Skin Models
Research around skin models within the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models occurs in several schools and institutes across Queen Mary University of London.
In particular, The Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research (CBCR) in the Blizard Institute is a world-leading centre for skin science. Research within the CBCR ranges from fundamental studies on skin physiology and disease pathogenesis, to clinical and translational dermatology. Likewise, the faculty include an interdisciplinary mix of scientists, engineers, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Major research themes include the genetic basis of skin disease, skin cancer, epidermal barrier function, hair follicle biology, wound healing, and tissue regeneration.
The CBCR has a strong emphasis on human-based research and the development of advanced in vitro models of human skin. Bi-layered human skin equivalents, consisting of both dermal and epidermal components, have been used to uncover essential mechanisms of genetic skin diseases, squamous cell carcinoma, epidermal barrier function and ageing. We also have leading research in ex-vivo culture methods for human hair follicles and glands, and lead the Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence, funded by Animal Free Research UK. In addition, work with the CREATE Lab aims to establish new biofabrication methods for next-generation skin models, and on-going research focuses on the development novel bioinks and 3D bioprinted models of human skin.
Beyond underpinning science, the research groups working on skin models actively collaborate with a number of different pharmaceutical and consumer health companies, and the various skin models have provided powerful experimental platforms for the development of new therapies and healthcare products.
People
- Prof John Connelly
Theme Lead for Skin Models
Professor of Bioengineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Kieran Bates
Lecturer in Microbiome Science, Queen Mary University of London - Prof Cleo Bishop
Professor of Senescence, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Diana Blaydon
Non-clinical Lecturer, Blizard Institute - Dr Claire Bourke
Lecturer/Research Fellow, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Matthew Caley
Senior Lecturer in Cell Biology, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Emma Chambers
Lecturer, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Marc Fernandez-Yague
Lecturer in Chemistry, Queen Mary University London - Prof Julien Gautrot
Professor of Biomaterials and Biointerfaces, Queen Mary University of London - Prof David Kelsell
Professor of Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London - Prof Lou Metherell
Professor of Endocrine Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Ryan O'Shaughnessy
Reader in Cell Biology, Queen Mary University of London - Prof Daniel Pennington
Professor of Molecular Biology and Centre Lead for Immunobiology, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Marco Pensalfini
Lecturer in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Queen Mary University of London - Dr Ines Sequeira
Senior Lecturer / Group Leader, Queen Mary University of London