Abstract
Skin is our most important protective barrier that is constantly exposed to injuries. Abnormal skin repair affects over 100-milion people yearly and currently there are no effective therapies to treat fibrotic scarring. Notably, in mammals including humans, neonatal skin regenerates with minimal scarring in contrast to adult skin. We have shown that the repair response of the main skin-cells (fibroblasts) which produce extracellular matrix (ECM) differ in regenerating and scarring wounds [1,2]. Using state-of-the-art mechano-structural imaging, the student will investigate the ECM biophysics determining fibroblast behaviour in regenerating skin, with an unprecedented molecular resolution which will enable new anti-scarring therapies.
References
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