Michael McDermott

Profile

I am a group leader in Experimental Rheumatology. My group studies molecular mechanisms of responses to biologics and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid arthritis obtained a primary medical qualification from the National University of Ireland in 1976 and became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (Ireland) in 1981. From 1980 to 1988 I trained as a Clinical Rheumatologist in Ireland, France and the USA.

I was Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University, USA from 1986-1989 and from 1990-1991 a Chercheur de Haut Niveau at Inserm, France. During 1992-1994 I was a Visiting Scientist, at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), at the National Institute of Health (NIH), U.S.A and from 1994-2004 I was a non-clinical Reader in Molecular Medicine Unit, Queen Mary’s School of Medicine, University of London. I obtained a Doctor of Medicine degree from University College Dublin in 2005. My current position is Professor of Experimental Rheumatology, in the NIHR-Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (NIHR-LMBRU), Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM) (2004 to present). Msc in Molecular Medicine. Code MEDM5121; "Immunity and Disease" Module.

Biomedical Sciences (Genes + Inherited Diseases) Innate immunity, epigenetics, UPR, ROS, RA, CINCA Professor of Experimental Rheumatology Research

Study of the genetic basis and mechanisms of impaired response to biologics therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, with particular emphasis on innate immunity and epigenetics. The role of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways in the pathogenesis of RA and treatment response to biologics-based therapies. Functional and genetic studies of autosomal dominant recurrent fevers, particularly in relationship to the tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and Muckle-Wells Syndrome/familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (MWS/FCAS).

Responsibilities

• Group leader in Experimental Rheumatology.
• Tutor to MSc students
• Lead Principal Investigator (PI) The Cystic Fibrosis Trust Strategic Research Centre, Leeds

Research interests

Study of the genetic basis and mechanisms of impaired responses to biologics therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, with particular emphasis on innate immunity and epigenetics.

The role of the unfolded protein response and reactive oxygen species pathways in the pathogenesis of RA and treatment response to biologics-based therapies.

Functional and genetic studies of autosomal dominant recurrent fevers, in relationship to the tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and Muckle-Wells Syndrome/familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (MWS/FCAS).

Interactions between mesenchymal stromal cells, synovial fibroblasts and innate immune cells in the pathogenesis of RA. 

The unfolded protein response (UPR) and NLRP3 inflammasome as therapeutic targets in Cystic Fibrosis & Cystic Fibrosis associated arthritis (CFAA).

 https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/research/research-we-are-funding/strategic-research-centres/src-9-mcdermott-joint

Qualifications

• MB BCH BAO (primary medical degree) 1976
• MRCPI (specialist diploma, internal medicine) 1981
• DMed (University College Dublin, Ireland) 2005 (Title thesis ‘Autosomal Dominant Recurrent Fevers
• Fellow of the College of Physicians of Ireland (FRCPI) 2021

Professional memberships

• British Society for Rheumatology (BSR)
• Irish Society for Rheumatology (ISR)
• Affiliate member of Royal College of Physicians (RCP, London)

Student education

I teach on MSc course in molecular medicine.  

Between 2003-2021 I have been principal supervisor of 11 PhD students and one MD student, as well as being co-supervisor of another PhD student; all students were awarded PhD or MD degrees.

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Immunity and inflammation
• Musculoskeletal disease