Andrew Sayce
Andrew was a Clarendon Scholar who completed a DPhil in biochemistry in the Zitzmannlab. His work focussed on the mechanism of action of iminosugars as anti-viral therapeutics with an emphasis on dengue virus. In addition to direct reduction of virus, certain iminosugars modulate the host response to acute viral infection providing an additional benefit for a broad spectrum therapeutic. Andrew investigated the interplay of these modes of action in order to inform upcoming clinical trials.
Prior to joining the Zitzmann group, Andrew obtained two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in biochemistry and the other in genetics from Clemson University in South Carolina. While at Clemson, he worked with Prof. Jim Morris investigating the differential regulation of hexokinases in Trypanosoma brucei. Andrew also worked in the lab of Prof. David Erle at the University of California San Francisco on a project to identify microRNA elements responsible for interleukin-13 mediated allergic responses.
When not in the lab, Andrew spent much of his time rowing. In 2013 he was a member of the Oxford University Lightweight Blue Boat that defeated Cambridge and rowed for the Pembroke College 1st VIII that bumped Oriel to gain the Summer VIIIs Headship.
