Dr Helen E Berry

Profile

I joined the University pf Leeds as the University Academic Fellow in Cardiovascular Regenerative Therapies & Devices within the School of Biomedical Sciences in 2015.

I obtained my PhD from the University of Leeds in 2000 (thesis title: Cell mediated immunity to microbial heat shock proteins and propionibacterium acnes in acne vulgaris) before undertaking postdoctoral appointments at the University of Leeds (2000-2006), working on the "Tissue Engineering a Living Heart Valve" and  “Tissue Engineering Pericardial Patches for Cardiovascular Repair” projects.

I then spent a significant period of time (2007-2015) within the medical technology industry, leading the Research and Development team integral to gaining regulatory approval for the first decellularised product launched by the University Spin-Out Company, Tissue Regenix Ltd.

Responsibilities

• HTA Person Designated

Research interests

Bioprocessing, Sterilisation and Elucidating the Mechanisms Underpinning the Immunomodulation and Regenerative Properties of Acellular Scaffolds

The research at the University of Leeds on the "Tissue Engineering a Living Heart Valve" and “Tissue Engineering Pericardial Patches for Cardiovascular Repair” projects led to the development of a decellularisation process for porcine heart valves and pericardium.  The regenerative potential of these acellular scaffolds was demonstrated in vivo, and insight was gained on the role of macrophages in the regenerative process.  Successful commercialisation of the decellularisation technology and continued collaborative research generated new acellular scaffolds, and insight into cell signalling mechanisms occurring at the acellular scaffold-tissue interface was gained.  Although, clinical use has been achieved for these acellular technologies; questions remain over the key drivers behind their regeneration into functional tissue.

My research focus is therefore on elucidating the mechanisms of immunomodulation and tissue regeneration in acellular scaffolds for cardiovascular repair and replacement, in conjunction with investigating translational issues such as bioprocessing and sterilisation methods.  Clinical success can be built upon by defining the mechanisms of action, and functional tolerances for natural matrix modification, to provide insight for new scaffold development; whilst targeted bioprocessing methods and integrated sterilisation strategies will increase the opportunity for the applied research to be translated into clinical practice.

Qualifications

• PhD (Division of Microbiology, University of Leeds)
• BSc (Hons) Microbiology (University of Leeds

Research groups and institutes

• Cardiovascular
• Tissue Engineering