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Dr Richard Morgan

Senior Lecturer in Molecular Oncology

Qualifications: BSc PhD

Email:
Phone: Work: 01483 68 8618
Room no: 29 PGM 02

Office hours

9am to 5pm Mon-Fri

Further information

Biography

Education

BA Hons. in Natural Sciences - Chemistry, Biochemistry, Maths and Statistics (2i). University of Cambridge 1990.

 

Ph.D. in Biochemistry - University of Birmingham 1993.

 

Previous positions

June 2000-January 2006 Tenure track research scientist, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, St. George’s Hospital Medical School, London

1997-2000 Post doctoral scientist - The Hubrecht Laboratory for Developmental Biology, Utrecht, The Netherlands

1993-1997 Post doctoral scientist - National Institute for Medical Research, London

1990-1993 Post graduate student - ICI Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire.

 

 

Research Interests

Richard Morgan is studying the potential of transcription factors as targets and biomarkers in cancer, particularly the HOX / Engrailed family of homeodomain containing transcription factors. For the former, work starting in 2004 gave rise to a series of reagents that block HOX function and have proved to be potent, first in class, anti-cancer molecules (Morgan et al., 2007; Shears et al., 2008; Plowright et al., 2009; Morgan et al., 2010; Daniels et al., 2010).

 

In addition, the group is also investigating the potential of HOX and Engrailed transcription factors as biomarkers for the diagnosis of a number of cancers including that of the prostate, lung and bladder. Their most recent publication (Morgan et al., 2011) identifies the EN2 transcription factor as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer with twice the sensitivity of the currently used marker, PSA. EN2 is now undergoing clinical trials at multiple, international centres.

 

A link to a recent press release about the new prostate cancer diagnostic, EN2

Publications

Journal articles

  • Alharbi RA, Pettengell R, Pandha HS, Morgan R. (2012) 'The role of HOX genes in normal hematopoiesis and acute leukemia.'. Nature Publishing Group Leukemia,
    doi: 10.1038/leu.2012.356
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/744438/

    Abstract

    The HOX genes are a highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors that specify cell identity in early development and, subsequently, in a number of adult processes including hematopoiesis. The dysregulation of HOX genes is associated with a number of malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), where they have been shown to support the immortalization of leukemic cells both as chimeric partners in fusion genes and when overexpressed in their wild type form. This review covers our current understanding of the role of HOX genes in normal hematopoiesis, AML and ALL, with particular emphasis on the similarities and differences of HOX function in these contexts, their hematopoietic downstream genes targets and implications for therapy.Leukemia accepted article preview online, 5 December 2012; doi:10.1038/leu.2012.356.

  • Morgan R, Boxall A, Harrington KJ, Simpson GR, Gillett C, Michael A, Pandha HS. (2012) 'Targeting the HOX/PBX dimer in breast cancer.'. Springer Breast Cancer Res Treat, Netherlands: 136 (2), pp. 389-398.
    doi: 10.1007/s10549-012-2259-2
  • Morgan R, Boxall A, Simpson GR, Michael A, Pandha HS, Harrington KJ, Gillett C. (2012) 'Targeting the HOX/PBX dimer in breast cancer'. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 136 (2), pp. 389-398.
    doi: 10.1007/s10549-012-2259-2
  • Pandha H, Morgan R, Sorensen KD, Orntoft TF, Borre M, Hoyer S, Langley S. (2012) 'Urinary engrailed-2 (EN2) levels predict tumour volume in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer'. BJU International, 110 (6B)
    doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.11208.x
  • Pandha H, Sorensen KD, Orntoft TF, Langley S, Hoyer S, Borre M, Morgan R. (2012) 'Urinary engrailed-2 (EN2) levels predict tumour volume in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.'. Wiley-Blackwell BJU Int, England: 110 (6 Pt B), pp. E287-E292.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.11208.x
  • Metcalf S, Pandha HS, Morgan R. (2011) 'Antiangiogenic effects of zoledronate on cancer neovasculature.'. Future Oncol, England: 7 (11), pp. 1325-1333.
    doi: 10.2217/fon.11.113
  • Morgan R, Boxall A, Bhatt A, Bailey M, Hindley R, Langley S, Whitaker HC, Neal DE, Ismail M, Whitaker H, Annels N, Michael A, Pandha H. (2011) 'Engrailed-2 (EN2): a tumor specific urinary biomarker for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.'. Clin Cancer Res, United States: 17 (5), pp. 1090-1098.
    doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-10-2410
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/2751/

    Abstract

    Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cause of cancer related death in men. A number of key limitations with prostate specific antigen (PSA), currently the standard detection test, has justified evaluation of new biomarkers. We have assessed the diagnostic potential of Engrailed-2 (EN2) protein, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor expressed in PC cell lines and secreted into the urine by PC in men.

  • Morgan RM, Ismail M, Boxall A, Bhaat A, Hindley R, Michael A, Langley SM, Zylstra J, Pandha HS. (2011) 'ENGRAILED-2 (EN2): A HIGHLY SPECIFIC URINARY BIOMARKER FOR THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV EUR UROL SUPPL, 10 (2), pp. 64-64.
    doi: 10.1016/S1569-9056(11)60126-7
  • Kelly ZL, Michael A, Butler-Manuel S, Pandha HS, Morgan RG. (2011) 'HOX genes in ovarian cancer'. Springer Journal of Ovarian Research, 4 (1)
    doi: 10.1186/1757-2215-4-16
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/711372/

    Abstract

    The HOX genes are a family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors that determine cellular identity during development. Here we review a number of recent studies showing that HOX genes are strongly expressed in ovarian cancer, and that in some cases the expression of specific HOX genes is sufficient to confer a particular identity and phenotype upon cancer cells. We also review the recent advances in elucidating the different functions of HOX genes in ovarian cancer. A literature search was performed using the search terms HOX genes (including specific HOX genes), ovarian cancer and oncogenesis. Articles were accessed through searches performed in ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed and ScienceDirect. Taken together, these studies have shown that HOX genes play a role in the oncogenesis of ovarian cancer and function in the inhibition of apoptosis, DNA repair and enhanced cell motility. The function of HOX genes in ovarian cancer oncogenesis supports their potential role as prognostic and diagnostic markers, and as therapeutic targets in this disease.

  • Gray S, Pandha HS, Michael A, Middleton G, Morgan R. (2011) 'HOX genes in pancreatic development and cancer.'. JOP, Italy: 12 (3), pp. 216-219.
  • Heinemann L, Simpson GR, Boxall A, Kottke T, Relph KL, Vile R, Melcher A, Prestwich R, Harrington KJ, Morgan R, Pandha HS. (2011) 'Synergistic effects of oncolytic reovirus and docetaxel chemotherapy in prostate cancer.'. BMC Cancer, England: 11
    doi: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-221
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/107390/

    Abstract

    Reovirus type 3 Dearing (T3D) has demonstrated oncolytic activity in vitro, in in vivo murine models and in early clinical trials. However the true potential of oncolytic viruses may only be realized fully in combination with other modalities such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. In this study, we examine the oncolytic activity of reovirus T3D and chemotherapeutic agents against human prostate cancer cell lines, with particular focus on the highly metastatic cell line PC3 and the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel. Docetaxel is the standard of care for metastatic prostate cancer and acts by disrupting the normal process of microtubule assembly and disassembly. Reoviruses have been shown to associate with microtubules and may require this association for efficient viral replication.

  • Ismail M, Morgan R, Harrington K, Davies J, Pandha H. (2010) 'Immunoregulatory effects of freeze injured whole tumour cells on human dendritic cells using an in vitro cryotherapy model'. ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE CRYOBIOLOGY, 61 (3), pp. 268-274.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2010.09.004
  • Daniels TR, Neacato II, Rodriguez JA, Pandha HS, Morgan R, Penichet ML. (2010) 'Disruption of HOX activity leads to cell death that can be enhanced by the interference of iron uptake in malignant B cells'. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP LEUKEMIA, 24 (9), pp. 1555-1565.
    doi: 10.1038/leu.2010.142
  • John J, Ismail M, Riley C, Askham J, Morgan R, Melcher A, Pandha H. (2010) 'Differential effects of Paclitaxel on dendritic cell function'. BIOMED CENTRAL LTD BMC IMMUNOLOGY, 11 Article number ARTN 14
    doi: 10.1186/1471-2172-11-14
  • Morgan R, Plowright L, Harrington KJ, Michael A, Pandha HS. (2010) 'Targeting HOX and PBX transcription factors in ovarian cancer'. BIOMED CENTRAL LTD BMC CANCER, 10 Article number ARTN 89
    doi: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-89
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/227161/
  • Pandha HS, Heinemann L, Simpson GR, Melcher A, Prestwich R, Errington F, Coffey M, Harrington KJ, Morgan R. (2009) 'Synergistic Effects of Oncolytic Reovirus and Cisplatin Chemotherapy in Murine Malignant Melanoma'. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH, 15 (19), pp. 6158-6166.
    doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-09-0796
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/227160/
  • Ismail M, Morgan R, Harrington K, Davies J, Pandha H. (2009) 'Enhancing prostate cancer cryotherapy using tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) sensitisation in an in vitro cryotherapy model'. ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE CRYOBIOLOGY, 59 (2), pp. 207-213.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2009.07.008
  • Ismail M, Bokaee S, Davies J, Harrington KJ, Pandha H. (2009) 'Inhibition of the aquaporin 3 water channel increases the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to cryotherapy'. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER, 100 (12), pp. 1889-1895.
    doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605093
  • Ismail M, Bokaee S, Morgan R, Davies J, Harrington KJ, Pandha H. (2009) 'Inhibition of the aquaporin 3 water channel increases the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to cryotherapy (vol 100, pg 1889, 2009)'. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER, 101 (3), pp. 549-549.
    doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605233
  • Plowright L, Harrington KJ, Pandha HS, Morgan R. (2009) 'HOX transcription factors are potential therapeutic targets in non-small-cell lung cancer (targeting HOX genes in lung cancer)'. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER, 100 (3), pp. 470-475.
    doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604857
  • Shears L, Plowright L, Harrington K, Pandha HS, Morgan R. (2008) 'Disrupting the Interaction Between HOX and PBX Causes Necrotic and Apoptotic Cell Death in the Renal Cancer Lines CaKi-2 and 769-P'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC J UROLOGY, 180 (5), pp. 2196-2201.
    doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2008.07.018
  • Morgan R, Whiting K. (2008) 'Differential expression of HOX genes upon activation of leukocyte sub-populations'. SPRINGER TOKYO INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, 87 (3), pp. 246-249.
    doi: 10.1007/s12185-008-0057-8
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/2593/
  • Plowright L, Shears L, Pandha H, Morgan R. (2007) 'Disrupting the interaction between Hox and PBX causes apoptotic cell death and reduces in vivo proliferation of a non-small cell lung cancer model'. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH MOLECULAR CANCER THERAPEUTICS, 6 (12), pp. 3504S-3504S.
  • Morgan R, Pirard PM, Shears L, Sohal J, Pettengell R, Pandha HS. (2007) 'Antagonism of HOX/PBX dimer formation blocks the in vivo proliferation of melanoma'. AMER ASSOC CANCER RESEARCH CANCER RESEARCH, 67 (12), pp. 5806-5813.
    doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-4231
  • Morgan R, Fairfax B, Pandha HS. (2006) 'Calcium insensitivity of FA-6, a cell line derived from a pancreatic cancer associated with humoral hypercalcemia, is mediated by the significantly reduced expression of the Calcium Sensitive Receptor transduction component p38 MAPK'. BIOMED CENTRAL LTD MOLECULAR CANCER, 5 Article number ARTN 51
    doi: 10.1186/1476-4598-5-51
    Full text is available at: http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/2595/
  • Morgan R. (2006) 'Engrailed: Complexity and economy of a multi-functional transcription factor'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV FEBS LETTERS, 580 (11), pp. 2531-2533.
    doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.04.053
  • Morgan R. (2006) 'Hox genes: a continuation of embryonic patterning?'. ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON TRENDS IN GENETICS, 22 (2), pp. 67-69.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2005.11.004

Conference papers

  • Pandha S, Heinemann L, Simpson GR, Boxall A, Relph K, Morgan R. (2011) 'Synergistic effects of oncolytic reovirus and docetaxel chemotherapy in prostate cancer'. WILEY-BLACKWELL BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Royal Coll Surgery, Dublin, IRELAND: Annual Meeting of the Society-of-Academic-and-Research-Surgery 98, pp. 47-48.
  • Ismail M, Morgan R, Davies J, Pandha H. (2009) 'Inhibition of the aquaporin water channels (AQPs) increases the sensitivity of DU145 cells to cryotherapy'. WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC BJU INTERNATIONAL, Glasgow, SCOTLAND: Annual Meeting of the British-Association-of-Urological-Surgeons 103, pp. 21-21.
  • Meyer B, Denyer M, Morgan R, Pandha H. (2007) 'Cellular effects of phosphoramide mustard, the active metabolite of cyclophosphamide, on naturally-occuring human CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T cells'. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY, Boston, MA: 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the International-Society-for-Biological-Therapy-of-Cancer 30 (8), pp. 887-887.

Teaching

Undergraduate

 

BMS3007: Cancer: Pathogenesis and Therapeutics

 

BMS3038: Molecular Genetics of Cancer

 

Postgraduate

 

MSc Clinical Pharmacology

Departmental Duties

Senior Lecturer in Cell and Developmental Biology

 

Postgraduate admissions tutor for the PGMS

 

Chair of the MD committee