THES Research Project of the Year for gene discovery

A University of Dundee-led genetic discovery has been hailed the number one research project in the country this year by the Times Higher. Professor Irwin McLean of the University's Human Genetics Unit was in London to receive the award last month.

Professor McLean led the discovery earlier this year of the gene that causes eczema and an often-related form of asthma.

The team discovered that mutations in a gene called FLG leads to a deficiency of a skin protein called filaggrin, which is essential for building and maintaining the outer layer of skin that keeps water in and foreign organisms out. The result is dry, flaky skin.

In more serious forms, both copies of the FLG gene is knocked out and foreign substances are able to pass through the skin. This triggers an immune response and inflammation, which can in turn lead to asthma.

The discovery has enormous potential for the development of new treatments for these disorders which affect tens of millions of people worldwide.

"Finding this gene that causes eczema and asthma allows us for the first time to understand what goes wrong in the skin of these patients and paves the way for the development of new treatments or preventative measures in coming years," Professor McLean said.

The Research Project of the Year is awarded to an individual or team for innovative research that has a far-reaching impact on its field and has caught, or has the potential to catch, the imagination of the public. Also shortlisted for the award were the robotic fish created by Essex University researchers and an invisibility cloak designed by a team at Imperial College London.

Professor McLean's project, which was first published in two consecutive editions of the prestigious journal Nature Genetics and has attracted international media attention, was described as "the clear winner" for all the judges.

Professor McLean said, "It is tremendously gratifying to get this prestigious award for our work. It is always fantastic to be recognised. The gene was much worse than others to isolate as it has an unusually plain and repetitive DNA sequence, but I'm glad we persevered."

Since the first publication in March, a number of research groups around the world have confirmed the discovery. In October, Professor McLean was awarded the Chanel-sponsored £40,000 CERIES Research Award 2006 for Dermatology Research - considered the premier international prize in this field.

The Times Higher Awards are presented annually to the best University projects, people and initiatives. Dundee researchers shortlisted for awards this year were:

Professor Sir Phillip Cohen, director of research at the College of Life Sciences was shortlisted for a lifetime achievement award for his enormous impact on biotechnology research.

Dr Paul Campbell in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences was shortlisted for the young researcher of the year award for his discovery of a 'sniper' treatment for cancer.