Research
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.
Research Interest 1
My research interests are on the application of stem cells for the repair and regeneration of tissues which have become damaged by trauma or disease and the development of protocols for the translation of these cell therapies into clinical use.
I am the academic lead for the Anertior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Pre-clinical Spoke for the UK Regenerative Medicine Platform for Acellular Technologies.
Research grants
Development of a medical device to support the delivery of cell therapies in surgery
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2016 - September 2017
Regenerative medicine platform in theraputic delivery ACL pre-clinical spoke
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2016 - March 2018
2014 allocation - Wellcome ISSF non clinical fellowships
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
May 2015 - October 2018
An autologous stem cell therapy to enhance anterior cruciate ligament repair following surgical reconstruction
HIGHER EDUCATION FUND COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND (UK)
December 2015 - April 2016
Bench fees - Tahani Talea N ALRehaili - 201670941
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA CULTURAL BUREAU IN LONDON (UK)
November 2023 - October 2027
Bench Fees for Ehdaa Yousef I Ali (201623070)
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA CULTURAL BUREAU IN LONDON (UK)
January 2023 - January 2025
Bench fees - Maryam Saad D Alotaibi (201772012)
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA CULTURAL BUREAU IN LONDON (UK)
November 2023 - October 2027
Lina Zaripova - Bench fees
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN (KAZAKHSTAN)
September 2016 - August 2020
Bioprocessing methods to maintain the viability of osteochondral allograft tissue used in cartilage regeneration surgeries.
HIGHER EDUCATION FUND COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND (UK)
March 2017 - June 2017
201551427 Mrs Batool Ali M Alghamdi
ROYAL EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA CULTURAL BUREAU IN LONDON (UK)
February 2022 - January 2026
Maestro Pro multiwell microelectrode array for the University of Liverpool electrophysiology suite: Cell physiology meets high throughput.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2023 - June 2024
Japan Partnering Award: The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus; networks and mathematical models
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
June 2019 - June 2024
Engineering ligamentous/ tendon tissue for rotator cuff repair.
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
November 2014 - March 2018
YEAR 1 (part2) Wellcome Trust ISSF Non-Clinical Fellowships
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2012 - March 2023