Menu Close
Professor, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University

Professor Jenkins’s research falls within the “Biomarkers and Genes” theme of the College of Medicine.

His research group investigate the molecular basis for carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the pre-malignant condition Barrett’s Oesophagus. Group aims are to develop early detection systems for cancer, when intervention is still possible. His group have investigated DNA and chromosome damage levels in Barrett’s patients, NF-kB signalling induced by reflux in Barrett’s patients and the interplay between signalling pathways in oesophageal cancer. The research is aimed at better understanding of early carcinogenesis and to identify diagnostic markers for clinical utility. Professor Jenkins also collaborates with others in the areas of colorectal cancer biology, pancreatic cancer and gastric cancer.

He is an internationally recognised researcher in the field of Genetic Toxicology, being at the forefront of research efforts to improve in vitro assessment of genotoxic risks from chemical exposure for over a decade. Current work centres on mechanistic studies of genotoxic thresholds, 3-D tissue models for genotoxicity, the role of p53 in genotoxic responses and measuring DNA mutations in human populations. Coupling genotoxic assessment with disruption of other cell biological features (cell cycle, cell signalling, cell morphology) is a growing area of interest aimed at developing better testing paradigms.

Professor Jenkins was appointed to the UK Government’s Committee on Mutagenicity (COM) in 2009, joined the committee of the UK Environmental Mutagen Society (UKEMS) in 2012 and was appointed Editor of Mutation Research (Genetic Toxicology) in 2014. He has received over £3million in grant income, written over 60 peer-reviewed papers and edited a book on Bile acids.

Experience

  • –present
    Professor, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University

Education

  • 1997 
    Swansea University, PhD
  • 1991 
    Bristol Polytechnic, MSc Biotechnology
  • 1990 
    Kings College London, BSc Biophysics