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Aileen Houston

Senior Research Scientist
Medicine Department
Department of Medicine
University College Cork
Cork
Ireland

T: +353-21-490-1265
E: a.houston@ucc.ie

Dr. Aileen Houston is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Medicine, University College Cork (UCC) and a Faculty Member of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) Research Institute. Dr. Houston has a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Science from UCC and a Ph.D. in Medicine from UCC. She was awarded a Career Development Fellowship by the Health Research Board (HRB) Ireland in 2005, and was subsequently appointed as a Research Scientist in the Department of Medicine, UCC. Her research interests focus on inflammation and cancer, in particular on tumour-derived and stromal-derived factors and their role in inflammation, tumour development and the anti-tumour response, as well as bacterial-derived factors and their role in gastrointestinal homeostasis. Such investigations are aimed at identifying potential targets for the development of anti-inflammatory reagents and anti-cancer therapies. She has also published numerous articles in journals such as Cancer Research, the Journal of Immunology and the British Journal of Cancer (H-index - 16; Google Scholar).


Research Interests

My research interests are in the areas of Inflammation and Cancer Biology. Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite evidence that the immune system can initiate an immune response against tumours, such immune responses are often not only ineffective but may even promote tumour growth. My laboratory are focused on advancing our understanding of the role of tumour-derived factors in the chronic inflammation that promotes tumour progression and the pro-tumour immune response. Specifically, we are interested in investigating the role played by the Fas receptor, and its ligand, Fas Ligand (FasL) in shaping the tumour microenvironment and tumour growth, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways that underlie Fas-mediated tumorigenesis. We are also interested in elucidating the role played by the prostaglandin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in tumour progression. PGE2 is a pleiotropic molecule involved in numerous biological processes, including angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis and immune suppression, and we have previously shown that PGE2 upregulates FasL expression in tumour cells. We also have ongoing active research projects in the areas of host microbe interactions with a particular interest in the interaction of host cells with gut commensal bacteria, as well as in the area of interleukin (IL)-1 family members, in particular IL-33, focusing on how the IL-33/ST2 signalling axis modulates intestinal tumorigenesis and the inflammatory response. Our investigations combine in vitro cell and molecular biology based approaches, functional genomics approaches, human biopsy tissue and in vivo pre-clinical models of cancer. Research in the laboratory is supported by funding from Science Foundation Ireland.

Peer Reviewed Journals

YearPublication
(2016)'Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein expression in normal gastrointestinal tract and in tumors detected with novel monoclonal antibodies'
Houston A;Williams JM;Rovis TL;Shanley DK;O'Riordan RT;Kiely PA;Ball M;Barry OP;Kelly J;Fanning A;MacSharry J;Mandelboim O;Singer BB;Jonjic S;Moore T; (2016) 'Pregnancy-specific glycoprotein expression in normal gastrointestinal tract and in tumors detected with novel monoclonal antibodies'. mAbs, 8 (3) [DOI] [Details]
(2015)'An anti-tumorigenic role for ST2L in colon cancer'
O’Donnell C, Mahmoud A, Keane J, Murphy C, Carey S, O’Riordain M, Bennett MW, Brint E and Houston A (2015) 'An anti-tumorigenic role for ST2L in colon cancer'. British Journal of Cancer, [Details]
(2015)'Engagement of Fas on Macrophages Modulates Poly I:C Induced Cytokine Production with Specific Enhancement of IP-10'
Lyons, C,Fernandes, P,Fanning, LJ,Houston, A,Brint, E (2015) 'Engagement of Fas on Macrophages Modulates Poly I:C Induced Cytokine Production with Specific Enhancement of IP-10'. Plos One, 10 [DOI] [Details]
(2015)'Prostaglandin E2 and the EP receptors in malignancy: Possible therapeutic targets?'
O’Callaghan G and Houston A (2015) 'Prostaglandin E2 and the EP receptors in malignancy: Possible therapeutic targets?'. British journal of pharmacology, [DOI] [Details]
(2015)'Differential expression of key regulators of Toll-like receptors in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease: A role for Tollip and PPAR?'
Fernandes P, MacSharry J, Darby T, Shanahan F, Houston A and Brint E (2015) 'Differential expression of key regulators of Toll-like receptors in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease: A role for Tollip and PPAR?'. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Intestinal expression of Fas and Fas Ligand is upregulated by bacterial signalling through Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) 4 and TLR5, with activation of Fas modulating intestinal TLR-mediated inflammation'
Fernandes P, Regan T, Lyons C, Brint E and Houston A (2014) 'Intestinal expression of Fas and Fas Ligand is upregulated by bacterial signalling through Toll-Like Receptors (TLR) 4 and TLR5, with activation of Fas modulating intestinal TLR-mediated inflammation'. Journal of Immunology, 193 (12):6103-6113 [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'Selective influence of host microbiota on cAMP-mediated ion transport in mouse colon'
Lomasney KW, Houston A, Shanahan F, Dinan TG, Cryan JF and Hyland NP. (2014) 'Selective influence of host microbiota on cAMP-mediated ion transport in mouse colon'. Neurogastroenterol & Motility, 26 (6):887-890 [Details]
(2013)'Life in the Fas lane: Differential Outcomes of Fas Signalling'
Brint E, O'Callaghan G and Houston A (2013) 'Life in the Fas lane: Differential Outcomes of Fas Signalling'. Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS, [CORA Link] [Details]
(2013)'Identification of TLR10 as a Key Mediator of the Inflammatory Response to Listeria monocytogenes in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Macrophages'
Regan, T,Nally, K,Carmody, R,Houston, A,Shanahan, F,MacSharry, J,Brint, E (2013) 'Identification of TLR10 as a Key Mediator of the Inflammatory Response to Listeria monocytogenes in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Macrophages'. Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950), 191 :6084-6092 [DOI] [Details]
(2013)'Targeting the EP1 receptor reduces Fas ligand expression and increases the antitumor immune response in an in vivo model of colon cancer'
O'Callaghan, G,Ryan, A,Neary, P,O'Mahony, C,Shanahan, F,Houston, A (2013) 'Targeting the EP1 receptor reduces Fas ligand expression and increases the antitumor immune response in an in vivo model of colon cancer'. International Journal of Cancer, 133 :825-834 [DOI] [Details]
(2013)'Loss of p38δ mitogen-activated protein kinase expression promotes oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth'
O'Callagahan C, Fanning LJ, Houston A and Barry OP. (2013) 'Loss of p38δ mitogen-activated protein kinase expression promotes oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth'. International Journal of Oncology, [Details]
(2011)'Functional genome analysis of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 reveals type IVb tight adherence (Tad) pili as an essential and conserved host-colonization factor'
O'Connell Motherway M, Zomer A, Leahy SC, Reunanen J, Bottacini F, Claesson MJ, O'Brien F, Flynn K, Casey PG, Munoz JA, Kearney B, Houston AM, O'Mahony C, Higgins DG, Shanahan F, Palva A, de Vos WM, Fitzgerald GF, Ventura M, O'Toole PW, van Sinderen D (2011) 'Functional genome analysis of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 reveals type IVb tight adherence (Tad) pili as an essential and conserved host-colonization factor'. Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America, 108 (27):11217-11222 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'Prostaglandin E-2 stimulates Fas ligand expression via the EP1 receptor in colon cancer cells'
O'Callaghan, G,Kelly, J,Shanahan, F,Houston, A; (2008) 'Prostaglandin E-2 stimulates Fas ligand expression via the EP1 receptor in colon cancer cells'. British Journal of Cancer, 99 :502-512 [DOI] [Details]
(2008)'The Fas counterattack is not an active mode of tumor immune evasion in colorectal cancer with high-level microsatellite instability'
Houston, AM,Michael-Robinson, JM,Walsh, MD,Cummings, MC,Ryan, AE,Lincoln, D,Pandeya, N,Jass, JR,Radford-Smith, GL,O'Connell, J; (2008) 'The Fas counterattack is not an active mode of tumor immune evasion in colorectal cancer with high-level microsatellite instability'. Human Pathology, 39 :243-250 [DOI] [Details]
(2007)'Modulation of p21-activated kinase 1 alters the behavior of renal cell carcinoma. Int J Cancer'
O¿ Sullivan GC, Tangney M, Casey G, Ambrose M, Houston A and Barry OP. ; (2007) 'Modulation of p21-activated kinase 1 alters the behavior of renal cell carcinoma. Int J Cancer'. Int J Cancer, [Details]
(2006)'Fas ligand promotes tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo'
Ryan AE, Shanahan F, O'Connell J, Houston AM.; (2006) 'Fas ligand promotes tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo'. Cell Cycle, 5 (3):246-249 [Details]
(2006)'Fas ligand expression in human and mouse cancer cell lines; a caveat on overreliance on mRNA data'
Ryan AE, Lane S, Shanahan F, O'Connell J, Houston A.; (2006) 'Fas ligand expression in human and mouse cancer cell lines; a caveat on overreliance on mRNA data'. Journal of Carcinogenesis, 5 (1):5-5 [Details]
(2006)'Bcl-x(L) expression in vivo in rheumatoid synovium'
Busteed, S,Bennett, MW,Molloy, C,Houston, A,Stone, MA,Shanahan, F,Molloy, MG,O'Connell, J; (2006) 'Bcl-x(L) expression in vivo in rheumatoid synovium'. Clinical Rheumatology, 25 :789-793 [DOI] [Details]
(2005)'Addressing the ``Fas counterattack'' controversy: Blocking Fas ligand expression suppresses tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo'
Ryan, AE and Shanahan, F and O'Connell, J and Houston, AM; (2005) 'Addressing the ``Fas counterattack'' controversy: Blocking Fas ligand expression suppresses tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo'. CANCER RESEARCH, 65 (21):9817-9823 [DOI] [Details]
(2004)'The Fas signalling pathway and its role in the pathogenesis of cancer'
Houston A, O'Connell J; (2004) 'The Fas signalling pathway and its role in the pathogenesis of cancer'. Current Opinion In Pharmacology, 4 (4):321-326 [DOI] [Details]
(2003)'Fas ligand expressed in colon cancer is not associated with increased apoptosis of tumor cells in vivo'
Houston, A,Waldron-Lynch, FD,Bennett, MW,Roche, D,O'Sullivan, GC,Shanahan, F,O'Connell, J (2003) 'Fas ligand expressed in colon cancer is not associated with increased apoptosis of tumor cells in vivo'. International Journal of Cancer, 107 :209-214 [DOI] [Details]
(2003)'Fas ligand mediates immune privilege and not inflammation in human colon cancer, irrespective of TGF-beta expression'
Houston, A,Bennett, MW,O'Sullivan, GC,Shanahan, F,O'Connell, J (2003) 'Fas ligand mediates immune privilege and not inflammation in human colon cancer, irrespective of TGF-beta expression'. British Journal of Cancer, 89 :1345-1351 [DOI] [Details]
(2002)'The Fos-FasL system and colorectal tumours - Reply'
Bennett, MW and O'Connell, J and Houston, A and Kelly, J and Collins, JK and Shanahan, F and O'Sullivan, GC; (2002) 'The Fos-FasL system and colorectal tumours - Reply'. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY, 55 (7):559-560 [Details]
(2001)'Fas ligand upregulation is an early event in colonic carcinogenesis'
Bennett, MW,O'Connell, J,Houston, A,Kelly, J,O'Sullivan, GC,Collins, JK,Shanahan, F; (2001) 'Fas ligand upregulation is an early event in colonic carcinogenesis'. Journal of Clinical Pathology, 54 :598-604 [Details]
(2001)'Immune privilege or inflammation? Insights into the Fas ligand enigma'
O'Connell, J and Houston, A and Bennett, MW and O'Sullivan, G and Shanahan, F; (2001) 'Immune privilege or inflammation? Insights into the Fas ligand enigma'. NATURE MEDICINE, 7 (3):271-274 [Details]
(2000)'Altered mechanisms of apoptosis in colon cancer: Fas resistance and counterattack in the tumor-immune conflict'
O'Connell J, Bennett MW, Nally K, Houston A, O'Sullivan GC, Shanahan F; (2000) 'Altered mechanisms of apoptosis in colon cancer: Fas resistance and counterattack in the tumor-immune conflict'. Annals of The New York Academy of Sciences, 910 :178-11 [Details]

Book Chapters

YearPublication
(2002)'Rapid development of a quantitative-competitive (qc) RT-PCR assay using a composite primer approach'
O'Connell J., Houston A., Kelly R., O'Brien D., Ryan A., Bennett MW., Nally K.; (2002) 'Rapid development of a quantitative-competitive (qc) RT-PCR assay using a composite primer approach' In: Methods in Molecular Biology. New Jersey: Humana Press. [Details]

Published abstracts

YearPublication
(2015)The role of PGE2 in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung inflammation and the potential association with ivacaftor therapy and treatment response.
4. O'Callaghan G, Ronan NJ, Foley N, Lyons C, O'Driscoll A, Ni Chroinin M, Mullane D, Murphy D, Shanahan F, Eustace JA, Houston A and Plant BJ (2015) The role of PGE2 in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung inflammation and the potential association with ivacaftor therapy and treatment response. Published abstracts [Details]
(2015)An Anti-Tumorigenic Role for the IL-33/ST2 Axis in Colon Cancer.
2. O'Donnell C, Mahmoud A, Bennett M, Houston A and Brint E (2015) An Anti-Tumorigenic Role for the IL-33/ST2 Axis in Colon Cancer. Published abstracts [Details]
(2014)Modulation of cystic fibrosis gut inflammation – a pivotal role of the lung gut axis?.
6. O'Callaghan G, Ronan N, Houston A, Shanahan F and Plant BJ (2014) Modulation of cystic fibrosis gut inflammation – a pivotal role of the lung gut axis?. Published abstracts [Details]
(2014)Role of ST2 and Its Ligand, IL-33, in Colon Cancer.
O'Donnell C, Mahmoud A, Bennett MW, Shanahan F, BrintE and Houston A. (2014) Role of ST2 and Its Ligand, IL-33, in Colon Cancer. Published abstracts [Details]
(2014)Upregulation of Fas Ligand Expression Promotes Colon Cancer Cell Migration and Metastasis In Vitro and In Vivo.
O’Callaghan G, Reagan M, Flores L, Zhang Y, Azab A, Roccaro A, Shanahan F, Ghobrial I and Houston A. (2014) Upregulation of Fas Ligand Expression Promotes Colon Cancer Cell Migration and Metastasis In Vitro and In Vivo. Published abstracts [Details]
(2014)The Relationship Between Cystic Fibrosis Epithelial Cells and Intestinal Inflammation -Evolving Mechanisms of the Lung-Gut Axis.
O'Callaghan G, Houston A, Foley N, Shanahan F and Plant BJ. (2014) The Relationship Between Cystic Fibrosis Epithelial Cells and Intestinal Inflammation -Evolving Mechanisms of the Lung-Gut Axis. Published abstracts [Details]
(2014)High fat feeding alters gut microbiota and protects mice from colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer.
O’Mahony C, Clarke SF, Hurley G, O'Sullivan O, Gavin A, Quinlan A, Houston A, Mahmoud A, Bennett MW, Cotter PD, Shanahan F and Melgar S (2014) High fat feeding alters gut microbiota and protects mice from colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Published abstracts [Details]
(2013)Bacterial-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid significantly attenuates proliferation of human colon adenocarcinoma cells in vitro.
Kratz F, Heuston S, London L, Ross P, Stanton C, Houston A and Hyland N (2013) Bacterial-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid significantly attenuates proliferation of human colon adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. Published abstracts [Details]
(2013)New paradigms for the modulatory actions of p38 delta MAPK restorative expression in esophageal squamous cancer cell growth, migration and response to chemotherapy: A possible future therapeutic target?.
O’Callaghan G, Fanning L, Houston A and Barry OP (2013) New paradigms for the modulatory actions of p38 delta MAPK restorative expression in esophageal squamous cancer cell growth, migration and response to chemotherapy: A possible future therapeutic target?. Published abstracts [Details]
(2013)Inhibition of the prostaglandin EP1 receptor suppresses colon cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
O'Callaghan G, Reagan M, Flores L, Zhang Y, Roccaro A, Shanahan F, Ghobrial I and Houston A (2013) Inhibition of the prostaglandin EP1 receptor suppresses colon cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Published abstracts [Details]
(2012)Sensitivity of human and murine colonic tumour cell lines to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in vitro.
Fernandes P, Hyland N and Houston A. (2012) Sensitivity of human and murine colonic tumour cell lines to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in vitro. Published abstracts [Details]
(2012)Targeting FasL increases the anti-tumor immune response in an in vivo model of colon cancer.
O'Callaghan, G; Ryan, AE; Neary, P; O'Mahony, C; Shanahan, F; Houston, A. (2012) Targeting FasL increases the anti-tumor immune response in an in vivo model of colon cancer. Published abstracts [Details]
(2012)Targeting p38 delta MAPK in Oesophageal Cancer: A Possible Future Therapeutic Goal?.
O’Callaghan G, Fanning L, Houston A and Barry OP (2012) Targeting p38 delta MAPK in Oesophageal Cancer: A Possible Future Therapeutic Goal?. Published abstracts [Details]
(2011)Targeting the EP1-FasL signaling pathway reduces colon tumor cell growth in vivo.
O¿Callaghan. G., Neary. P., O¿Mahony. C., Shanahan. F., Houston. A. ; (2011) Targeting the EP1-FasL signaling pathway reduces colon tumor cell growth in vivo. Gasteroenterolgy: Published abstracts [Details]
(2008)COX-derived PGE2 modulates FasL expression via the EP1 receptor in colon cancer cells.
Houston, A., O'Callaghan, G., Shanahan, F.; (2008) COX-derived PGE2 modulates FasL expression via the EP1 receptor in colon cancer cells. Gastroenterology: Published abstracts [Details]
(2007)Tumor-expressed Fas ligand (FasL/CD95L) and its role in the pathogenesis of colon cancer.
Ryan, A., O'Connell, J., Shanahan, F., Houston, A.; (2007) Tumor-expressed Fas ligand (FasL/CD95L) and its role in the pathogenesis of colon cancer. International Journal of Molecular Medicine: Published abstracts [Details]
(2007)Regulation of Fas ligand expression in colon cancer by the cyclooxygenase signaling pathway.
Houston, A., Shanahan, F.; (2007) Regulation of Fas ligand expression in colon cancer by the cyclooxygenase signaling pathway. Gastroenterology: Published abstracts [Details]
(2005)Resolving the 'Fas Counterattack' controversy: Fas ligand promotes tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo.
Ryan, AE., Shanahan, F., O'Connell, J., Houston, AM.; (2005) Resolving the 'Fas Counterattack' controversy: Fas ligand promotes tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo. Endoscopy: Published abstracts [Details]
(2005)Fas Ligand promotes tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo.
Ryan, AE., Shanahan, F., O'Connell, J., Houston, A.; (2005) Fas Ligand promotes tumor immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo. Gastroenterology: Published abstracts [Details]
(2002)Neuri-immune regulation of IL-8 production in alveolar epithelial cells: opposing effects of substance P and IFNgamma.
O'Connor TM, O'Connell J, Houston AM, Goode T, Bredin CP, Shanahan F (2002) Neuri-immune regulation of IL-8 production in alveolar epithelial cells: opposing effects of substance P and IFNgamma. Published abstracts [Details]
(2001)Fas Ligand expressed in colon cancer is associated with suppression of activation and IL-2 production in tumor-infiltrating T-cells.
Houston, A.,Bennett, M. W.,O'Sullivan, G. C.,Shanahan, F.,O'Connell, J. (2001) Fas Ligand expressed in colon cancer is associated with suppression of activation and IL-2 production in tumor-infiltrating T-cells. Published abstracts Globe icon [Details]
(2001)Tumor-expressed Fas ligand suppresses IL-2 production by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.
Houston AM, Bennett MW, O'Sullivan GC, Shanahan F, O'Connell J (2001) Tumor-expressed Fas ligand suppresses IL-2 production by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Published abstracts [Details]
(2001)Interferon gamma decreases interleukin-8 production in the alveolar epithelium by decreasing neurokinin-1 receptor expression.
O'Connor TM, O'Connell J, Houston AM, Goode T, Shanahan F, Bredin CP (2001) Interferon gamma decreases interleukin-8 production in the alveolar epithelium by decreasing neurokinin-1 receptor expression. Published abstracts [Details]
(2000)Fas ligand mediates immune privilege and not neutrophil recruitment in colon cancer in vivo.
Houston A, Waldron-Lynch F, Bennett MW, Roche D, O'Sullivan GC, Collins JK, Shanahan F, O'Connell J (2000) Fas ligand mediates immune privilege and not neutrophil recruitment in colon cancer in vivo. Published abstracts [Details]
(2000)Fas ligand mediates immune privilege and not neutrophil recruitment in colon cancer.
Houston A, Waldron-Lynch FD, Bennett MW, Roche D, O'Sullivan GC, Collins JK, Shanahan F, O'Connell J (2000) Fas ligand mediates immune privilege and not neutrophil recruitment in colon cancer. Published abstracts [Details]
(2000)Neutrophilic infiltration does not occur in FasL-expressing human colonic carcinomas, irrespective of TGF-B1 expression.
Bennett MW, Houston A, O'Connell J, O'Sullivan GC, Collins JK, Shanahan F (2000) Neutrophilic infiltration does not occur in FasL-expressing human colonic carcinomas, irrespective of TGF-B1 expression. Published abstracts [Details]
(1999)Neutrophilic infiltration does not occur in FasL-expressing colonic carcinomas, irrespective of TGF-B1 expression.
Bennett MW, Houston A, O'Connell J, O'Sullivan GC, Collins JK, Shanahan F (1999) Neutrophilic infiltration does not occur in FasL-expressing colonic carcinomas, irrespective of TGF-B1 expression. Published abstracts [Details]

Conference Publications

YearPublication
(2013)104th Annual Meeting of the American-Association-for-Cancer-Research (AACR)
O' Callaghan, C., Fanning, L., Houston, A. and Barry, O.P. (2013) New paradigms for the modulatory actions of p38 delta MAPK restorative expression in esophageal squamous cancer cell growth, migration and response to chemotherapy: A possibel future therapeutic target 104th Annual Meeting of the American-Association-for-Cancer-Research (AACR) [Details]
(2012)24th EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium on molecular targets and cancer therapeutics
O'Callaghan, C., Fanning, L., Houston, A. and Barry, O.P. (2012) Targeting p38 delta MAPK in oesophageal cancer: a possible future therapeutic goal? 24th EORTC-NCI-AACR symposium on molecular targets and cancer therapeutics [Details]
(2010)Digestive Disease Week
Brint, EK., O'Callaghan, G., Regan, T., Shanahan, F., Houston, A.; (2010) Synergy between Fas and TLR4 in promoting pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis in macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells - relevance to IBD Digestive Disease Week [Details]

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2006St Lukes Young Investigator Award Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland
2005Health Research Board Post-doctoral Research Fellowship Health Research Board, Ireland
2001Travel Scholarship Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory
2001Poster of Distinction American Gastroenterology Association
2000Travel Scholarship American Gastroenterology Association

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
European Association for Cancer Research Member/
Irish Association of Immunology Member/
Irish Association for Cancer Research Member/

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Departmental Graduate Studies Committee Member/

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
Department of Medicine, University College Cork Senior Research Scientist/
University College Cork HRB Postdoctoral Research Fellow01-OCT-05 / 30-SEP-08
University College Cork Postdoctoral Research Scientist01-OCT-03 / 30-SEP-05

Conference Contributions

YearPublication
(2015)Cell Symposium on Cancer, Inflammation and Immunity,
O’Donnell C, Mahmoud A, Bennett MW, Brint E and Houston A (2015) Characterisation of the Role of ST2 and its Ligand, IL-33, in Colon Cancer. [Poster Presentation], Cell Symposium on Cancer, Inflammation and Immunity, Sitges, Spain . [Details]
(2015)Irish Association for Cancer Research,
O’Donnell C, Brint E and Houston A (2015) The Potential Role of the ST2/IL-33 axis in Colon Cancer. [Poster Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research, Limerick . [Details]
(2015)Keystone Symposia on Mechanisms of Pro-Inflammatory Diseases,
O’Donnell C, Mahmoud A, Bennett MW, Houston A and Brint E (2015) An anti-tumorigenic role for the IL-33/ST2 axis in colon cancer. [Poster Presentation], Keystone Symposia on Mechanisms of Pro-Inflammatory Diseases, California, USA . [Details]
(2014)Irish Association for Cancer Research,
O’Donnell C, Mahmoud A, Bennett MW, Brint E and Houston A (2014) Investigation of the Role of ST2 and its ligand, IL-33, in Colon Cancer. [Poster Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research, Galway . [Details]
(2014)Irish Society of Immunology,
O' Donnell C, Houston A and Brint E (2014) Characterisation of the Role of ST2/IL-33 in Colon Carcinogenesis. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Immunology, Galway . [Details]
(2014)EMBO Symposium- Tumour Microenvironment and Signalling,
O’Donnell C, Mahmoud A, Bennett MW, Brint E and Houston A (2014) Characterisation of the Role of ST2 and its Ligand, IL-33, in Colon Cancer. [Poster Presentation], EMBO Symposium- Tumour Microenvironment and Signalling, Heidelberg, Germany . [Details]
(2014)Irish Society of Immunology,
Lyons C, Moran R, Fanning L, Houston A and Brint E (2014) Double-stranded RNA-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages are modified by Fas Signalling. [Poster Presentation], Irish Society of Immunology, Dublin . [Details]
(2014)37th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference,
O'Callaghan G, Ronan N, Houston A, Shanahan F and Plant B (2014) Modulation of Cystic Fibrosis gut inflammation - A pivotal role of the lung gut axis?. [Poster Presentation], 37th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Stockholm, Sweden . [Details]
(2014)Irish Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting,
Fernandes P, Lyons C, Brint E and Houston A (2014) Fas modulates intestinal TLR-mediated inflammation and suppression of Fas in colon cancer cells reduces tumour growth in vivo. [Oral Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, Galway . [Details]
(2014)EMBO Symposium - Cellular signalling and cancer therapy,
Fernandes P, Lyons C, Brint E and Houston A (2014) Fas modulates intestinal TLR-mediated inflammation and suppression of Fas in colon cancer cells reduces tumour growth in vivo. [Poster Presentation], EMBO Symposium - Cellular signalling and cancer therapy, Croatia . [Details]
(2014)National Cystic Fibrosis Conference,
O’Callaghan G, Houston A, Ronan N, Foley N, Shanahan F and Plant BJ (2014) Investigation of the interplay of the Cystic Fibrosis lung-gut axis in the regulation of inflammation of intestinal epithelial cells. [Poster Presentation], National Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Killarney . [Details]
(2013)Irish Association for Cancer Research,
O'Callaghan, GP., Reagan, M., Flores, L., Zhang, Y., Roccaro, A., Shanahan, F., Ghobrial, I., Houston, AM. (2013) Suppression of the Prostaglandin EP1 Receptor reduces Colon Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis. [Oral Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research, Dublin , 27-FEB-13 - 01-MAR-13. [Details]
(2013)Irish Society of Immunology,
Lyons C, Moran R, Houston A and Brint E. (2013) Fas activation augments double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced IP-10/CXCL-10 production. [Poster Presentation], Irish Society of Immunology, Dublin . [Details]
(2013)Irish Society of Immunology,
O’Donnell C, Houston A and Brint E (2013) The Potential role of ST2 and its ligand IL-33 in colon carcinogenesis. [Poster Presentation], Irish Society of Immunology, Dublin . [Details]
(2013)ICI 2013 – 15th International Congress of Immunology,
Lyons C, Moran R, Houston A and Brint E (2013) Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced IP-10/CXCL-10 production is augmented by Fas activation. [Poster Presentation], ICI 2013 – 15th International Congress of Immunology, Milan, Italy . [Details]
(2013)HRB Clinical Research Facility Conference,
O'Callaghan G, Ryan A, Reagan M, Flores L, Azab K, Zhang Y, Neary P, Roccaro A, Shanahan F, Ghobrial I and Houston A (2013) The EP1 Receptor – a new therapeutic target in the fight against colon cancer?. [Poster Presentation], HRB Clinical Research Facility Conference, Cork , 13-JUN-13 - 13-JUN-13. [Details]
(2013)BioPIC 2013,
O' Callaghan G, Reagan M, Flores L, Azab K, Zhang Y, Roccaro A, Shanahan F, Ghobrial I and Houston A (2013) Investigation of the role of the EP1 receptor in colon cancer cell homing by in vivo confocal microscopy. [Poster Presentation], BioPIC 2013, Dublin , 25-MAR-13 - 27-MAR-13. [Details]
(2012)Irish Society of Immunology,
Lyons, C., Moran, R., Houston, A., Brint, E. (2012) Double stranded RNA (dsRNA) requires Fas (CD95) for optimal IP-10/CXCL10 production. [Poster Presentation], Irish Society of Immunology, Dublin , 20-SEP-12 - 21-SEP-12. [Details]
(2012)Irish Society of Immunology,
Fernandes, P., Brint, E., Houston, A. (2012) Fas (CD95) Signalling and Inflammation in Colon Cancer. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Immunology, Dublin , 20-SEP-12 - 21-SEP-12. [Details]
(2012)Keystone Symposium - Innate Immunity: Sensing the Microbes and Damage Signals,
Fernandes, P; Houston, A; Brint, EK (2012) TLRs 4 and 5 upregulate Fas and FasL expression in intestinal epithelial cells resulting in increased cytokine production. [Poster Presentation], Keystone Symposium - Innate Immunity: Sensing the Microbes and Damage Signals, Colorado, USA , 04-MAR-12 - 09-MAR-12. [Details]
(2012)European Assocation of Cancer Research,
O'Callaghan, G., Ryan, A., Neary, P., O'Mahony, C., Shanahan, F., Houston, A. (2012) Elucidation of the role played by the EP1 receptor in regulating FasL expression in colon cancer cells in vivo. [Poster Presentation], European Assocation of Cancer Research, Dublin , 17-SEP-12 - 19-SEP-12. [Details]
(2012)European Association for Cancer Research,
Fernandes, P., Brint, E., Houston, A. (2012) Fas (CD95) signalling and inflammation in colon cancer. [Poster Presentation], European Association for Cancer Research, Dublin , 17-SEP-12 - 19-SEP-12. [Details]
(2011)Irish Assocation for Cancer Research,
OCallaghan, G., Neary, P., O'Mahony, C., Shanahan, F., Houston, A. (2011) PGE2- induced FasL expression in tumours: A possible target for anti-cancer therapy?. [Poster Presentation], Irish Assocation for Cancer Research, Cork , 03-MAR-11 - 04-MAR-11. [Details]
(2010)Keystone Symposium: Innate Immunity: Mechanisms Linking with Adaptive Immunity,
Houston, A., Regan, T., O'Callaghan, G., Shanahan, F., Brint, EK.; (2010) Interplay between Fas and TLR signalling- regulation of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract ?. [Poster Presentation], Keystone Symposium: Innate Immunity: Mechanisms Linking with Adaptive Immunity, Dublin , 07-JUN-10 - 12-JUN-10. [Details]
(2009)College of Medicine and Health Translational Health Research Conference,
O'Callaghan, G., Houston, A.; (2009) Investigation of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying PGE2-Induced FasL Expression. [Poster Presentation], College of Medicine and Health Translational Health Research Conference, Cork , 24-JUN-09 - 29-JUN-09. [Details]
(2008)College of Medicine and Health Research Day,
O'Callaghan, G., Houston, A.; (2008) The Role of the Cyclooxygenase Pathway in FasL Expression in Colorectal Cancer. [Oral Presentation], College of Medicine and Health Research Day, Cork , 06-JUN-08 - 06-JUN-08. [Details]
(2007)Keystone Symposium: Mechanisms Linking Inflammation and Cancer,
Houston, A.; (2007) Regulation of Fas ligand expression in colon cancer by the cyclooxygenase signaling pathway. [Poster Presentation], Keystone Symposium: Mechanisms Linking Inflammation and Cancer, New Mexico , 10-FEB-07 - 15-FEB-07. [Details]
(2007)12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine,
Houston, A.; (2007) Oral Presentation. [Invited Oral Presentation], 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece , 11-OCT-07 - 13-OCT-07. [Details]
(2007)Irish Society of Gastroenterology Winter Meeting,
Houston, A., O'Callaghan, G., O'Connell, J., Shanahan, F.; (2007) Involvement of COX and PGE2 in Fas ligand (FasL) expression by colon tumor cells. [Poster Presentation], Irish Society of Gastroenterology Winter Meeting, Dublin , 29-NOV-07 - 30-NOV-07. [Details]
(2007)Irish Association for Cancer Research,
Houston, A.; (2007) Regulation of Fas ligand (FasL/CD95L) expression in colon cancer by the cyclooxygenase signaling pathway. [Poster Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research, Cork , 01-MAR-07 - 03-MAR-07. [Details]
(2006)Irish Association for Cancer research,
Ryan, A., Shanahan, F., O'Connell, J., Houston, A.; (2006) Addressing the Fas Counterattack Controversy: Fas Ligand Promotes Tumor Immune Evasion Of Colon Cancer in vivo. [Poster Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer research, Galway , 03-MAR-06 - 04-MAR-06. [Details]
(2005)Irish Society of Gastroenterology,
Ryan, A., Shanahan, F., O'Connell, J., Houston, A.; (2005) Resolving the Fas Counterattack Controversy: Fas ligand promotes tumour immune evasion of colon cancer in vivo. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Gastroenterology, Limerick , 10-JUN-05 - 10-JUN-05. [Details]

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2003University College Cork PHDMedicine
1998University College Cork BSC (HONS)Biomedical Science
1996Cork Institute of Technology CertificateMedical Laboratory Science

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
Br. J. Cancer Referee-
International Journal Of Cancer Referee-
Cancer Research Referee-
Blood Referee-
Pharmacogenetics And Genomics Referee-

Other Activities

 Description

Grant Application Reviewer for Breast Cancer Campaign, UK

Teaching Interests

Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2015Philana Fernandes University College CorkPhDCharacterisation of the role of Fas (CD95) in intestinal inflammation and cancer
2015Caitriona Lyons University College CorkPhDInvestigating the Role of Fas (CD95) Signalling in the Modification of Innate Immune-Induced Inflammation
2015Amr Mahmoud University College CorkDoctor of MedicineCharacterisation of the expression of IL-33 and ST2 in Gastrointestinal Diseases
2015Guru Gayatri Sivaskaran University College CorkMScEvaluation of potential cross talk between TNF R (tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily) and TLRs (toll like receptors) in the intestine
2013Grace O'Callaghan University College CorkPhDFas Ligand Expression and Tumour Immune Evasion: the Role of Prostaglandin E2 and the EP1 Receptor
2005Aideen Ryan University College CorkPhDThe Role of Fas Ligand in Immune Suppression and Cancer

Current Postgraduate Students

 StudentDegree Type
O Donnell Charlotte Doctoral Degree (Structured)
Keane Jonathan Michael Doctoral Degree

Internal Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Dr. Elizabeth Brint University College CorkIRELAND
Dr. Silvia Melgar University College CorkIRELAND
Dr. Mary O'Connell Motherway University College CorkIRELAND
Dr. Cormac Gahan University College CorkIRELAND
Dr. Tom Moore University College CorkIRELAND
Dr. Niall Hyland University College CorkIRELAND
Dr. Susan Joyce University College CorkIRELAND
Dr. Ken Nally University College CorkIRELAND

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation / InstituteCountry
Dr. Aideen Ryan National University of Ireland, GalwayIRELAND
Prof. Alexander Chervonsky University of ChicagoU.S.A.
Dr. MW Bennett Cork University HospitalIRELAND
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