
Professor Karen McCloskey
Professor
For media contact email comms.office@qub.ac.uk
or call +44(0)2890 973091.
Research Statement
My urology research programmes bring together cell physiology and molecular biology disciplines to understand the complex cellular signalling systems which underpin normal bladder function and become dysregulated in bladder disease.
We are also investigating the role of ion channels in the progression of urological cancers including bladder and prostate.
Research Interests
I obtained my PhD for research into ion channels on smooth muscle cells from the lower urinary tract. This generated my interest in the cellular basis of spontaneous activity in the bladder and set the focus of my independent research career which was marked by a New Investigator Award from BBSRC to study Kit-positive interstitial cells in the bladder. This work was carried out in the Centre for Biophotonics in the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and formed the foundation for my application to the Wellcome Trust for a University Award (Senior Research Fellowship) in Queen's University Belfast. This award enabled the establishment of my research group in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.
As co-PI in the first European Union funded consortium to study urinary incontinence ("INComb" FP7 grant), our group is has made a decisive contribution to the basic cellular mechanisms underlying a condition that affects an estimated 60 million people in Europe and for which there are few effective therapies.
Our current MRC-funded research on bladder toxicity as an adverse effect of radiation therapy will elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving typical lower urinary tract symptoms of urgency, urinary frequency, nocturia and voiding dysfunction that develop during treatment. This translational programme includes a clinical research trial in prostate cancer patients to identify predictive biomarkers of late radiation bladder toxicity.
My interdisciplinary programme on ion channels and cancer exploits electrophysiology, molecular pathology, cell and molecular oncology and biomarker discovery to advance our knowledge of tumour biology.
Other
Key Words
Urinary incontinence; urinary bladder; radiation therapy; smooth muscle; interstitial cells; Ca2+-signalling; electrophysiology; confocal microscopy; urothelial cancer; prostate cancer.
Teaching
Degree/Programme | Role/Module |
Medicine |
Lectures Physiological Basis of Clinical Practice |
Biomedical Science and Human Biology |
Lectures/Tutorials/Research Training Molecular Basis of Disease Clinical Biochemistry Research project and dissertation |
MRes in Translational Medicine |
Module coordinator Research project and dissertation |
USA Placement Programme |
Programme Coordinator |
Other
Fellowships
We are willing to host and support Fellowship applications for PhD or postdoctoral training.
- Early online date
The detrusor-free bladder - it can still hold its water
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
- Published
Acute radiation impacts contractility of guinea-pig bladder strips affecting mucosal-detrusor interactions
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
- Early online date
What are the origins and relevance of spontaneous bladder contractions? ICI-RS 2017
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
Frequent Journals
Journal of Physiology
ISSNs: 0022-3751
Additional searchable ISSN (Electronic): 1469-7793
Wiley-Blackwell
Scopus rating (2017): CiteScore 3.44 SJR 2.051 SNIP 1.132
Journal
Journal of Urology
ISSNs: 0022-5347
Additional searchable ISSN (Electronic): 1527-3792
Elsevier Inc.
Scopus rating (2017): CiteScore 1.67 SJR 2.297 SNIP 1.875
Journal
Neurourology and Urodynamics
ISSNs: 0733-2467
Additional searchable ISSN (Electronic): 1520-6777
Wiley-Liss Inc.
Scopus rating (2017): CiteScore 2.4 SJR 1.241 SNIP 1.568
Journal
American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology
ISSNs: 0363-6143
Additional searchable ISSN (Electronic): 1522-1563
American Physiological Society
Scopus rating (2017): CiteScore 3.2 SJR 1.809 SNIP 1.003
Journal
British Journal of Pharmacology
ISSNs: 0007-1188
Additional searchable ISSN (Electronic): 1476-5381
Wiley-Blackwell
Scopus rating (2017): CiteScore 5.97 SJR 2.603 SNIP 1.57
Journal
Clinical Research Fellowship in Radiotherapy
Project: Research
American Association for Cancer Research Foundation (External organisation)
Activity: Membership types › Membership of external research organisation
Radiation Research Society (External organisation)
Activity: Membership types › Membership of external research organisation
British Journal of Pharmacology (Journal)
Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Editorial activity
Sir Robin MacLellan Prize
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Wellcome Trust Univeristy Award (Senior Research Fellowship)
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
ID: 19826