Translating basic research into treatment
The University of Manchester has remarkable multidisciplinary expertise in the area of regenerative medicine, spanning activities across the whole institution.
Our vision is to exploit this research excellence, multidisciplinary capability and translational strength to deliver new or improved therapies for a number of diseases, and facilitate the repair and regeneration of tissues and organs following injury or ageing.
Strengths
Our strengths as a university include bioengineering, biomaterials and tissue engineering, stem cells, developmental biology, cell-matrix biology, inflammation and immunity, wound healing and cell/gene therapies.
We address unmet clinical needs through the following themes:
- regenerating musculoskeletal tissues;
- renal tract regeneration;
- developing therapies for stroke and nerve repair;
- regenerative cardiovascular tissues;
- disease modelling for drug and therapeutic development;
- enhancing acute and chronic wound healing;
- advancing gene/cell therapies for heritable and acquired diseases.
Clinical links
Our ultimate aim is to translate our world-leading basic research into clinical or commercial application for public and patient benefit. Through working with clinical colleagues and commercial collaborators, we have initiated first-in-man trials for novel therapies and established spin-out companies to develop new treatments for significant clinical problems.
Featured projects
See a selection of current research projects, which aim to make a positive impact on health and disease both nationally and globally.
The University of Manchester to host TERMIS EU in 2020
Dr Stephen Richardson has led a successful bid to host the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) European Chapter meeting at Manchester Central, 26-29 May 2020. Conference co-chairs will include Professors Sue Kimber and Sarah Cartmell. The award reflects the University’s growing international reputation in the field.
Translating a novel synthetic polymer nerve conduit to human scale
This NIHR i4i funded study, led by Dr Adam Reid an Honorary Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, attempts to develop a solution for faster and improved quality of peripheral nerve repair using a specialised biodegradable nerve conduit. Injuries to peripheral nerves are common, debilitating and affect a young and working population, with significant socio-economic impact.
Muscular dystrophy
Professor Giulio Cossu and his team are conducting a Wellcome Trust supported first-in-human clinical trial aimed at testing safety and efficacy of autologous, genetically corrected mesoangioblasts upon delivery to muscles of patients affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy
Professor Brian Bigger and his team are developing a novel stem cell gene therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPSIIIB) which is a devastating genetic disease that affects the central nervous system. At present there is no cure and patients do not typically survive past their late teens.
The University of Manchester cleanroom facility
The University’s cleanroom facility offers a MHRA licensed environment for the GMP manufacture of cellular IMPs, ATMPs, gene therapies and specials, as well as acellular medical devices for use in first-in-human clinical trials. The cleanroom provides a translational service from the research laboratory into the clinic.
Featured researchers
Dr Neil Roberts
Kidney Research UK Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Neil works on the bladder disease urofacial syndrome to understand the aetiology of the disease and design new methods of treatment and tissue repair. Urofacial syndrome is a rare inherited disorder characterised by an abnormal facial expression and obstructive disease of the urinary tract.
Professor Alberto Saiani
Professor of Molecular Materials and EPSRC Research Fellow
Over the past decade, Alberto’s group has developed a technological platform for the design of functional 3D scaffolds for cell culture and tissue engineering applications. His materials are used in a range of applications from cell differentiation and drug delivery to 3D printing. His work has led to the creation of start-up business PetiGelDesign Ltd to commercialise some of his materials.
Dr Sarah Herrick
Senior Lecturer and School of Biological Sciences PGT Director
Sarah’s research focus is peritoneal biology, where she has contributed to our understanding of tissue regeneration and adhesion formation. Current research is highlighting the role of surface mesothelial cells in fibrotic response to injury linked to peritoneal dialysis, surgery and infection.
Professor Enrique Amaya
Professor of Tissue Regeneration
Enrique is investigating the mechanisms responsible for tissue formation, repair and regeneration in amphibians and fish. His group recently identified sustained ROS production as a pro-regenerative signal by facilitating cell proliferation and growth factor signalling in regenerating tissues.
You can also browse related research within the Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine via the University's research explorer.
Training and education
We are strongly committed to the training and education of our future scientists.
Our principal investigators work on flagship programmes within the Faculty:
- EPSRC and MRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Regenerative Medicine
- MRes Tissue Engineering for Regenerative Medicine
Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network
This network brings together biologists, material scientists, bioengineers and clinicians in order to translate basic biological research into viable clinical therapies.
Building on Manchester’s critical mass of world-leading researchers and excellent reputation, we are breaking down the barriers between life, clinical and material sciences to enable strategic multidisciplinary grant bids which will help basic scientists move their projects into clinical protocols.
Contact us
Co-Director
Co-Director, Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network, Head of Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine
Co-Director
Co-Director, Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network
Email: Sue.kimber@manchester.ac.uk
Administrator
Email: Jo Crawshaw