Robert Leeming Email & Phone Number

International expert on pteridine metabolism. Principal achievementsWith the late Dr V Melikian showed how synthetic folic acid is metabolised in the liver to form 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid using bio-autographic/chromatographic technology.Created several new techniques including one of the most sensitive for measuring biopterin derivatives assisted by funding from the Medical Research Council. Another is the method for measuring 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid which is still much in use worldwide.Published some of the first biochemical measurements on inherited tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency as a cause for a devastating variant of phenylketonuria and set up an international screening service and reference/research centre for defects in tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism.Showed links between folate and tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism, particularly in the central nevous system.Published extensively over fifty years in peer reviewed journals and lectured widely on the symposium circuit.Following an early appointment in Nigeria, developed an interest in vocational education in Africa and followed that in later years in Zimbabwe.Now officially retired but still intellectually active and publishing/advising.MPhil, PhD (Chemistry) DSc (Health & Life Sciences) FRCPath FRSB

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  Leeds Modern School