Regeneration and reconstruction of different parts of the eye have already been demonstrated through to therapies within the clinic, including by our own group (limbal stem cell therapy for the cornea).
Our aim is to develop and support research from the basic science in our laboratories to patients within the clinics in St Paul’s Eye Unit (Royal Liverpool University Hospital), with whom we have an established long-term partnership.
Research areas
Limbal stem cell therapy for corneal disease
We have developed an animal product free culture system for human limbal stem cells that has already been used successfully in clinical trials. We have also developed an in vitro model to understand corneal epithelial differentiation from pluripotent stem cells. We are currently investigating the homeostasis of the ocular surface.
Corneal endothelial cell replacement for corneal endothelial failure
Corneal endothelial (CE) cells prevent the cornea from becoming waterlogged and hazy. We have identified PET cells (Progenitor cells of the Endothelium and Trabeculum) and are using these to develop a tissue-engineered approach to produce corneal endothelial sheets for transplantation in corneal endothelial failure.
Conjunctival cell replacement for conjunctival scarring diseases
The conjunctiva protects the surface of the eye. The conjunctival epithelium becomes irreversibly destroyed by inflammatory, neoplastic conditions and traumatic injury. We have identified stem cell-rich areas of the conjunctiva, and are developing substrates with differing physical properties to address a range of transplantation requirements.
Trabecular meshwork regeneration for glaucoma
The trabecular meshwork is the main outflow pathway in the eye and it is affected in glaucoma. We are investigating how PET cells (Progenitor cells of the Endothelium and Trabeculum) in the posterior limbus of the eye can be used in cell replacement strategies for the trabecular meshwork.
Sub-retinal cell transplantation for retinal diseases
Age-related macular degeneration is the main cause of irreversible vision loss in people of 65 years and older. We are researching how to implant a differentiated, functioning monolayer of pigment epithelial cells using an artificial membrane creating a tissue engineered construct. We have particular expertise in the biomaterials aspects of this work.
Key investigators
Our key investigators include stem cell biologists, biomaterials experts and clinicians.
- Dr Carl Sheridan
- Professor Rachel Williams
- Dr Kevin Hamill
- Professor Stephen Kaye
- Professor Ian Grierson
- Dr Victoria Kearns
- Dr Hannah Levis.
Cross-disciplinary collaborators
- Professor Simon Harding (Clinical Trials)
- Professor Colin Willoughby (Eye Genetics)
- Mr Vito Romano (Corneal fellow, St Paul’s)
- Professor Yalin Zheng (Imaging)
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (GMP work)
- NHS Blood and Transplant.
Our funders
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSCRC)
- Fight for Sight
- International Glaucoma Association
- Guide Dogs for the Blind
- Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness
- The Ulverscroft Foundation
- Brian Mercer Charitable Trust
- The Macular Society
- The NC3Rs.
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