03 March 2021
The Garrod Award is presented to a scientist from a non-clinical background who has demonstrated distinguished contribution to our specialty. This year’s winner is Dr Matteo Vecellio, a Versus Arthritis Career Development Fellow from the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS) at the University of Oxford. Described by Professor Paul Wordsworth as “an outstanding contributor to basic scientific research in ankylosing spondylitis”, here we talk to Dr Vecellio about his award win.
Congratulations on your award – how do you feel?
It’s an honour to be awarded the Garrod prize. It’s one of the most recognised prizes in the UK for rheumatology, so I knew it was competitive. My win was unexpected. The Garrod award might be in my name, but it’s not just me, it’s recognition for the whole team. I feel incredibly proud.
Tell us more about yourself
I received my PhD in Translational and Molecular Medicine in 2012 from the University of Milan. Then I spent a year at the Goethe University in Frankfurt before joining the team at NDORMS in 2013 working with Professor Wordsworth. I’m 3.5 years into my 5-year Versus Arthritis career development fellowship. The charity has been incredibly supportive of my career and my research.
What does your research cover?
In the last few years, I've developed an exciting programme of technical innovation and investigation that has allowed me to explore the mechanisms underlying the genetic association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the RUNX3 gene.
I’ve been involved in several publications, including the first original paper investigating the functional genetic association of RUNX3 with AS. Since that first paper, we’ve been expanding on our findings and our approach is applicable to other genetic associations in the rheumatology-musculoskeletal diseases field.
My work has helped develop the knowledge of RUNX3 and the association with AS. It’s identified new potential pathogenic pathways that appear to be crucial in the regulation of the gene. This is an important step in the development of new drugs for AS and may also have widespread implications for other polygenic rheumatic diseases.
What made you apply for the award?
My colleague Dr Liye Chen, who won the award two years ago, encouraged me to apply. He said that I fulfilled the criteria and urged me to try, so I have him to thank for this. Prof Wordsworth is a mentor to me and supported my submission. He’s been incredibly encouraging, always driving our team forward and allowing us to grow. I can’t thank him enough.
What impact will this award have on your work?
This award gives me recognition for my work and validates that I’m heading in the right direction with my research. We’re a small team so this award is positive for all of us. I hope that the recognition of this award will help us collaborate further with other teams and reflect well on future funding submissions. It’s a prestigious honour and I know that it has helped previous winners to propel their research careers.
What’s next for you?
We’re working on uncovering the mechanism of the RUNX3 gene. We’re submitting a new manuscript around a combined approach of immunology and functional genomics. It’s a brand-new approach to look at the pathways involved in the regulation of specific genes. If we can identify them, we can target them for future therapy.
In terms of the team, our next step is to gain a project grant. More funds will help us to build the team and increase the value of the work that we do.
Read our other interviews with the winner of the Michael Mason award, Dr Neil Basu and the winner of the Young Investigator award, Dr Varvara Choida.