- B426, Portland Square, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
- +44 1752 584896
- simon.jackson@plymouth.ac.uk

Profiles
Professor Simon Jackson
Professor
School of Biomedical Sciences (Faculty of Health)
Biography
Biography
Lead for Biomedical research, PUPSMD
Assoc. Head (Research), School of Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences, PUPSMD
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Chemistry/Biochemistry, University of Wales (1982),
PhD (University of Wales) (1986)
Previous positions 2003-2005: Director of Research, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, 1994 – 2003: Senior Lecturer, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, 1993 -1994: Visiting Scientist, Dartmouth Medical School, Dartmouth College, USA 1987- 1993: Lecturer, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff. |
Roles on external bodies
Research Consultant for Lonza Bioscience
Member, RSPCA expert working group - models of sepsis
UK Editor, Innate Immunity
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching interests
Teaching Experience
I have extensive experience in running, organising and teaching infection and immunity topics to a range of students including science, medical, dental and other healthcare students.
Currently I am module leader for BIOM3011 (Public Health Infection Science), BIOM3008 (Current Developments in Biomedical Science), BIOM3026 (Current Developments in Human Bioscience)
Staff serving as external examiners
External examiner for the intermediate MB, School of Medicine, Cardiff University (2010-2013)
External examiner Biomedical Sciences programme, University of Kuwait (2013-2016)
External advisor, Roehampton University, London
Research
Research
Research interests
My research activities are centred on immunological and inflammatory responses to infection and in particular responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; endotoxin) and related molecular species. Better understanding of such mechanisms will help to develop therapies for severe infectious conditions such as sepsis that carry a high mortality. My group has identified links between lipid modifying enzymes (lysophospholipid acyltransferases) that control cell membrane composition and leukocyte signalling responses to LPS and other Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Current work is utilising gene knockdown to identify specific roles for these enzymes in the innate immune response to infection to aid development of new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. Recently, with collaborators in Birmingham, Nottingham and Cambridge, we have developed novel nano-electrode-cell constructs to identify highly resolved spatial and temporal reactive oxygen (ROS) signalling events in response to LPS in single cells. We are also interested in how inflammatory responses can be amplified by interactions of the signalling pathways with environmental/exogenous molecules and we have established new cell models to explore these effects. These include 3D cell cultures (spheroids) that are more representative of cells and tissues in vivo . The cell culture models are part of our agenda to reduce or replace animals in research (3Rs).
Current projects include:
· The molecular mechanisms by which phospholipid modifying enzymes (lysophospholipid acyltyransferases) regulate innate immune responses and identification of these species as novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets.
· Measurement and role of reactive oxygen species produced in short time scales and at discreet subcellular sites as triggers of innate immune responses to infectious stimuli.
Role of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in the pathology of Parkinson's Disease
· Development of new biomarkers for infectious disease and sepsis and development of novel endotoxin detection systems for clinical and environmental use.
· Development of 3D cell cultures (spheroids) as novel models for infection and inflammation and as replacements for animals in infection and environmental screening research.
Research degrees awarded to supervised students
I have successfully supervised 28 PhD students (currently supervising and co-supervising 5 PhD students); 2 MD students, 5 MPhil, 12 MSc students.
Grants & contracts
Recent Grant Funding includes:
'Differentiating cell state using nano-electrochemical sensors for monitoring reactive oxygen species in real time'. (with Dr F. Rawson, Prof. N. Silman) BBSRC iCASE studentship (2014-2018)
'Moving up a dimension: 3D in vitro models as effective alternatives to live fish studies'. £629,718 (with Prof. A Jha, Dr S. Owen, Prof W. Purcell) BBSRC (2014-2018)
'Establishment of non-transformed, continuously growing, alternatively activated mouse macrophage cell lines'. £91,000 (with Dr G Fejer, Prof N. Silman) MRC/NC3Rs (2013-2014)
PAMP-induced signalling in mammalian trigeminal neurons (with Dr S. Thompson, Dr J. Bennett.) PhD studentship (2012-2015)
The role of gut inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. (with Drs. C. Carroll, O.Anichtchik) PhD studentship (2013-2016)
BBSRC China partnering award (with Prof. O Doran, Prof. R Luxton) £21,200 (2010-2013)
Predictive markers of paediatric sepsis (with Prof J. Benger) £15,000, NHS (2012-2013)
European Union People Marie Curie Action International Research Staff Exchange Scheme 2011-2013 (with Dr O Doran) £75,000
A prospective cohort study to investigate the incidence and pathophysiology of Exertional Heat Illness (EHI) in Parachute Regiment trainees (with Dr J Bilzon) £98,000 MOD (2011-2013)
Oxidative control of LPS- horseshoe crab Factor C interactions. (with Dr M Conway) £80,000 BBSRC doctoral training studentship (2009-2013)
Publications
Publications
Key publications
Key publications are highlighted
JournalsPersonal
Personal
Other academic activities
Editorial Board, Innate Immunity
Expert panel member, models of sepsis research, RSPCA