Chris Morris

Biography

PhD Positions

Click here for current PhD opportunities in PHA. But feel free to email me to discuss projects outside these areas and alternative sources of funding.

Chris graduated with an MPharm degree (First Class Honours) from Cardiff University in 2002. He then undertook PhD studies in which he investigated the mechanistic aspects of macromolecule uptake and transport across the lung epithelium. In 2007 Chris assumed a post-doctoral position on the EPSRC-funded Nanomedicine Platform Grant (Departments of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Cardiff University) where he led a small inter-disciplinary research group looking at the design and synthesis of novel nanomedicines for enhanced pulmonary macromolecule delivery. Subsequently, Chris worked with scientists from the Defence & Science Technology Laboratory (Porton Down, UK) on a collaborative project that investigated the bioavailability of antimicrobial peptides following delivery into the intact lung. In September 2010 Chris joined UEA as a Lecturer in Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutics.

Chris’ main research interests are in the area of experimental peptide therapeutics and their activity in biological models. Current projects include:

• Phage display isolation of melanoma targeting peptides
• SerpinA12 activity in malignant melanoma
• Targeting autocrine growth signals (GRP) in small cell lung cancer
• The use of phage display to identify DNA-binding ligands (collaboration with Dr Zoe Waller)

Current Group Members

Mohammad Akbar (PhD Student)

Sandeep Bahia (PhD student)

Hassan Boudjelal (PhD student) 

Selected publications

Antimicrobial Nanoplexes meet Model Bacterial Membranes:the key role of cardiolipin

Al-Jayyoussi, Ghaith, Price, Daniel F, Francombe, Danielle, Taylor, Glyn, Smith, Mathew W, Morris, Chris, Edwards, Chris D, Eddershaw, Peter, Gumbleton, Mark

J. Pharm. Sci., 2013 102(9):3382-94.
DOI: 10.1002/jps.23587

Maximal extent of translocation of single-walled carbon nanotubes from lung airways of the rat
Matthews IP, Gregory CJ, Aljayyoussi G, Morris CJ, McDonald I, Hoogendoorn B, Gumbleton M
Environ Toxicol Pharmacol., 2013, 35(3):461-464.
DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.02.002

Enhanced pulmonary absorption of a macromolecule through coupling to a sequence-specific phage display-derived peptide.
Morris CJ, Smith MW, Griffiths PC, McKeown NB, Gumbleton M.
Journal of Controlled Release, 2011, 151 (1). pp. 83-94.
DOI:10.1016/j.jconrel.2010.12.003

Pegylation of antimicrobial peptide maintains the active peptide conformation, model membrane interactions and antimicrobial activity while improving lung tissue biocompatibility following airway delivery.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2012, 56 (6). pp. 3298-3308.
DOI:10.1128/AAC.06335-11

Spatial expression and functionality of drug transporters in the intact lung: Objectives for further research.
M. Gumbleton, G.Al-Jayyoussi, A. Crandon-Lewis, D. Francombe, K. Kreitmeyr, C.J. Morris & M. Smith.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2010, 63 (1-2). pp. 110-118.
DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2010.09.008

PGSE-NMR and SANS studies of the interaction of model polymer therapeutics with mucin.
P.C. Griffiths, P. Occhipinti, C.J. Morris, Heenan R, King S, Gumbleton M
Biomacromolecules. 2010, 11, 120-125
DOI: 10.1021/bm9009667

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