Developmental Biology Unit
Part of the Neurosciences and Mental Health theme
Our mission is to further develop
our research strength in the biology of development and regeneration and
facilitate the transfer of basic biological advances into the clinical
environment.
Over the last few years, modern advances in
molecular and cellular biology have had significant impact on medical
practice. New methods have become available for prenatal diagnosis, and
future possibilities are opening up for birth defects prevention and
therapy.
Much attention within the Unit is currently focused
on the possibility of treating inherited conditions and traumas using
cell therapy.
The Unit currently comprises three teams
conducting independent yet complementary
- research programmes into
- biology of neural stem cells and osteoprogenitors
- molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal development
- response to neural damage
Historical note: In the early ’90s the
Institute of Child Health embarked upon a major expansion of its
research programme in order to facilitate the transfer of basic
biological advances into the clinical environment. One key initiative in
the expansion was the creation of the Developmental Biology Unit,
originally headed by the late Professor Peter Thorogood (1947-1998), as a
major research discipline at the Institute to complement existing
strengths in basic science and clinical research.
Page last modified on 20 mar 11 09:17
