Project title
Identification of the molecular function of p75 Neurotrophin Receptor mediated signalling pathway in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Profile Summary:
Having completed a BSc in Biosciences (I) at CCCU (2016) I managed to gain a place on a PhD here, under the supervision of Dr. Athina Mylona and Dr. Cornelia Wilson.
I carry out my PhD part-time in Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park, Sandwich. My work aims to bring a better understanding on how neurotrophin signalling pathway is involved in CD271+ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation.
MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types including osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myocytes and adipocytes.
p75 Neurotrophin Receptor (p75NTR), also known as CD271, is a neurotrophin receptor that binds all four neurotrophins: NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4, with low affinity. Furthermore p75NTR characterises a distinct population of mesenchymal stem cells. The role of this receptor has been previously described in detail during neural development. However, its role in osteo and chondro–genesis has not been investigated in full detail yet.
The interest of this research is to elucidate the mechanism of p75NTR activity in the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.
Manipulating the current population of mesenchymal stem cells for homing and rapid differentiation towards bone and cartilage will bring clinical benefit to those suffering from bone fractures or cartilage damage by shortening the recovery process. This can greatly improve the pathology and quality of life for the individuals suffering from bone and cartilage conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or impaired osteogenesis.
This project incorporates a strong element to benefit drug discovery and academia. This research project is conducted in collaboration with Levicept Ltd, a UK based biotechnology company with interest in drug discovery and improvement of treatment for osteoarthritis suffering population. Levicept developed LEVI-04 (p75NTR-Fc), a novel, safe and efficacious biological therapy for the treatment of chronic pain in osteoarthritic patients.
The other half of my time I spend it supporting Undergraduate Individual Study Projects as Research Technician in the Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park.
Other External Activities
STEM Ambassador for Chemistry at Work and Big Bang Fair.