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Biography
Sept. 2015-Aug 2019 Associate Professor in Stem Cell Biology Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham
Aug. 2014-Aug. 2015 Leverhulme Trust International Research Fellow Dept. of Medical Biochemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden
June 2013-Sept. 2015 Reader in Stem Cell Glycobiology, University of Manchester Honorary NHS Researcher, Materials Science Centre, School of Materials.
August 2011- June 2013 Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Materials, University of Manchester, Honorary NHS Researcher, Materials Science Centre, School of Materials.
March 2006-July 2011 Lecturer in Biomedical Materials, University of Manchester Honorary NHS Researcher, Materials Science Centre, School of Materials.
March 2004-March 2006 Research Fellow, University of Manchester Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital Research Centre
Jan 1999-March 2004 Post Doctoral Research Associate, University of Manchester Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital Research Centre. Supervisor: Professor John Gallagher
Sept 1995-Jan 1999 PhD student University of Manchester Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital Research Centre
I lead a lively, dynamic, interdisciplinary research group that is discovering previously unknown mechanistic regulation of cell behaviour by glycans in health and disease and, more broadly, the role of the pericellular matrix in controlling cell behaviour.
To do this, we create stem cell-based tools and novel 3D culture environments that now support large collaborative research projects in cancer and inherited rare disease modelling.
I currently sit on the board of NC3Rs and I'm delighted to support various of their activities including hosting a series of international online sessions discussing alternatives to animal-derived matrices see more on this here and recently, a focused event to discuss the move towards non-animal derived antibodies for commercial and academic users.
Publications over the past 5 years have included the first report of defects in an enzyme of the heparan sulphate pathway in humans (HS2ST) as well as multiple in vitro models for glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. In partnership with local colleagues, we continue to develop of a novel glycan analysis method which is transforming the detection of glycosaminoglycans in situ and in patient sourced materials.
Continuing the strong international theme of my research, I have been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Uppsala University and now hold a 20% position with them. I have initiated new collaborations with Australia, Malaysia, Denmark and the USA, encouraging others in Nottingham to share these valuable relationships. I continue to be invited to present our work at international conferences and have been elected by my peers to chair our most significant meeting (GRC) in 2026, as well as co-chairing the 2024 Biochemical Society Harden Conference. I have been lead author for the Proteoglycans and Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans chapter of the primary textbook in my area as well as contributing to collections that highlight the rapid progress within the glycosaminoglycan field
Expertise Summary
We have specific expertise in methods for the structural and functional analysis of glycosaminoglycans, in particular heparan sulphate. We have a variety of cell-based tools (KOs/OE lines) and data associated with these which we are keen to share with collaborators.
We also have expertise in 3D in vitro modelling, in particular self-assembling peptide hydrogels. Part of this work is now being commercialised (Peptimatrix) but we are still keen to collaborate on academic applications of these materials.
Teaching Summary
I apply experience and knowledge of innovative teaching methods and examination strategies to invigorate teaching practice. I teach on the popular Translational Technologies for Stem Cells module.… read more
Research Summary
Current research within the Stem Cell Glycobiology Group has two major themes. One is the investigation of the structure/function relationships of the pericellular matrix in controlling cell… read more
Related to my own research, I have developed a commercialisation strategy that currently focuses on two key areas; the development of hydrogels for in vitro 3D culture, and an analytical method able to discriminate between glycosaminoglycans at previously undetectable levels.
The hydrogel work has been pursued using the BBSRC ICASe programme. On the back of positive progress, we were recently successful in the linked Innovate UK funding round and will be spinning-out our company, Peptimatrix in 2023. This will provide new opportunities for commercial collaboration as well as a great opportunity for a previous PhD student from my group (Dr. John Curd) who has developed an strong entrepreneurial skill set.
The ToF-SIMS analytical work has now been further developed to link with the ORBI-SIMS platform at UoN, with great success. Dr Andrew Hook and I have a patent filed and have used EPSRC IAA funding to develop a network of potential customers. We will look to commercialise this soon. This area is also in high demand for academic / clinical collaborations and is supporting multiple grant applications.
A major part of the NHIP initiative is around supporting KE and developing potential spinouts and licencing opportunities. I have developed new links with the KE office at UoN as well as the Hayden Green Institute, the Business School and others in order to make this as effective as possible. UoN nurtures researchers from a diverse array of backgrounds, innovating and providing solutions to challenges from within their faculties and schools. NHIP provides a mechanism to harness that creativity and focus it on providing solutions to unmet clinical need across a diverse range of clinical settings
I apply experience and knowledge of innovative teaching methods and examination strategies to invigorate teaching practice. I teach on the popular Translational Technologies for Stem Cells module. Starting in 2022 I established and convene the ONCG4026 module which is for 4th year MSci Cancer Sciences students during their placement year. This includes support, guidance and the submission of a placement proposal.
I additionally teach on: BIOS4122 (Animal Biotechnology), ONC3002 (Tumour Microenvironment) - including co-running workshops and practical sessions and ONC4012 (Cell, Developmental and Molecular Biology)
I use my experience of flipped teaching, to support the contributing lecturers to provide an inclusive teaching experience that's high-quality, tailored to student needs, reflects the interdisciplinary and translational space covered by the modules I convene and the specialist lectures I teach, and provide a positive experience for the student journey.
I have supported over 28 PhD students, focusing on high quality 'big' research with impact on human health and disease. I often co-supervise, providing support in my specialist areas of 3D models of disease, matrix biology and glycosaminoglycans. Again, my experience in support of students working in the translational/interdisciplinary space is valuable in ensuring a positive student experience
I support staff professional development to improve our grant success rate and to help staff fulfil their career goals. I have linked up with research and development leads from across the University to run training relevant for interdisciplinary researchers, using BDI as a hub to support initiatives across the University
Current Research
Current research within the Stem Cell Glycobiology Group has two major themes. One is the investigation of the structure/function relationships of the pericellular matrix in controlling cell behaviour and the other is in the use of in vitro 3D cell culture models. Often, these combine. We support many co-supervised studentships with collaborators within as well as outside of the UoN, working on modelling fibrosis, cancer and early development as well as developing new tools for the analysis and structural characterisation of glycosaminoglycans.
Understanding the role of glycosylated matrices in early development
Developmental events such as somitogenesis, a segmentation process that gives rise to vertebrae and skeletal muscles, rely on interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM). These processes are generally studied in vivo using genetically modified mouse embryos isolated from pregnant mice that have been killed specifically for this purpose. When studying developmental processes in vitro, Matrigel is often used to provide matrix components, including proteins and sugars. Matrigel is derived from mouse tumours. Its components are not precisely defined and there is significant batch-to-batch variation. These limitations hamper the widespread use of in vitro models, such as gastruloids, 3D aggregates of embryonic stem cells, from being taken up to replace the use of mice for studying developmental events that require ECM. With NC3Rs funding, we have previously developed synthetic hydrogels that support 3D culture for multiple cell types. These hydrogels are adaptable and various proteins and sugars can be added to replicate the components found in the ECM. A PhD student, Stephanie Barnard-Khan will now work with the SCG group and Dr David Turner, a former NC3Rs-funded David Sainsbury Fellow, to combine the hydrogle technology with the use of gastruloids as part of her NC3Rs-funded PhD (https://www.nc3rs.org.uk/our-portfolio/exploring-role-matrix-encapsulation-early-developmental-decisions-using-non-animal).
Novel approaches to the creation of cultured meats
This work is a collaboration with Prof. Neil Thomas in the School of Chemistry and Prof. Ramiro Alberio from Biosciences. Using Prof. Ramiro's recent breakthroughs in the isolation of stem cells from cattle and combining these with hydrogels functionalised using methods developed by Prof. Thomas. A BBSRC DTP student, Charlotte Knight is currently working on this project.