Epigenetic strategies to re‑express tumour suppressor genes and enhance chemotherapeutic responses; and evidence‑based design and analysis of pharmacology assessments.

Dr Orla Barry 

Dr. Barry’s research focuses on cancers with few treatment strategies and with no significant improvement in overall survival rate, namely, oesophageal cancer. The paucity of therapeutic options and associated morbidity has led vital research for new therapeutic strategies. Research on epigenetic gene silencing and on epigenetic drug-induced re-expression of tumour suppressor genes (using DNA methyl transferase inhibitors & histone deacetylase inhibitors) may influence future optimal treatment strategies and predict responses in oesophageal cancer patients. Furthermore, research supports the use of a polytherapy approach combining epigenetic drug priming with traditional cytotoxic drugs or immunotherapies potentially improving the effectiveness of treatment for this challenging disease.

Dr. Barry’s research contributes to the promotion of evidence-based teaching, learning and assessment practices to enhance student learning and success in the discipline of Pharmacology. Designing appropriate assessments is essential in driving student learning. Current research studies involve analysing the language of assessment including both the processing- and knowledge demands within a wide range of pharmacology assessments across multiple programmes. Carefully designed assessments and shared understanding of what assessment demands entail are key requirements for proper alignment with educators’ intentions and student’s needs.

Publications:

• Róisín Kelly-Laubscher, Caoimhe C. Flaherty, Lea Herzel, Órla P. Barry. Deciphering the language of assessment in pharmacology summative written assessments. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, 2025; DOI: 10.1002/prp2.70116.
• Andrea Pignatelli-Espejo, Róisín Kelly-Laubscher, Órla P. Barry. Exploring the knowledge demands of a pharmacology assessment using Legitimation Code Theory. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2025; 996: 177411. DOI:  10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177411
• Róisín M. Cassidy, Sharon L. McKenna, Órla P. Barry. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity of epigenetic drugs in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.  European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences. 2023; 5(2): 25-36. DOI:  10.24018/ejmed.2023.5.2.1618
• Carol O’ Callaghan, Liam J. Fanning, Órla P. Barry.  Hypermethylation of MAPK13 Promoter in Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Associated with Loss of p38δ MAPK Expression. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7(4): 2124-2133. DOI: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000000156
• O'Callaghan C, Fanning LJ, Barry OP. p38δ MAPK phenotype: an indicator of chemotherapeutic response in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs.  2015; 26(1): 46-55. DOI: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000000156

Ph.D/Postgrad projects:

• Harnessing the power of epigenetics to augment chemotherapy and immunotherapy in oesophageal cancer.
• Exploring the language of assessment including both processing and knowledge demands of pharmacology assessments.

I welcome enquires from students interested in discussing MSc or PhD opportunities and post-doctoral researchers wishing to join the research group. If you have ideas for collaborations on existing work or would like to discuss your own research interests then there are a number of PhD studentships, Postdoctoral fellowships and other funding schemes available which I am more than happy to discuss this with you in the first instance by email O.Barry@ucc.ie