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infection and inflammation

  • Click here for details of Professor Mukhopadhyay's inaugural lecture in February 2009

Name: Professor Somnath Mukhopadhyay

Academic position: Chair in Paediatrics

Research: the gene-environmental interactions that regulate eczema and asthma in childhood


Contact details:

Tel: +44 (0) 1273 696955 Ext: 2409 (Judy Keogh - Divisional Assistant)
Fax: +44 (0) 1273 523130

E-mail:

Level 10 C
Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital
Eastern Road
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 5BE

 

Biography:

  • Qualified MB BS 1983, University of Calcutta, India
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health 2001, United Kingdom
  • Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Research Fellow (honorary registrar) 1989-1992, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, University of Bristol
  • Clinical lecturer (honorary senior registrar), 1992-1994 Department of Child Health, University of Dundee
  • Wellcome Trust Advanced Research Training Fellow (honorary senior registrar) 1994-1997, Department of Child Health, University of Dundee
  • Clinical senior lecturer (honorary consultant) in Children’s Respiratory Medicine 1997-2007, Ninewells Hospital, Maternal and Child Health Sciences, University of Dundee

 

Research focus:

In a landmark discovery published in Nature Genetics 2006, we described a novel mechanism causing eczema and asthma in children. Subsequent to this, I have described the role of this gene defect on a number of aspects of the development of allergy and asthma in children, e.g. the development of more severe asthma, or interactions with exposure to allergens from pets. The discovery of the role of this protein change, and its subsequent characterization, has potential for future treatments that could reduce the risk of developing eczema and asthma in children.

In another important discovery published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, impact factor 9.2 and reported prominently by Radio 4, ABC, and in paper editions of all leading newspapers in the UK in October 2009, I led research into the detection of a gene change that substantially reduces the efficacy of the commonest asthma medicine, the ‘blue inhaler’, in children. I have now completed a randomized controlled trial further testing this hypothesis. The results, expected for publication this year, are likely to generate further international interest.

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Current research:

Our current research aims to further unravel the wider picture of gene-environment interactions and their role in guiding treatment for childhood eczema and asthma.

 

Key/recent publications:

Low exercise tolerance among children with asthma – a culture of over protection? A qualitative study of experiences and beliefs. Williams B, Hoskins G, Row J, Neville R, Mukhopadhyay S, Coyle J. British Journal of General Practice 2010 Aug; 60(577): 578-583.

Matrix metalloproteinase-12 is a therapeutic target for asthma in children and young adults Mukhopadhyay S., Sypek J., Tavendale R., Gartner U., Winter J., Li W., Page K., Fleming M., Brady J., O’Toole M., Macgregor D.F., Goldman S., Tam S., Abraham W., Williams C., Miller D.K., Palmer C.N.A. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2010; 126:70-6

Airway and systemic effects of soluble and suspension formulations of nebulized budesonide in asthmatic children Basu K, Nair A, Williamson PA, Mukhopadhyay S, Lipworth BJ. Annals of Allergy Asthma and Immunology 2009;103(5):436-41.

Basu K., Palmer C.N.A.,Tavendale R., Lipworth B.J., Mukhopadhyay S.  Adrenergic b2-receptor genotype predisposes to exacerbations in steroid-treated asthmatic patients taking frequent albuterol or salmeterol.  Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2009 in press

Williams B., Corlett J., Dowell J.S., Coyle J., Mukhopadhyay S.  “I’ve Never Not Had it So I Don’t Really Know What it’s Like Not to”:  Nondifference and Biographical Disruption Among Children and Young People With Cystic Fibrosis.  Qualitative Health Research 2009 19:1443–1455.

Bisgaard H., Simpson A., Palmer C.N.A., Bønnelykke K., Mclean I., Mukhopadhyay S., Pipper C.B., Halkjaer L.B., Lipworth B., Hankinson J., Woodcock A., Custovic A. Gene-Environment Interaction in the Penetrance of Eczema in Infancy Replicated in Two Birth-Cohort Studies: Filaggrin Loss-of-Function Mutations Triggered by Cat Exposure. PLOS Medicine 2008 Jun 24;5(6):e131.

Henderson J., Northstone K., Lee S., Liao H, Zhao Y., Pembrey M., Mukhopadhyay S.,  Davey Smith G., Palmer C.N.A., Irwin McLean W.H., Irvine A. D.   The burden of disease associated with filaggrin mutations: a population based, longitudinal birth cohort study. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Apr; 121(4):872-877.e9. Epub 2008 Mar 5.

Basu K., Palmer C.N.A., Lipworth B. J., McLean W.H. I., Terron-Kwiatkowski A., Zhao Y., Liao H., Smith F.D.J., Mitra A., Mukhopadhyay S. Filaggrin Null Mutations Are Associated With Increased Asthma Exacerbations In Children And Young Adults. Allergy 2008; 63(9):1211-7. Epub 2008 Feb 25.

Tavendale R., Macgregor D F, Mukhopadhyay S., Palmer C.N.A.  A polymorphism controlling ORMDL3 expression is associated with asthma that is poorly controlled by current medications.  Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2008 ;121 (4):860-3.

Jovanovic S., Du1 O., Mukhopadhyay S., Swingler R., Buckley R., McEachen J., Jovanovic A.  A Patient Suffering from Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis is Deficient in Skeletal Muscle ATP-sensitive K+ channels.  Clinical and Translational Science 2008 in press.

Williams B, Mukhopadhyay S, Dowell J, Coyle J. From child to adult: An exploration of shifting family roles and responsibilities in managing physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis. Social Science & Medicine 2007 Nov;65(10):2135-46.

Williams B, Mukhopadhyay S, Dowell J, Coyle J. Problems and solutions: accounts by parents and children of adhering to chest physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis. Disability and Rehabilitation 2007 Jul 30;29(14):1097-1105.
Williams B, Coyle J, Dowell, Mukhopadhyay S.  Living with cystic fibrosis: An exploration of the impact of beliefs on emotional coping and motivation to adhere to treatment regimes among parents of children with cystic fibrosis in Scotland.  International Journal on Disability, Community and Rehabilitation 2007 Vol 6(1)

Palmer CN, Ismail T, Lee SP, Terron-Kwiatkowski A, Zhao Y, Liao H, Smith FJ, McLean WH, Mukhopadhyay S.  Filaggrin null mutations are associated with increased asthma severity in children and young adults.  Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2007 Jul;120(1):64-8. Epub 2007 May 25.

Palmer CNA, Irvine AD, Terron-Kwiatkowski A, Zhao Y, Liao H, Lee SP, Goudie DR, Sandilands A, Campbell LE, Smith FJD, O’Regan GM, Watson RM, Cecil JE, Bale SJ, Compton JG, DiGiovanna JJ, Fleckman P, Lewis-Jones S, Arseculeratne G, Sergeant A, Munro CS, El Houate B, McElreavey K, Halkjaer LB, Bisgaard H, Mukhopadhyay S, McLean WH. Common loss-of-function variants of the epidermal barrier protein filaggrin are a major predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis. Nature Genetics 2006;38(4):441-446.

Palmer CNA, Lipworth B, Lee S, Ismail T, Macgregor DF, Mukhopadhyay S. The Arg16 β2 Receptor Genotype Increases Exacerbation Risk In Children With Asthma On Salmeterol. Thorax 2006;61:940-944.

Palmer CNA, Doney ASF, Lee SP, Murrie I, Ismail T, Macgregor DF,  Mukhopadhyay S.  Glutathione-S-transferase M1 and P1 genotype, passive smoking and peak expiratory flow in asthma. Pediatrics 2006;118:710-716.

Palmer CNA, Ismail T, Lee S, Murrie I, Crighton A, Mukhopadhyay S.  PPARG locus haplotype variation and exacerbations in asthma. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2007;81(5):713-718 .

Aird FK, Ogston SA, Macdonald TM, Greene SA, Mukhopadhyay S. Serum vitamin A concentrations correlate with lung function in cystic fibrosis.  Journal of Cystic Fibrosis 2006;5:129-131.

Ibrahim M, Ogston S, Crombie I, Alhasso D, Mukhopadhyay S.  Greater knowledge gain with structured than student-directed learning in pediatrics: cluster randomized trial  Medical Teacher 2006;28(3):239-243.

Mitra A, Crighton A, Ogston S, Mukhopadhyay S. Raised lung volumes and fixed airflow limitation in children with asthma Allergy and Clinical Immunology International – Journal of the World Allergy Organisation 2006;18(5):203-206.

Bhattacharyya NG, Ogston S, Mukherjee DK, Bandopadhyay S, Sabui TK,  Mukhopadhyay S.  Family income influences height and fat free mass in girls but not boys in Kolkata: a population-based study Acta Paediatrica  2007 May;96(5):774-5

Kastner-Cole D, Palmer CNA, Mehta A, Ogston S, Mukhopadhyay S. Obesity and overweight in ∆F508 cystic fibrosis. Journal of Pediatrics 2005;147(3):402-404.

Jani M, Ogston S, Mukhopadhyay S. Annual increase in body mass index in children with asthma on higher doses of inhaled steroids: 12 month retrospective study  Journal of Pediatrics 2005;147(4):549-551.

Mistry R, Wickramasingha N, Ogston S, Singh M, Devasiri V, Mukhopadhyay S.  Wheeze and urban variation in South Asia. European Journal of Paediatrics 2004;163:145-147.

V Alexander, S Ogston, C Booker, L Irvine, S Mukhopadhyay Using practical outcomes to measure clinical performance in the children’s asthma clinic. Clinical Governance: An International Journal 2003;8(4):308-311.

AD Mitra, S Ogston, A Crighton, S Mukhopadhyay  Lung function and asthma symptoms in children: relationships and response to treatment. Acta Paediatrica 2002;91:789-792.

S Mukhopadhyay, KA Macleod, TJ Ong, SA Ogston “Ethnic” variation in childhood lung function may relate to preventable nutritional deficiency. Acta Paediatrica 2001;90:1299-1303.

Fat absorption in cystic fibrosis after correction of hypokalaemia. Hunter I, Stewart L, Mukhopadhyay S  Lancet 2000;355:900 (research letter).

Effect of hospital asthma nurse appointment on inpatient asthma care. Smith E, Alexander V, Booker C, McCowan C, Ogston S, Mukhopadhyay S  Respiratory Medicine 2000;94:82-86.

Preferential distribution of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in phosphatidylethanolamine fraction of guinea pig alveolar apical membranes. Mukhopadhyay S, Muimo R, Campbell FM, Gordon MJ, Monaghan AS, Dutta-Roy AK Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 2000;62(6):341-348.

A systematic review of anti-staphylococcal antibiotic therapy in CF. McCaffery K, R.E. Olver, M. Franklin, Mukhopadhyay S  Thorax 1999;54:380-383.

G protein-coupled prostaglandin receptor modulates conductive Na+ uptake in lung apical membrane vesicles. Mukhopadhyay S, Dutta-Roy AK, Fyfe GK, Olver RE, Kemp PJ  1998 American Journal of Physiology 1998;274:L567-572.

Prediction of lung function in the inadequately nourished. Ong TJ, Mehta A, Ogston S, Mukhopadhyay S. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1998;79(1):18-21.

Regulation of G proteins in fetal guinea pig lung apical membrane by fatty acids: implications for alveolar Na+ conductance. Mukhopadhyay S, Ramminger S, McLaughlin M, Gambling L, Olver RE, Kemp PJ. Biochemical Journal 1997;326:725-730 (identification of fatty acid regulation of cellular signalling in the lung).

Early focal chest x-ray changes and respiratory prognosis in children with CF. Mukhopadhyay S, Kirby ML, Duncan AW, Carswell F British Journal of Radiology 1996;69:122-125.

Nebulized anti-pseudomonal antibiotic therapy in CF: a meta-analysis of benefits and risks. Mukhopadhyay S, Singh M, Cater JI, Ogston S, Franklin M, Olver RE  Thorax 1996;51:364-368.

The Quantitative Distribution of Nebulised Antibiotic in the Lung in Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Mukhopadhyay S, Staddon GE, Eastman C, Palmer M, Rhys Davies E, Carswell F. Respiratory Medicine 1994;88:203-211.

Assessment of Potential Ototoxicity following high-dose nebulized tobramycin in patients with CF. Mukhopadhyay S, Baer S, Blanshard J, Coleman M, Carswell F. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 1993;31:429-36.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformation, Ondine’s curse and Hirschsprung’s disease. Mukhopadhyay S, Wilkinson P Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 1990;32:1087-1089.

Active collaborations and funding:

  • 2001-2004 Scottish Office A qualitative study to explore the mechanisms underlying adherence to physiotherapy in CF £72,000 with BY Williams, J. Coyle, J Dowell, M Morrison, A Smith, E Dhouieb
  • 2001-2005 National Lotteries Healthy Living Centre project £950K (with Dundee City Council)
  • 2003-2005 Perth City Council Genetic epidemiology and pharmacogenetics of asthma £35K
  • 2004-2005 MedImmune A study of the efficacy and safety of anti-RSV immunoglobulin in the prevention of RSV infections during the first year of life in preterm infants. £52800
  • 2004-2005 Solvay Pharmaceuticals ‘Is adherence to Creon therapy a major factor in growth and general well-being in CF?’ £55K with SA Greene
  • 2005 DDS Trust Strengthening the profile and extending the population base for the children’s asthma and allergy unit at the PRI £8568
  • 2005-2007 Merck Sharpe and Dohme A Proof-of-Concept Study to evaluate the benefit from add-on therapy with montelukast versus salmeterol in children with asthma carrying the Arg/Arg-16 β2-receptor genotype £153K (with Brian Lipworth and Colin Palmer)
  • 2006-2007 Verus Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, US A Randomised, Open-Label, Active-Controlled, Two-Period Crossover Study to Evaluate Relative Efficacy and Safety of Investigational Captisol-Enabled Budesonide Inhalation Solution (CBIS) Delivered via eFlow Nebuliser and Conventional Budesonide Inhalation Suspension (Pulmicort Respules) Delivered via LC Plus Jet Nebuliser in Children with Mild-to-Moderate Persistent Asthma £155K (with Brian Lipworth, Medicine and Therapeutics)
  • 2007-2008 Translational Medicine Research Grants (supported by Wyeth and the consortium of Scottish universities) Development of Siglec-based biomarkers in Inflammation £250K (with Paul Crocker, Life Sciences)
  • 2007-2008 Translational Medicine Research Grants (supported by Wyeth and the consortium of Scottish universities) A pilot study of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 12 polymorphisms, MMP 12 protein expression and clinical outcomes in asthma £170K (with Colin Palmer)
  • 2008 Trustees of Rockinghorse: Children of 2008 Cohort Tracking Gene-Environment Research for research fellow £30K

 

Other information

  • Clinical research leader in Scotland for work that received the Times Higher Award for Top Research Project 2006 for the discovery of the role of filaggrin gene defects in atopic disease.
  • Representative of the Scottish Office in India for exploring key areas for biotechnological collaborations and key advisor to the Central Legal Office of the Scottish Executive for expert opinions on cases related to cystic fibrosis and other respiratory problems
  • Reviewer for distinguished respiratory journals such as Pediatric Pulmonology, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and the Journal of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (Archives of Diseases in Childhood).
  • For the community, actively involved in the development of the National Lotteries proposal for a Healthy Living Centre in Dundee with full funding over four years from 2002-2006.
  • Member of the Dundee Communities Language Advisory Group working with the Dundee City Council to raise funds from National Lotteries and other sources to run classes on international languages within Tayside.