Biotherapeutics
Research carried out within this theme spans research the use of biologics as therapeutic agents through to cell-based approaches for therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications. There is a particular focus on macromolecule delivery (Prof Richard Guy, Prof Randy Mrsny), prediction of their absorption (Dr Nikoletta Fotaki), anti-infectives (Dr Albert Bolhuis, Dr Andrew Watts) and regenerative medicine (Dr Paul De Bank, Dr Giordano Pula and Prof Melanie Welham). Members of this theme are also involved in a number of associated research activities, including ReMedDes (Prof Richard Guy, Prof Randy Mrsny) and the interdisciplinary Bath Centre for Regenerative Medicine (Dr Paul De Bank, Prof Melanie Welham).
Research groups within this theme are supported by a range of sources including research councils (BBSRC, EPSRC and MRC), the European Commission, Stem Cells for Safer Medicines and a number of commercial sponsors.
α-Fetoprotein staining (green) of hepatocyte-like cells derived from embryonic stem cells.
Latest research highlights
In the area of regenerative medicine, Welham is pioneering studies into the use of small molecules to direct the differentiation of embryonic stem cells to generate specific cell types. A particular focus is to generate functional hepatocyte-like cells from embryonic stem cells. In collaboration with Prof David Tosh (Biology & Biochemistry) the team has discovered a novel route to chemically direct stem cell differentiation to hepatoblasts that represent immature liver cells (see Bone et al., (2011) J. Cell Sci. 124: 1992-2000). These studies are being extended, supported by funding from Stem Cells for Safer Medicines and a recently awarded grant from the MRC (£873K), joint with University of Edinburgh.
Within ReMedDes, a new effort has begun to examine physical and chemical stressors on proteins and peptides following subcutaneous (SC) injection. This work is establishing a unique in vitro model and novel technologies to examine SC injection sites in vivo. The studies being performed are funded by University of Bath HEIF investment fund, EPSRC, and through research collaboration with an industrial partner. These studies complement some of our recently published work involving sustained delivery of an angiogenic factor (see Daugherty et al., (2011) Eur. J. Pharm. Biopharm 78: 289-97).
Members
- Prof Melanie Welham (lead) – Stem cell biology; control of cell fate; signalling
- Dr Paul De Bank – 3D cell culture; tissue engineering
- Dr Albert Bolhuis - Antimicrobials
- Dr Nikoletta Fotaki - Prediction of absorption; pharmacokinetics; PBPK modelling
- Prof Richard Guy - Biomembrane transport
- Prof Randy Mrsny - Epithelial cell biology
- Dr Giordano Pula - Endothelial progenitor cells
- Dr Malcolm Watson - Lung inflammation
- Dr Andrew Watts - Chemical biology of anti-virals
