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Mead Group: Normal and Malignant Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology

  • MRC Molecular Haematology Unit
  • MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine
  • Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

The Mead Lab pioneers research into myeloid neoplasms using cutting-edge single-cell genomics and multiomics to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Our ultimate goal is to translate discoveries from the lab through to patient benefit, including interaction with industry and clinical trials. We foster a collaborative and dynamic environment for innovative science, with a focus on career development for members of the team.

Depiction of a recent work from the Mead Lab which described how a chromothripsis event on chromosome 21 orchestrates progression to blast phase of MPN by causing targetable overexpression of DYRK1A (Brierley et al, BioRxiv, 2023)

About the Mead Lab

Welcome to the Mead Lab, based at the University of Oxford’s Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM). Our mission is to improve the diagnosis, risk-stratification, and treatment of myeloid malignancies by unraveling the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors driving disease progression and resistance to therapy. We apply cutting edge techniques at the forefront of single-cell genomics and multiomics, developing innovative experimental approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets and translate discoveries into clinical impact.

Our Vision: To improve patient outcomes in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and other myeloid blood cancers through cutting-edge science, from fundamental biology to clinical translation.

Research Themes

Journal cover images involving the Mead group

  • Cancer Stem Cell Heterogeneity: Defining the hidden diversity within malignant stem cell compartments in MPN and related malignancies in order to understand how this underlies disease evolution.
  • Inflammation and Disease Evolution: Investigating how inflammatory pathways drive clonal selection, therapy resistance and genetic evolution.
  • Single-Cell Genomics and Experimental Models: Applying state-of-the-art technologies to dissect tumour ecosystems at unprecedented resolution.
  • Clinical Translation: Bridging laboratory discoveries into early-phase and late-phase clinical trials in MPN and myeloid cancers.

Our team

DPHIL SUPERVISOR PROFILE

Haematopoietic Stem Cell Biology

Find out more

Key publications

Link to google scholar

Why join us?

Picture of group of people outside a research institute

The Mead Lab offers a dynamic, collaborative and supportive environment for researchers at all career stages. Here’s why you should consider joining us:

  • Cutting-Edge Science: Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art techniques, including TARGET-seq, single-cell multiomics, spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR screens and in vivo models, positioning you at the forefront of haematology research.
  • Mentorship and Career Development: We have a proven track record of mentoring researchers to success with a number of lab alumni receiving prizes for their work and moving on to set up their own independent research groups.
  • Collaborative Environment: Work alongside world-class researchers at the WIMM, with collaborations spanning academic groups in Oxford and internationally as well as interaction with industry partners.
  • Translational Opportunities: Contribute to projects with direct clinical impact, access to extensive sample collections, including from clinical trials (Professor Mead has been PI/Cl on >60 phase 1-3 trials) and spin-out ventures.
  • World-Class Facilities: Access cutting-edge platforms at the WIMM, including single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, computational biology and transgenic facilities.

Opportunities for Recruits

We are always seeking talented and motivated individuals to join our team, including:

  • PhD Students: Join our fully funded DPhil programmes through the University of Oxford, working on high-impact projects with comprehensive training in wet lab and computational techniques.
  • Postdoctoral Researchers: Lead innovative projects, develop independent research skills, and benefit from mentorship to secure fellowships or faculty positions.
  • Research Technicians: Support cutting-edge experiments, gain technical expertise, and contribute to high-profile publications.
  • Clinical Fellows: Engage in translational research bridging bench and bedside, contributing to cutting-edge MPN studies and clinical trials.

Life in Oxford

Based at the WIMM, our lab is part of a vibrant scientific community in Oxford, a historic city offering a rich cultural and academic environment. The WIMM fosters a collegial atmosphere with regular seminars, social events, and career development workshops. Oxford’s global reputation and proximity to world-class collaborators make it an ideal place to advance your research career.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from passionate researchers with a background in haematology, molecular biology, computational biology or related fields.  For informal inquiries or to discuss potential projects, feel free to contact Professor Mead directly adam.mead@imm.ox.ac.uk.

Clinical Studies and Trials

Professor Mead’s clinical research is based at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. He leads the clinical service for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in the Thames Valley and was chair of the National Cancer Research Institute MPN Clinical Studies Subgroup from 2016-2022. This group oversees clinical research in the UK focused on these diseases. Professor Mead is the Principal or Chief Investigator of over 60 clinical trials in CML and MPNs. The Mead Group is the central sample repository for multiple UK MPN trials.

Learn more about MPN clinical research in the UK.

Related research themes

We are committed to translating our innovative research into clinical benefit. From new methods of diagnosing chronic conditions, to finding the latest treatments for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and rare diseases, our department is involved in hundreds of clinical studies every year.
Clinical Studies and Trials
Employing a range of genetic techniques, we probe the fundamental causes of disease. Our expertise spans identification of causative genes in rare inherited diseases, through to elucidating complex gene regulatory pathways and exploration of susceptibility to common disease through genome-wide association studies. We use cutting edge techniques to manipulate the genome to determine how particular genes work and study how variants in regulatory DNA may contribute to common disease. An important overall aim is to improve the management of human genetic diseases.
Genetics, Genomics and Genome Biology
We have cutting edge expertise in a range of statistical and mathematical modelling techniques that allow us to interrogate large data sets – from the ‘big data’ of genomics through to magnetic resonance imaging and clinical trials. We are also home to the Medical Research Council WIMM Centre for Computational Biology – a hub for accelerating progress in genomics analysis and single cell biology.
Computational Biology, Statistics and Bioinformatics
A raft of cellular and molecular biology techniques underpin much of the work we do to elucidate the mechanisms of disease. We use established techniques to answer new questions and also develop our own novel and unique methodologies to drive further innovation.
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Metabolism in Molecular Medicine
Metabolism in Molecular Medicine