Dr Rachel Oldershaw BSc, PhD

Research Overview

My research interests are focused on understanding how metabolic regulation determines the reparative and immunomodulatory function of stem cells, how metabolic networks are altered in disease and ageing, and how this knowledge can be used to advance stem cell therapies. I work across multiple tissue systems, including musculoskeletal, ocular and cardiac using in vitro models from pluripotent and tissue-derived stem cell populations. I am also have an active clinical research programme in collaboration with Aintree Hospital, which is focused on improving diagnostic and rehabilitation pathways following lower limb injury. Active projects include:

Replacement of animal use in measuring cardiomyocyte response to drug safety profiling using a novel NMR metabolomics technology.

Evaluation of adult stem cell differentiation in the trabecular meshwork of the eye as a regenerative medicine approach for Glaucoma using novel polymer 3D scaffolds.

Functional analysis of bone marrow and cardiac-derived stem cells and their potential to affect cardiac repair.

Influence of underlying matrix on induced pluripotent and adult stem cell differentiation and integration of trabecular meshwork cells.

Investigating the role of mesenchymal stem cells in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The immunomodulatory properties of limbal mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) – a novel cell source for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Investigating age-related biochemical changes in the neuromuscular junction using an induced pluripotent stem cell model.

Defining the role of the mitochondria and biochemical signalling pathways in drug-induced bone toxicity.

Investigating biochemical and bioenergetic changes in stem cells in response to inflammatory disease phenotype.

Development and characterisation of a novel induced pluripotent stem culture system that models modulation of pain in musculoskeletal tissues.

Arthrometry and Clinical Tests for Diagnosing ACL Tears; Clinical Trial NCT05416632.

Reliability and Validity of Inline Dynamometry Study for Measuring Knee Extensor Torque; Clinical Trial NCT109871.

Do Patients With ACL Tears Demonstrate Weakness of the Soleus Muscle?; Clinical Trial NCT06235736.