TRANSFUSION

KATHARINE DOWSON

WHAT IS IN YOUR BLOOD?

Blood determinedly flows around our bodies, and selflessly between people. It is universal and personal, a substance that when examined reveals information about its host absolutely. Blood contains clues about our health, body and mind, we study it, and in doing so, we can save lives. Blood also unites us, over 2 million donations are made each year in the UK, forging unique connections between the donor and recipient and transcending superficial differences.

Transfusion was informed by conversations with Dr Gerd Wagner, currently a Reader in Medicinal Chemistry at King’s College London. Gerd Wagner’s group’s main research interests are in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. Specific research themes include the investigation of glycosyltransferases as novel drug targets in infection, inflammation and cancer; the development of chemical tools for the investigation of NAD-dependent enzymes; and the identification of novel anti-parasitic agents.