’s hear more from the ladies themselves;

“We are Sue (aka Bertie), a hotelier and Anne, a retired banking executive. Originally from the UK, we have lived in Melbourne for 8 years with our 2 rescue dogs, Billie and Gizzy. To celebrate retirement and a big birthday for Anne, we have

decided to do something totally out of our comfort zone and walk the 935-mile Camino Frances. We also want to give something back to the world (now that we have more time) by raising money for charity! Walking for us is the ‘new golf ’ and we hope that The Camino will be the first of lots of hikes in the future; we are already considering the West Highland Way in Scotland for next year!

The 4 charities we have nominated were chosen because they specialise either in the prevention and cure for cancer or they help neglected, abused and abandoned animals. The Humane Research Trust, seems to encapsulate everything and this is very close to our hearts as we have had, and still have rescue pets, and we have both lost family and friends to cancer. So, we will be walking in memory of the people (and pets) we love and miss, as well as for those who have won the battle or are still in that process…”

On behalf of the Trust, we hope that as many of our supporters as possible will both follow and support this unique fundraising event. Good luck, safe travels and a huge big thankyou to both Sue and Anne for inviting us to be part of it. Of course not forgetting to also wish Anne a fantastic ‘milestone’ happy birthday!

You can sponsor Anne & Bertie by visiting their BT My Donate page www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/annescamino2018

l Your full name and postal addressl Your contact telephone number and or email addressl When and where the picture was taken, and the pets name and agel This competition is free to enter, although a donation, however small, would be greatly appreciated.

l For postal entries, please include your details on a separate sheet of paper; please do not write on the back of the photograph.l All entries need to be in by Friday 15th June 2018 and the winners will be notified shortly after.

CAN YOU IMPRESS CHRIS...?Following the success of last year’s calendar competition, we are once again inviting you to enter any photos that you have taken of wildlife and/or your pets. We are looking for a range of images that will represent each month in the calendar, from kingfishers catching their lunch to dogs having fun in the sun! We are delighted that our patron, Chris Packham, will once again be selecting the 12 winners.

Please note, by entering the competition you are giving the

Trust permission to use your image in future publications, on our website and on our social media pages. Please note we are unable to return any

original pictures.

GOOD LUCK TO ALLWHO ENTER!

www.humaneresearch.org.uk 0161 439 8041 info@humaneresearch.org.uk

HOW TO ENTER - All you have to do is either post or email your favourite wildlife/pet photo to The Humane Research Trust, together with;

SUPPORT SUE & ANNE’S 935 MILE CAMINO ADVENTURE

WILDLIFE & PET CALENDAR COMPETITION

INTERESTED IN HOLDING A SUPERMARKET COLLECTION?We’ve had an encouraging start to the year with Pearl,

Elaine and David all holding successful supermarket collections and raising almost £300. Pauline and Pam are hoping to apply for Sainsbury’s later this year and Elaine has an Asda collection coming up soon too. It’s great to hear so many of you are volunteering for collections.

Thank you to all of you for giving up your free time, we really appreciate everything you do.

Please contact us if you would like to hold a collection at your local supermarket. We can help you make an application and together we can make the day as

enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

1. Emailing us at info@humaneresearch.org.uk

2. Calling us on 0161 439 8041

3. Writing to us as The Humane Research Trust, Brook House, 29 Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 2DN

4. Use the Contact Us form on our website http://www.humaneresearch.org.uk/contact-us/

If you have any queries at all regarding GDPR, or would like to know what information we hold about you, please do not hesitate to contact us using one of the above options – as a supporter to the Trust, you are very important to us, and we want to ensure you are always happy to hear from us.

The next animal blessing will be held at 3pm on Sunday 3rd June 2018 at Craigiebuckler Church Hall, Springfield Road, Aberdeen, AB15 8AA. The service will be conducted by the Reverend Kenneth Petrie. All animals with their human companions are welcome!

ANIMAL BLESSING SERVICE 3RD JUNE 2018

www.humaneresearch.org.uk 0161 439 8041 info@humaneresearch.org.uk

IN MEMORIAMMrs Margaret ChildMs Valerie Draper

Mrs Elizabeth (Betty) JamesMr James (Jim) Melville

Mrs Rose RoosaMiss Rosemary Jane Smith RGN, RMN

Mrs Gwendoline B SummersMs Blanche WrightMrs Joan Wright

WINNER OF THE 2018CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETTION

The winner of the 2018 Christmas card competition is Mary Payne from Radio London with the entry ‘Twinkle Toes’ - a lovely picture of an enterprising pigeon warming his feet on a pavement light. This card, along with our full range of Christmas cards and gifts, will be available to purchase from the end of August 2018, via our online shop, from our catalogue, or by simply giving us a call on 0161 439 8041.

On the 25th May 2018, new regulations come in to effect in the UK regarding how we communicate with you. It replaces the existing law we have on data protection and gives individuals more rights and protection in how their personal data is used by organisations.

At the Trust, we only ever post out newsletters and our catalogue to those supporters who have given us their permission to do so. We NEVER buy contact lists or likewise sell on the supporter information we hold. We are confident that all the supporters we hold contact information on, have a legitimate interest in our charity and the work we do. However, from time to time, you may want to change how we contact you, or you may no longer want to receive our newsletters. For example, you may wish to receive our newsletters by email instead of through the post, you may have moved overseas and no longer wish us to contact you at all, whatever the reason and whatever the change may be, you can change your contact preference and/ or update the contact information we hold, at any time by:-

WHAT IS IT?WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

CINDERELLA &JASON FUND

The following pets have been included with a personal message in our Book of Remembrance for pets, here at the Trust:

Adolf, Alfie, Flossy and Lady

LEGACIESFROM

Mrs Ida Mary DonsworthSale, Greater Manchester

Mr Ian Briden MagsonAirdrie, North Lanarkshire

Mrs Molly McNeillHanham, Bristol

Mrs Dorothy NealeCheadle Hulme, Cheshire

Our valued supporter Hazel gave an inspiring talk at Woodsmoor Cricket Club coffee morning recently. The event was a huge success and everyone who attended conveyed a lot of interest in the Trust thanks to her engaging talk.

Hazel said she was so pleased there was a good turnout of people and that most of the Trust leaflets and products she took along were snapped up quickly. Hazel raised a fantastic £135 on the day, but we have since received many more orders for goods from our gift catalogue.

Thank you so much for giving up your time and effort Hazel, we really appreciate all that you do, great work!

HAZEL HELD A TRUST TALK