Nexxus Scotland

Kolch, Walter

Professor of Biomedical and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow and Group Leader at the Beatson Institute, Glasgow

Professor Walter Kolch has a world class reputation for his research in proteomics, cell signalling and analytical biochemistry.

He pioneered the use of dominant negative mutants for the mapping of mammalian signalling pathways, the discovery of mechanism of the crosstalk between the cAMP and Raf, the identification of 14-3-3 as modulator of Raf signalling in mammalian cells, and the discovery of RKIP, the first physiological inhibitor of Raf kinases.

His current work focuses on using proteomics for the functional mapping of cellular signalling pathways, in particular the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway, including for instance the identification of downstream targets of Raf-1 signalling in situ. This work has resulted in expertise in various biochemical purification strategies for multiprotein signalling complexes, functional assays for their components, and computer simulation of their dynamic behaviour.

Born and educated in Austria, Prof Kolch worked extensively in both the US and Germany before moving to the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in Glasgow in 1998. He was appointed Professor of Molecular Cell Biology at the University of Glasgow in 2000. 

Prof Kolch is also a highly successful manager of research projects and was the lead applicant in the successful funding application which led to the establishment of the Sir Henry Wellcome Functional Genomics Facility (SHWFGF) at the University of Glasgow in 2001.

He sits on the Scientific Advisory Boards of Definiens and Mosaiques; two companies with a strong focus on proteomics, and is a partner in the FP6 EU project "Interaction Proteome" which combines the leading European experts in the largest proteomics grant ever awarded by the EU.  

Professor Walter Kolch's work is all about understanding the principles of cancer growth and transformation; and in particular, of signal transduction pathways, or intercellular channels of communication. This is the means by which the messages are passed which control the functions of normal cells and cause serious diseases such as cancer when gone awry.

His work with Raf/kinase pathways is groundbreaking and his research laboratory in Glasgow is one of only a very few worldwide which uses proteomics for the functional study of signalling pathways. Yet Prof Kolch says he came to research almost by accident.

Having started his medical training with the intention of becoming a paediatrician, Prof Kolch accepted a short term post at the National cancer Institute in Maryland in the US and ended up staying for five years.

"I learned there that research was hugely rewarding" he says, "And, although I have worked extensively within the pharmaceutical industry, I like the academic research environment better. It provides greater scope for taking an idea from the very beginning all the way through."

This is certainly true of his work with Raf/kinase pathways; the signalling pathways at inter-cellular level which have been identified as active in 30% - 50% of all human cancers.

Prof Kolch's team have carried out extensive research into what these pathways do, and the specific mechanisms by which they operate, in order to explore how they might be better used in cancer therapies. Working in tandem with clinicians at the world-renowned Beatson Institute in Glasgow, Prof Kolch's team explores the growth of tumours and metastases (secondary tumours) to improve understanding of why and how cancers spread.

Prof Kolch says, "Such pathways exist within all cells and are organised like little assembly lines of proteins. Each receives information, processes it and sends it on to other protein complexes."         

"My work lies in finding ways to break down the "hardware" so that we can better understand the mechanisms for the transportation of messages. By such means, we hope to find ways to manipulate these pathways for clinical benefit in cancer patients."

Prof Kolch readily acknowledges that an essential part of modern scientific research is teamwork and that his base in the West of Scotland places him at the forefront of biochemistry and signal transduction research/proteomics in Europe. 

Not least among the advantages, is an £11.5m BBSRC & EPSRC grant made in 2005 for the development of Proteomics Technologies over a six year period. This is a joint project, involving researchers from three Scottish Universities, in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.

"This project and major grant funding recognise the huge expertise that currently exists in biochemical and proteomics research in Scotland" he says, "There are many first class teams working closely together across a range of disciplines to find better understanding of, and treatments for, prevalent diseases including cancer, heart disease and chronic inflammation."

And of his extended stay in Scotland Prof Kolch says he has found a home which suits both his lifestyle and his work. "I have found Scotland to be immensely welcoming" he says.

"I like the warmth and openness of the people in the West of Scotland. It isn't always easy to get used to the weather - but it's very easy to like the people."

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