Dr Elizabeth Laird DipStat(Open), BSc, PGCertHE, PhD, FHEA

Type I collagen is the major structural component of vertebrate tissues. Abnormal homotrimeric type I collagen is resistant to enzymatic breakdown, alters the biophysical properties of collagen fibrils and is associated with age-related degenerative diseases and fibrosis.

Research projects:
"The role type collagen (I) homotrimer in reparative dentinogenesis" (2021-2025). DDSc (Professional Doctorate in Dental Science) research project: Nora Almunaifi.

“The regulation of collagen (I) homotrimer synthesis and its role in musculoskeletal dysfunction.” (2017-21). MRC Research Grant (Principal Investigator). Post-doctoral Research Associates: Dr Katie Lee, Dr Hala Dhowre.

“Identification of cytokines that drive progression of fibrosis in Dupuytren’s disease: therapeutic opportunities with biologics.” (2018-21). Arthritis Research UK Invited Research Award (Principal Investigator). Post-doctoral Research Associate: Dr Emma Beamish.

“Computational modeling of type I collagen synthesis to investigate age-related tissue fibrosis and tissue degeneration.” (2017-21). BBSRC NLD DTP PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Emily Johnson.

“Epigenetic regulation of collagen synthesis.” (2017-20) International PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Sahem Alkharabsheh.

“Inflamm-ageing and tissue homeostasis: how does the inflammatory mediator TGF-beta regulate the synthesis of degradation-resistant type I collagen?” (2014-18). The MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA) PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Jade Gumbs.

“Deciphering the protein ‘fingerprint’ in Dupuytren’s Disease.” (2016-18). The Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel Trust, Minor Medical Grant. MRes student: Gabriella Cooper.

“Collagen (I) homotrimer in age-related fibroses and tissue degeneration: evaluation as a stem cell biomarker.” (2012-2016). MRC New Investigator Research Grant (Principal Investigator). Post-doctoral Research Associate: Dr Kate Williamson.

Type I collagen is the major structural component of vertebrate tissues. Collagen fibrils comprising arrays of collagen molecules adopt tissue-specific arrangements that delineate tissue mechanics and function. Understanding the structure and composition of collagenous tissues is necessary to direct tissue-engineering approaches for these tissues.

Research projects:
"Computational analysis of musculoskeletal development and ageing". (2020-2024). PhD project: Mike Jones.

“Bioengineering the corneal stroma.” (2016-19). Crossley-Barnes PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Danielle O’Loughlin.

“Bioreactors for engineering 3D musculoskeletal tissues: how does mechanical stimulation affect collagen synthesis?” (2016-19) Institute PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Adam Janvier.

“A descriptive study of the ultrastructure of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon.” (2012-15). International PhD studentship (secondary supervisor): Dr Othman Ali.

“The molecular and cellular differences between tendons and ligaments.” (2011-2015). MRC/Institute PhD studentship (secondary supervisor): Dr Yalda Ashraf-Kharaz.

“A systems biology approach to musculoskeletal tissue engineering: transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of cartilage and tendon cells” (2010-2015). BBSRC targeted priority PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Alan Mueller.

Projects in this area utilize DNA methylation analyses, transcriptomics and proteomics to determine how cellular phenotype may be altered by environmental influences.

“Nutritional modulation of epigenetic signatures of musculoskeletal ageing.” (2018-21). CIMA PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Daniel Green.

“Tendon and ligament stem cells and their niche.” (2013-17) The Marjorie Forrest bequest PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Katie Lee.

“Investigating the effects of glucose exposure on synoviocytes and chondrocytes as a model for musculoskeletal ageing.” (2012-17). CIMA PhD studentship (primary supervisor): Dr Luke Tregilgas.