We are interested in understanding the mechanisms that regulate T cell activation in disease, particularly cancer, and health. This encompasses analysis of T cell receptor signalling pathways and cellular metabolism. We use a combination of in vivo transgenic and knockout mouse models and in vitro cellular and molecular immunology approaches.
Elisabeth has a long-standing expertise in using muscle cells (smooth, skeletal, cardiac) in culture to study biological and disease related questions often using microscopy-based readouts. This knowledge together with her understanding of the cytoskeleton and the cell biology of muscle cells has enabled her to maximally employ artificial environments in a culture dish to get…
Professor Liu’s lab focuses on the development of the neural crest cell population. Undifferentiated neural crest cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transformations (EMT), migrate from the neural tube, and populate distant destinations. These cells display incredible plasticity, giving rise to diverse tissues ranging from bone and cartilage to adipocytes and neurons. Persistence of this multipotent population into…
Professor Grigoriadis is a cell biologist interested in how bone and cartilage tissues are formed during embryonic development and in the post-natal remodelling skeleton, and how deregulated molecular mechanisms drive metabolic bone disease, in particular skeletal cancers.
We are particularly interested in uncovering signal transduction pathways from growth factor receptors controlling the actin cytoskeleton, which drives plasma membrane protrusion at the leading edge of migrating cells
His current research interests lie at the intersection of cellular biophysics and tissue mechanics. He combines fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, mathematical modelling and optogenetics to discover the principles governing collective cellular behaviours. By reconstructing complex tissues dynamics from the bottom up, he aims to reveal how individual cells shape emergent behaviours, and how we can…
A key focus of his research is the application of electronic structure methods to understand and predict materials properties.
The skin architecture and biomechanics change dramatically in aging, wound repair and scarring, yet most insights come from traditional histology and disconnected molecular biology. State-of-the-art, label-free, analytical techniques (e.g. X-ray and Raman scattering) provide biomechanical and chemical tissue characterisation. Small and wide angle X-ray scattering can reveal nanoscale structural features, crystallisation, and biomineralisation phenomena. Novel…
Understanding how human neurons transition from axonal elongation to synaptic establishment is critical for modelling neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. This project combines Biomolecular Engineering (synthetic membrane channels and synaptogenic proteins) with Biomaterial Engineering (micropatterned growth substrates) to address the Programmable Microenvironments challenge area. We will engineer Artificial Synaptic Cells (ASCs) incorporating synthetic membrane channels and…
This PhD project aims to engineer sustainable nanofiber scaffolds from alternative proteins for advanced mucosal tissue generation. Using electrospinning and surface modification, we will create biocompatible, adhesive scaffolds that support fibroblast growth and differentiation, forming a collagen-rich matrix. Co-culturing fibroblasts with mucin-producing epithelial cells will enable the development of a self-generating artificial mucosa, mimicking the…