Michael Tellier (PI). CV. Contact: mt477@leicester.ac.uk

Michael earned his PhD in 2015 from the University of Nottingham, UK, where he studied the human cellular functions of SETMAR, a fusion between a methyltransferase domain and a domesticated DNA transposase under the supervision of Prof. Ronald Chalmers. He then moved to the University of Oxford, UK, to join the laboratory of Prof. Shona Murphy to investigate the functions of kinases (CDK9, CDK12) and phosphatases (PP1, PP2A) in transcription and co-transcriptional processes, including pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation. In early 2023, he moved to the University of Leicester, UK, to open his laboratory. 

Social media: @Michael_Tellier; @michaeltellier.bsky.social‬

Abby L. Gardner (BBSRC MIBTP, 2024 - )

I completed an integrated Masters in Molecular Cell Biology at the University of York. After this, I worked as a research assistant in the lab of Louise Reynard at Newcastle University. While there, I worked on the role of splicing in osteoarthritis. Currently, I am a PhD student in the Tellier lab funded by MIBTP. I am interested in uncovering the mechanisms by which the NELF complex regulates transcription and genomic stability. To do this I use degron based cell lines along with cutting-edge genome-wide bioinformatic techniques. Working alongside the Markaki lab, I also apply quantitative super-resolution microscopy techniques. 

Huda Ibrahem (2026 - )

I graduated with a BSc in Pharmacy from the University of Aleppo. I later moved to the UK, where I gained an MSc in Cancer Therapies from the University of Strathclyde. I also completed postgraduate coursework towards an MSc in Molecular Pharmacology at the University of Damascus. During this time, I worked as a laboratory teacher in both the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Damascus. My research interests focus on molecular oncology, cell biology and targeted therapeutics. I have recently started my PhD in the Tellier Lab at the University of Leicester, where my project investigates how cancer-associated mutations in the splicing factor SF3B1 influence transcription and gene regulation. My work aims to determine whether SF3B1 mutations alter the recruitment of the transcription elongation factor P-TEFb to RNA polymerase II and the resulting impact on gene expression in cancer. 

Yagiz Ozturk (F50, 2023 - )

I was born and raised in Ataşehir, Istanbul, where I developed a passion for biology that eventually led me to study Molecular Biology and Genetics at Acıbadem University. During my MSc in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Leicester, I explored histone acetylation and the role of p300/CBP in gene regulation in the Shaun Cowley’s Lab. This experience deepened my fascination with transcription & chromatin biology and inspired me to continue in research. Currently, I am a PhD student at the University of Leicester in the Tellier Lab, supported by the Future 50 Scholarship. My project focuses on uncovering the functions of Ctdp1 protein in mouse embryonic stem cells using a degron-based dTAG (PROTAC) system. Beyond traditional molecular techniques, I am also developing my bioinformatics expertise. I am especially motivated by the chance to study a protein whose role is still poorly understood, which makes every result feel exciting and impactful. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling to experience new cultures, skiing, gaming, and cooking. Friends would describe me as cheerful, kind-hearted, and open-minded—qualities that also shape the way I approach science.

Thomas R. Strange (MRC AIM DTP, 2023 - )

I am from Reading, Berkshire, which is where I grew up before studying at the University of Leicester. Before my PhD, I completed my BSc and MSc at the University of Leicester with the degree titles: Biological sciences and Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology respectively. My BSc project focussed on the binding of proteins on exonic splicing enhancers (which affects the inclusion/exclusion of exons during alternative splicing) in the Eperon lab, while my MSc project was with the Prigent lab, focussing on the role of membrane adaptor proteins in cell signalling and cell migration. From my BSc and MSc degrees, I gained a fascination in how cancer cells work, particularly in the context of genomic stability and transcription, which are one of the main causes of cancer development. For my PhD, I am funded by the MRC-AIM DTP and I focus on KRAS mutations in terms of how it affects transcription and genomic stability. Throughout my PhD I used techniques such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and confocal microscopy which further enhanced my interest in how oncogenic mutations like KRAS mutations can cause cancerous phenotypes such as increased cell proliferation. Others would describe me as passionate about research and hard working. My hobbies include watching football and cooking.