People
Peter Sarkies
Principal Investigator
I started out in science as a PhD student in the lab of Dr Julian Sale at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge where I became fascinated by epigenetic gene regulation. In Julian’s lab I worked on how interruptions to DNA replication affect maintenance of epigenetic states, using a chicken cell line as a model. I then moved to Eric Miska’s lab at the Gurdon Institute, also in Cambridge, as I wanted to study epigenetics in a whole organism and the nematode C. elegans seemed like a good system to use. In Eric’s lab I started working on epigenetic regulation by small RNAs, and also became interested in how epigenetic pathways such as small RNAs evolve across species. When I started the Epi-Evo group at the LMS I decided to pursue these evolutionary aspects, starting with small RNAs in nematodes but also broadening our horizons to examine DNA methylation and chromatin structure. Away from the lab I’m keen on long distance running and I enjoy listening to many types of music (from heavy metal to classical!). I’m also a member of the United Reform Church and take an interest in the relationship between science and religion.
Caroline J Sheeba Singh
Postdoctoral Researcher
& Lab manager
I did my PhD in Health Sciences from Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, Portugal and worked for a while in Developmental Biology at the University of Algarve, Portugal and King’s College London. Realizing that epigenetic regulation is a fundamental process in embryo development and tumorigenesis, I joined Peter’s lab in 2017 to understand epigenetics in depth. I am studying the link between epigenetic regulations, particularly methylation, and evolution. I am also trying to understand the role of metabolic pathways in evolution, using E. coli as the model system.
I am a happy person who likes to spend time with family and friends no matter whether it is indoors or outdoors!
Marcos Francisco Perez
Postdoctoral Researcher
Marcos is a postdoc who joined the Sarkies lab in November 2020, working on identifying novel sources of endogenous DNA damage.
Previously, Marcos studied Biological Sciences at Oxford University and Plant Biotechnology at Imperial College London before moving to Barcelona, Spain to complete a PhD project on intergenerational effects in the roundworm C. elegans under the supervision of Ben Lehner at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG).
Outside of the lab, Marcos likes to spend time hiking, foraging and exploring natural spaces. At home, he is a keen urban gardener.
Alice Brown
PhD Student
I am currently on a joint PhD programme with the LMS institute and the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. My project is on extracellular small RNAs in the parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis, where I am interested in the mechanism of miRNA secretion from the nematode into it’s host cell. Before starting my PhD at Imperial I did my undergraduate degree in Veterinary Bioscience at the University of Surrey, followed by a year working in a DNA sequencing facility. In terms of my interests I enjoy hiking, running and just generally spending as much time as possible outdoors!
Rachel Wilson
PhD student (Chain Florey Clinical Research fellow)
I am a Chain Florey Clinical Research fellow undertaking research for a PhD in the Sarkies Group. I previously completed Core Medical Training at Guys and St Thomas’ Hospitals.
My project looks at the emergence and inheritance of chromatin states in C.elegans across multiple generations using the ATAC technique. In addition I have worked in the department of Paediatrics in Cambridge on developing a human intestinal organoid model for mutation accumulation studies.
I am interested in clinical genetics and would like to train in this specialty on completion of my PhD. Outside of the lab I enjoy cycling, yoga and spending time with family.