Prof Chris Schofield

Chris Schofield came to Oxford from Manchester University to carry out D. Phil studies on the synthesis and biosynthesis of antibiotics (supervised by Prof Jack Baldwin). He was subsequently a Departmental Demonstrator, University lecturer and is now a Professor of Chemistry and Fellow of Hertford College.The research of his group is driven by a desire to apply chemical principles and techniques to understanding biology and applying them to medicinal problems. They find this work, which is often collaborative, challenging but a very rewarding and enjoyable activity.

The group has a particular interest in enzymes, or biological catalysts, that harness the energy stored in atmospheric oxygen to carry out chemical reactions that would otherwise be near impossible. These oxygen utilising enzymes, or oxygenases, are involved in biologically and medicinally important processes ranging from penicillin biosynthesis, to signalling between plants, and in human diseases including obesity and the repair of damaged DNA.

Work in collaboration with Prof Peter Ratcliffe’s group in Clinical Medicine has led to the discovery of a family of oxygenses that act as oxygen sensors in humans and other animals. These sensing enzymes regulate the activity of a large array of genes that work to help the body adapt to a lowered oxygen availability, e.g. as occurs when we travel to altitude, or in a tumour that is rapidly growing. In addition to their basic scientific activities, the group is now working with pharmaceutical scientists to develop medicines that exploit their basic scientific work.