Dr Joanna M Day

     I have been part of the Oncology Drug Discovery and Women’s Health group since 2001, working as a post-doctoral research associate. Within two years of joining the group I took leadership of the biology team for one of the major projects, the development of inhibitors of members of the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) family of enzymes for the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. Since I have been leading the project we have identified and characterised a lead inhibitor of the 17β-HSD Type 1 enzyme. We developed a novel in vivo model of hormone-dependent breast cancer, and using this model we demonstrated that the inhibitor has in vivo efficacy. We have developed in vitro assays and identified early lead candidate inhibitors of 17β-HSD Type 3 for prostate cancer treatment, and are presently developing in vivo models for these compounds. We are also involved in basic research into the functions of other members of this protein family and their validation as targets for inhibition.

      I am actively involved other projects within the group, including the study of steroid sulphatase, the enzyme for which our group has successfully developed and trialled (Phase I) an inhibitor for the treatment of breast cancer, and the development of a microtubule disruptor expected to enter Phase I trials in 2009. As part of Professor Reed’s group I am also involved in the teaching and assessment of the endocrine-related cancer module for 4th year medical students.

      I have a PhD in molecular biology and biochemistry from Manchester University. My first post-doctoral position was also at the University of Manchester, studying proteins of the extracellular matrix. Prior to my PhD, I gained a BSc Hons 2.1 in biochemistry and an MSc in toxicology from Birmingham University.