Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Wound healing is a complex process which involves interaction between cell surface molecules, the extracellular matrix and regulation of cell signalling and cell migration. There are 4 key phases in the healing process; haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and scar formation and remodelling. In order to rebuild the damaged tissue there needs to be an adequate blood supply to provide necessary oxygen and nutrients to the wound, making angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) of particular importance to the healing process. We have generated a chimeric protein made up of domains of the extracellular matrix protein vitronectin (VN) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which stimulates skin cell proliferation and migration, two key aspects of wound healing. bFGF has been regarded for many years as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, and for this reason we believe the VN:bFGF chimera may also stimulate angiogenesis to accelerate wound healing. This project will explore the effects of the VN:bFGF chimera in the proliferation and migration of isolated endothelial cells from human skin, as well as blood vessel-like tube formation in an angiogenesis sprouting assay. In addition, the project aims to incorporate the isolated endothelial cells into 3D human skin equivalent models and assess the ability of these models to generate capillary networks in response to treatments with the VN:bFGF chimera. Finally, the VN:bFGF chimera will be explored as a possible supplement to enable the serum free culture of isolated endothelial cells for use in clinical applications.
- Study level
- PhD
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
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Please contact the supervisor.
Dr Derek Van Lonkhuyzen
Professor Zee Upton
