Murphy Group

Our research is currently focused on cell surface associated forms of the zinc-dependent proteinases, notably the membrane type matrix metalloproteinases (MT MMPs) and the disintegrin-type metalloproteinases (ADAMs), and the natural inhibitors that control them, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, TIMPs. We aim to elucidate how these metalloproteinases and inhibitors function and what their importance is as effectors of both physiological processes and pathologies, such as cancer. The development of novel reagents for disease therapy and diagnosis will emerge from the fundamental data accrued.