Skin Models

Research around skin models within the Centre for Predictive in vitro Models occurs in several schools and institutes across Queen Mary University of London.

In particular, The Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research (CBCR) in the Blizard Institute is a world-leading centre for skin science.  Research within the CBCR ranges from fundamental studies on skin physiology and disease pathogenesis, to clinical and translational dermatology.  Likewise, the faculty include an interdisciplinary mix of scientists, engineers, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons.  Major research themes include the genetic basis of skin disease, skin cancer, epidermal barrier function, hair follicle biology, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. 

The CBCR has a strong emphasis on human-based research and the development of advanced in vitro models of human skin.  Bi-layered human skin equivalents, consisting of both dermal and epidermal components, have been used to uncover essential mechanisms of genetic skin diseases, squamous cell carcinoma, epidermal barrier function and ageing.  We also have leading research in ex-vivo culture methods for human hair follicles and glands, and lead the Animal Replacement Centre of Excellence, funded by Animal Free Research UK.  In addition, work with the CREATE Lab aims to establish new biofabrication methods for next-generation skin models, and on-going research focuses on the development novel bioinks and 3D bioprinted models of human skin.

Beyond underpinning science, the research groups working on skin models actively collaborate with a number of different pharmaceutical and consumer health companies, and the various skin models have provided powerful experimental platforms for the development of new therapies and healthcare products.