Professor Janet Hapgood

Professor Janet Hapgood PhD (UCT)

Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science.

Professor Hapgood's field is broadly in intracellular molecular mechanisms of action of steroid receptors, in particular the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Research is focused on ligand-selectivity, regulation of gene expression as well as cross talk between steroid receptors and other signalling pathways, which allows functional integration between stress, reproduction and immune function. This research is conducted in the broad context of reproduction, inflammation, contraception and infectious disease, in particular HIV-1. Different progestins are used in contraception. MPA, widely used as an injectable contraceptive in Sub-Saharan Africa, has been reported in observational clinical studies to increase HIV-1 acquisition, unlike another injectable contraceptive NET-EN. The Hapgood lab is investigating the molecular basis for this difference. Broadly, the lab is investigating the mechanisms and effects on immune function and HIV-1 pathogenesis of different progestin contraceptives via the GR, as well as cross talk between the GR and other receptors, and the role of the unliganded GR. The effects of different progestins via different steroid receptors, as well as their metabolism, are also being investigated. Reciprocal modulation of progestins and ARVs is another area of interest, with a view to choice of combination therapies to inhibit both HIV-1 acquisition and pregnancy. The work on HIV and contraceptives is highly relevant to women’s choice of contraception in areas of high risk of HIV-1 infection in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa in particular.

Key area of expertise: Intracellular molecular mechanisms of action of steroid receptors; the glucocorticoid receptor, in the broad context of reproduction, inflammation, contraception and infectious disease, in particular HIV-1.

Selected publications:

See publications and profile on Research Gate.

Contact details:

Room 428, Level 4
Dept of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Upper Campus
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch 7701
South Africa

Tel:   +27 21 650 5976
Fax: +27 21 650 1861
Email: janet.hapgood@uct.ac.za

Alternate site: 

Group Members:
 

Collaborations:

A/Prof Donita J. Africander, Dept of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University
Dr Charles Morrison, FHI 360, North Carolina, USA
Dr Pai-Lien Chen, FHI 360, North Carolina, USA
Dr Karl Storbeck, Dept of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University
Dr Léanie Kleynhans, Dept of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University
Dr Mandisa Singata-Madliki, Co-Director Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand
Prof Zephne van der Spuy, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital
Dr Michele Tomasicchio, Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, Dept of Medicine, UCT
Prof Justus Hofmeyr, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals; Effective Care Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand; Dept Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Botswana
A/Prof Jenni Smit, MatCH Research Unit, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Mags Beksinska, MatCH Research Unit, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of the Witwatersrand