The ability of human stem cells (hSCs) to self-renew and differentiate into other human body cell types puts them at the forefront of progress in cellular therapies, disease modelling and drug discovery. An area of regenerative medicine in which hSCs research is particularly driving the development of translational research is ophthalmology. Mathematical and statistical modelling is an indispensable tool in supporting these advancements, deepening our knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms of hSC behaviour and providing descriptive and quantitative tools for in-silico experimentation.

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a condition resulting from damage to the limbus (through trauma or disease), home of the limbal stem cells that repair and regenerate the corneal epithelium. Such limbic damage results in a lack of LSC availability, which impairs the ability to maintain the ocular surface and ultimately threatening the vision of the patient.

In this project we are working with leading consultant ophthalmologist Prof Francisco Figueiredo, a pioneer of limbal stem cell transplant therapies, and Prof Majlinda Lako, expert stem cell scientist, to develop mathematical tools to assist in the diagnosis of LSCD. Though sophisticated image analysis techniques, we aim to identify resilient indicators of corneal epithelial health, and success of transplant intervention, before ultimately developing an all-encompassing software package, to be of use to ophthalmologists for the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of LSCD patients.

Research team: Patrick Parkinson (PhD candidate), Dr Irina Makarenko, Prof Anvar Shukurov, Prof Majlinda Lako and Prof Francisco Figueiredo.