Position: Senior Scientist
Email: gwen.rees@westlakes.ac.uk

Research Interests

• Transgenerational effects of radiation exposure
• Relationship between genotype and individual radiosensitivity
  

Current Work

My primary research interest is whether occupational exposure to ionising radiation can cause a measurable genetic effect in the children of those exposed.  Mutations in hypervariable minisatellite loci have been suggested as a possible biomarker of a radiation effect in populations exposed environmentally by the Chernobyl accident.  At Westlakes we are utilising similar techniques to analyse samples from a large population of radiation workers and their families to see if an increase in the mutation rate is observed in those children with a higher pre-conceptional dose.

In addition, I am interested in differences in individual radiosensitivity.  An individual’s sensitivity to any gentoxic agent including ionising radiation will depend on both their genetic background and environmental factors.  Radiation protection legislation has been written with the assumption that all individuals have the same risk of health effects from exposure to ionising radiation.  In fact, it has been observed that around 10% of certain populations are radiation sensitive, and for these people, any exposure could be more harmful.  This is of interest to both the nuclear and medical industries, as it is possible that more protection should be given to these individuals.  We have carried out several studies at Westlakes looking at single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA repair genes in relation to biological response to radiation exposure.

Background

After completing a PhD in molecular endocrinology at Liverpool University in 1992, I took up a postdoctoral position at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London to run a study looking at polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolising genes and bone turnover in relation to osteoporosis.  In 1995 I moved to the National Institute for Biological Standards and Controls where I worked as a senior scientist running part of an FP6 funded EU research programme on the role of cytokines in the brain. I moved to Westlakes Research Institute in 2000 where I conducted research into immunological effects of occupational radiation exposure and contributed to work on the relationship between genotype and individual radiosensitivity.  In 2003 I started a large family study looking at potential inherited effects of occupational radiation exposure.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management of research portfolio in molecular genetics research relating to the genetic effects of exposure to ionising radiation.

Qualifications

• 1988  BSc(Hons) Zoology  University of Liverpool
  
• 1992  PhD  Endocrinology  University of Liverpool