Nicholas Forsyth

Biography

Professor Nicholas Forsyth (Nick) is the Dean of Research for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Professor of Stem Cell Biology in the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, and Interim Director for the Institute of Global Health (from Jan ’22). Nick studied at Glasgow University gaining a BSc (Hons) (Upper Second Class) Molecular Biology in 1997 before a PhD Molecular Genetics (2000) (at the CRUK Beatson Institute) under the supervision of Prof E. Ken Parkinson. After his PhD studies he performed his first postdoctoral studies at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, TX, USA under the mentorship of Prof Jerry Shay and the late, Prof Woody Wright (2000-2004). He then moved back to the UK and joined the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh completing his training under the mentorship of the late Dr Jim McWhir (2004-2006).

In 2006 Nick joined Keele University as a Lecturer in Stem Cell Biology. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2009, to Reader in 2013 before being awarded his Chair in 2015. In 2016, as Professor of Stem Cell Biology, he was appointed as Director of the Research Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine (ISTM). After successfully driving the merger of ISTM with the School of Pharmacy to form a new education/research vehicle; School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Nick was appointed to be the first Dean of Research in the FMHS.

Institutional leadership

2019 – present Faculty REF2021 Lead
2016 – 2021 REF2021 Unit of Assessment 12 - Lead
2019 – present Dean of Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
2018 - present Faculty Research Committee – Chair
2017 – 2020 University Council Nominations Committee
2016 - present Faculty Executive Board – Member
2016 – present Human Tissue License #12349 – Designated Individual
2016 – 2020 University Council – FMHS Senate representative
2016 – 2019 Director – Research Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine
2014 – present University Senate
2014 – 2016 Associate Director – ISTM
2012 – 2016 Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine – Research Theme Lead
2007 – present University Biological Safety Advisor
2006 – 2012 Officer for Human Tissue License 12349

Editorial board membership

Frontiers in Physiology – Review Editor “Oxidant Physiology” section. 2021 - present
Stem Cells International – Lead Guest Editor – “Repairing the Interface: Regenerative Tendons.” 2020
Frontiers Cell and Developmental Biology – Topic Editor “The Development of New Classes of Hypoxia Mimetic Agents for Clinical Use”. 2019
Stem Cells International – Lead Guest Editor – “Regenerative Medicine Approaches for Lung Tissue Regeneration". 2019
Sci – 2018 to present
Stem Cells Discovery – 2011 to present
Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology – 2015 to present
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders – 2014 to present (Associate Editor)
International Journal of Stem Cell Therapy – 2014 to present
Medical Engineering and Physics – 2013 – present (Associate Editor)
World Journal of Stem Cells – 2010 to 2018

Other activities/roles

Research Awards Committee Chair – North Staffordshire Medical institute (2018 – present)
Council member/Trustee – North Staffordshire Medical Institute (2012 – present)
Keele Co-ordinator – Mercia Stem Cell Alliance (2008 - 2020)
Tissue and Cell Engineering Society - Member (2006 - present), Council Member (2015 – present), Treasurer (2021 – present)
TERMIS – Member (2008 - present)
The 2016 Tissue Engineering Congress – Advisory Panel (2015)
EPSRC College – Full member (2016 - present), Fellowship Panel Member (2019, 2022)
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO) – Expert Panel ((bio)medical & health sciences) (2018 – 2021)
Fellow of Royal Society of Biology (2018 – present)
European Research Council Panel Expert (2018 – present)
European Commission FP7, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe – Reviewer (2016 – present) and Panel member (2018, 2019, 2022)
UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship - Peer Review College – (2018 – present)
British Council – Newton Fund Reviewer – (2018 – present), Newton Prize Reviewer (2019 – present)
Italian Ministry for Education, University and Research – Expert Review Panel (2018 – present)
European Science Foundation – College of Expert Reviewers (2018 – present)
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) European Chapter Meeting Manchester 2020 – Scientific Advisory Board
Qatar National Research Fund – Peer Review Panel Member (2021 – present)

Research and scholarship

The Forsyth lab has a long-term focus on determining the biological responses of in vitro cultured stem and somatic cells when exposed to physiologically approximate oxygen concentrations (2-5% O2) vs. the hyperoxic air oxygen (21% O2) culture systems in routine application. Our long-standing hypothesis is that by better understanding cell behaviours in these settings we can better exploit their biology for differentiation and signalling. Our work lies within the regenerative medicine field covering both stem cell biology (driven by the principle outlined above) and tissue engineering.

Broadly speaking our research agenda lies across three interconnected areas; stem cell biology, musculoskeletal, and respiratory.

Stem cell biology

We have provided a wide range of well-cited research publications helping to evidence the importance of legitimate in vitro cell culture environments. These outputs have demonstrated transcriptional (mRNA and non-coding RNA) alterations, reduced global and promoter specific DNA methylation, altered adhesion preferences, distinct spectroscopic profiles, distinct proteomes, enhanced clonogenicity, reduced genomic aberrations, enabled differentiation, and altered secretome. We have provided a broad range of complementary publications spanning pluripotent stem cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and placental membrane-derived embryonic stem cells.

Musculoskeletal

Our focus in this area is primarily focussed on tendon and its tissue engineering, we have also provided a number of insights into chondrocyte biology. With tendon we have developed functioning tissue engineered systems and evaluated them in model systems. We continue to collaborate extensively in this field – most recently working within the Horizon 2020 P4FIT ITN EJD programme led by University of Helsinki in partnership with Teramo, Salerno, Vienna, and FAU Erlangen. A pivotal observation from our group came via the first, monolayer-based, chemically defined differentiation cocktails for pluripotent stem cells. We employ tenocytes, tendon progenitor stem cells, and tenoblasts in combination with bioreactor, biochemical, and nanomedicine approaches to drive forward our tissue engineered tendon models.

Respiratory

Our research into regenerative medicine approaches to respiratory disorders has revolved largely around Idiopathic Pulmonary Disorder and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. We have explore the utility of stem cell-based approaches to provide repair to alveolar wounds and remodelling associated with both conditions. More recently we have described isolation of distal airway stem cells and established in vitro disease modelling systems able to reflect the in situ aberrant biology. We have also embraced an ongoing challenge to identify suitability for tissue engineered pleural membranes for application in Acute Lung Injury and resultant leaks – a significant healthcare burden.

Teaching

BSc Cell and Tissue Engineering – Conceptualised and instructed development. First intake September 2021
MRes Bioengineering - Conceptualised and instructed development. First intake September 2021
MTE-40033 Cell and Tissue Engineering – MSc module lead, 2010 – 2017; 2018 - present
LSC-30028 Advances in Medicine – 2013 – present
MTE-40039 Research Training and Methodology – MSc module lead, 2017 – 2020
MTE40022 Bioreactors and Growth Conditions for Tissue Engineering – MSc module co-lead, 2010-2019
MTE-30004 Developmental Biology – Level 6 Module lead (2015 – 2017)
MTE-40028 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine – MSc module lead, 2006 – 2017
MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering - Course Director (2010-2014)

Invited positions

Guest Professor – School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China (2020 – present)
Guest Professor – School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China (2017 – 2020)
Professore a Contratto – Salerno University, Salerno, Italy (2017 – 2019)
Guest Professor – BOKU, Vienna, Austria (2016 – 2017)
Guest Professor – School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (2013 – 2015)

Further information

Current lab group members

Dr Tina Dale – Postdoctoral Scientist

Multidisciplinary background beginning with a dual Honours degree in Biochemistry and Medicinal chemistry leading to a wide-ranging interest in the Regenerative Medicine field. Previous work has focused on the musculoskeletal system including cartilage repair and tendon regeneration, and pluripotent and multipotent stem cell biology.

My current focus lies with the respiratory system, particularly on the biology of COPD, including the pathological influence of hypoxia on patient-derived cell-based models and the

potential to use regenerative medicine approaches to alleviate symptoms and to promote regeneration in COPD patients. Additionally, I am also involved in the development of in vitro pleural membrane patches to repair tissue damage and the use of mesenchymal stem cell products to modify the inflammatory tissue changes that are experienced by asthma patients.

Dr Matt Shephard – Postdoctoral Scientist

I have an Industrial CASE PhD in Stem Cell Biology from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry which involved the development of differentiation protocols for deriving functional human hepatocytes for use in early-stage drug toxicity screens. Subsequent work at the UK Stem Cell Bank concerned the refinement of automated platforms for the scale-up of human pluripotent stem cells.

Currently, my research focuses are on the development of biodegradable nanofiber substrates for cell culture applications including cell models and lab-grown meat. Other research projects include the development of freeze-drying processes for the long-term storage of functional Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.

Fatma Dogan – PhD Student

I have a BSc degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics and an MSc degree in Medical Biology and Genetics at Ege University, Izmir (Turkey). I am in my last year of PhD at Keele University supervised by Nicholas Forsyth. My project focuses on the epigenetic regulation of telomerase and the effect of different oxygen conditions. I am self-motivated and enjoy life or the science behind it.

Amy Bryne – PhD Student

After obtaining my BSc at Manchester Metropolitan in 2013, I completed my master's degree in bioscience research training at Keele University where I was lucky enough to spend 12 months in Italy (Milan) working in a research institute focusing on heparin and its non-coagulant properties, afterwards I spent 3 years working in the industry as a quality control chemist in the oil and pharmaceutical industries, before beginning my PhD in 2019 with Professor Forsyth.

My research covers a variety of areas including; immunology, stem cell biology, extra cellular vesicle isolation and characterisation, with the overarching aim of understanding how tenocytes influence the immune system. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my research and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the training I have received under Professor Forsyth's supervision.

Trisha Vikranth – PhD student

I am currently in the final year of my PhD under the supervision of Prof Forsyth. I was introduced to Prof Forsyth's research group while pursuing my MSc in Cell and Tissue engineering at Keele in 2016. I've since been very fortunate to have been included in his group as a doctoral trainee and to be mentored by Professor Forsyth himself.

My research project focuses on establishing a proof of concept for the potential application of decellularised pleural membranes in lung regenerative medicine. Following optimising and assessing the efficiency of the developed decellularisation protocol, my current work looks at characterising the cellularity dynamics of the pleural membrane scaffolds when seeded with in-house cultured primary mesothelial cells. I perform routine histology, immunophenotyping and biomechanical studies with advanced microscopy and proteomics to study the recellularised pleural membrane scaffolds.

Sara Barreto-Francisco

I have a strong background in genetics, particularly microRNA evolution and regulation, from my time at Essex University. I was also exposed to microbiology, immunology, stem cell biology and bioinformatics. For my BSc final year dissertation project, I had the unique chance to perform hypothesis-based research using the animal model Drosophila pseudoobscura. Currently, I am studying for a PhD focusing on using mass spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopy to characterise human pluripotent stem cells. I hope the research will contribute to the current understanding of the metabolism of pluripotent stem cells.

Vera Citro – PhD student

I'm a highly rational Chemical Engineer with creative impulses. After graduation, I followed my aptitude for research and obtained a master's degree in Industrial Bioengineering at the University of Naples Federico II. My aim is to implement my engineering tools in a life science context to provide novel therapeutic, diagnostic and rehabilitative solutions for healthcare. My academic record is based on the study of new materials and approaches to develop bioartificial substituents that can enable damaged tissues and organs to be repaired, replaced or even increase their function by storing their original biomechanical properties.

During my master's thesis work, I developed a strong interest in soft material mechanics. I developed mathematical and computational models of soft materials, such as skin, cartilage or tendons, to shed light on their biophysical complexity. My background has made me the perfect synthesis between technological skills and innovative vision. I have learned to select and optimize the most adequate process to successfully translate research outcomes into efficient products or devices.

The tendinopathy can be classified as the pathological change in the tendon as a consequence of its failure in the homeostatic response. Changes occurring during tendinopathy are considered a functional adaptation to three main factors: neo-vascularization via exogenous cells, altered mechanical loading and an alternative cell fate driven by abnormal response to chemical stimuli.
In tendon biology, considerable progress has been made in identifying tendon-specific genes. However, besides tendon function and the knowledge of a small number of important players in tendon biology, neither the ontogeny of the tenogenic lineage nor signalling cascades have been fully understood. For this reason, it is important to define which are the main actors in the differentiation process of the hMSC into tenocyte.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie project P4FIT will be focused on the growth factors nano-delivery to enhance stem cell /synthetic hybrid-based tendon regeneration. The aim of our research from the biological front will be to define the best and-logic system in which the signal power and its presentation cooperate at the same time to have a specific cell response.
The transcriptional differentiation is always supported by a synaptic effect related to cells capability to sense each other. In order to make this possible, we will provide adequate support to the cells, and in particular, we could improve the existing textile technologies, that actually rely on the fabrication of simple reinforcing structures, trying to obtain Composite Living Fibres not only able to support the cell adhesion but also to control, mechanically, the cell differentiation.

The final goal is to obtain a three-dimensional system capable to reproduce the native environment of a tendon, stimulating the cells from both the chemical and mechanical points of view. Particular attention should be paid to the presentation of the signals, and so on the integration, inside the scaffold, of particles delivering the preselected growth factors.

Marta Clerici – PhD student

I obtained both my Bachelor in Biomedical engineering and Master in Bioengineering at the University of Genova, Italy. My thesis work during the Bachelor was "Study of electromagnetic propagation at microwave frequencies in 3D-models of human head affected by a brain stroke". Later on, during my Master's, I moved towards drug delivery and obtained experience in encapsulation techniques. Therefore my Master thesis was focused on "Development and characterization of polyelectrolyte based microcapsules for the controlled release of drugs under ultrasound stimulation". Shortly after graduation I was hired as an R&D scientist at InoCure company where I received significant industrial experience, deepened my knowledge in regenerative medicine, and got experience working with stem cells. Also, I developed my skills working with different techniques such as: spray-drying, emulsion and nanoprecipitation methods.

P4FIT project: I’ve started my PhD in Cell and tissue engineering at Keele University and I am the ESR-11 in the P4FIT program working on “Extracellular vesicles (EVs) intelligent stem cell delivery strategy for tendon therapeutic application”. The aim of my project is to mimic the physiological mechanism of tendon formation process (tenogenesis) through the influence of bioactive molecules by using EVs functionalized 3D-scaffolds.

I will be comparing EVs from different types of stem cells (Human bone marrow MSCs and tendon derived) in different culture conditions (2D and 3D) to study their effect to instruct stem cells toward the tenogenic lineage after insertion in hydrogel.

Florencia Diaz – PhD student

Florencia is originally from Mar del Plata, Argentina, and received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. She currently pursues a doctoral project jointly with FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg's Institute of Biomaterials, in the framework of Horizon 2020 P4FIT project. Entitled 'Novel porous natural-origin polymeric patches for rotator cuff repair', it looks to use both freeze drying and porogen leaching techniques to develop natural polymer patches that can be used in the treatment of rotator cuff tears, which affects approximately 50% of all adults over the age of 60. Individual goals include testing different polymer blends in order to obtain scaffolds with optimal biochemical and mechanical properties; investigation into the use of non toxic crosslinking agents; and optimization of process parameters.

Seyma Serenglociu – PhD student

Sereflioglu graduated from Yildiz Technical University, Department of Bioengineering in 2017 as an honour student. She was accepted to the University College London, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering master's program by being awarded the Republic of Turkey government scholarship in the first place in the field of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering. After graduation with a distinction degree, she became one of the 15 early-stage researchers accepted to the P4FIT project, which is one of the Horizon 2020 MSCA-ITN projects, and started her doctorate at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Now, under the European Joint Doctorates framework, she pursue her research in our department. She worked on biomaterials production in the fields of bone, nerve and cardiovascular tissue engineering until his doctorate education and has a review article in the field of nanotechnology. Areas of interest: musculoskeletal tissue engineering, electrospinning, additive manufacturing, biopolymers, conductive polymers and nanovectors.

Project: Tissue engineering mainly aims to create biological alternatives to tissues and organs and in this regard, scaffolding has a crucial role in the three-dimensional new tissue formation to mimic the native tissue. (Nivedhitha Sundaram et al., 2019) In clinics, one of the major challenges is tendon injuries following acute trauma or physical strain due to the poor intrinsic healing capacity of tendon tissue. (Zhang et al., 2018) Tendon tissue regeneration also needs structural support closely mimicking its native architecture which is composed of fibrous bundles and has anisotropic properties. (Ma and Zhang, 2001; Nivedhitha Sundaram et al., 2019) In this direction, the project aims to produce functionalized nanofiber scaffolds by combining electrospinning and layer-by-layer deposition of bioactive molecules involved in immune-stimulation and tendon regeneration and loading with therapeutic multilayered and complex nanohybrid platforms for tendon cure. The biocompatibility, teno-inductive potential, biomechanical functionality and therapeutic activity of the functionalized nanofiber scaffold will be tested as in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies. This project belongs to the H2020 framework “Perspectives for Future Innovation in Tendon Repair” MSCA-ITN European Joint Doctorates in collaboration with the University of Keele (United Kingdom).

Ma, P. X. and Zhang, R. (2001) ‘Microtubular architecture of biodegradable polymer scaffolds’, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 56(4), pp. 469–477. doi: 10.1002/1097-4636(20010915)56:4<469::AID-JBM1118>3.0.CO;2-H.
Nivedhitha Sundaram, M. et al. (2019) ‘Chitosan hydrogel scaffold reinforced with twisted poly(L lactic acid) aligned microfibrous bundle to mimic tendon extracellular matrix’, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Elsevier B.V., 122, pp. 37–44. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.10.151.
Zhang, Y. J. et al. (2018) ‘Concise Review: Stem Cell Fate Guided By Bioactive Molecules for Tendon Regeneration’, Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 7(5), pp. 404–414. doi: 10.1002/sctm.17-0206.

Former Lab Group Members

PhD Students

Dr Alasdair Kay (2007 – 2010). Characterisation of clinically relevant cell types in an optimised hypoxic environment for isolation, expansion and chondrogenic differentiation. Keele University. Current position – Associate Lecturer, University of York, UK.
Dr Khondoker Akram (2008-2011). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: exploration of aberrant epithelial wound repair and stem cell-mediated regenerative approaches. MRC Dorothy Hodgkin Studentship. Current position – Senior Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Sheffield, UK.
Dr Sohel Samad (2010-2011). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: an exploration of mesenchymal stem cell-related paracrine effects on fibrogenesis. MPhil. Keele University. Current position – NHS Doctor.
Dr Deepak Kumar (2009-2012). Investigating the effects of oxygen tension and electrospun nanofibre topography on the adhesion of embryonic stem cells. Keele University ACORN. Current position – Translational Research Manager, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, UK.
Dr Alex Lomas (2009-2012). The combination of polyhydroxyalkanoates, collagen and stem cells for application in tendon tissue engineering. EPSRC CDT Regenerative Medicine. Current position - Innovation and Business Development Manager. Directorate of Research, Innovation & Engagement. Keele University, UK.
Dr W. Richard Webb (2009-2012). Novel stem cell and PHBHHx approaches to tendon repair. EU FP7 IRSES HYANJI SCAFFOLD. Current position – Research Scientist, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK.
Dr Tina Dale (2011-2015). An exploration of stem cell suitability for cartilage repair. EPSRC CDT Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Senior Postdoctoral Scientist, Keele University, UK.
Dr Buthainah Al-Azzawi (2013-2016). A role for the human mesenchymal stem cell secretome in attenuation of cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Associate Professor, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq.
Dr Marwan Merkhan (2013 – 2017). Defining a role for the mesenchymal stem cell secretome in inflammatory response suppression. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Lecturer, University of Mosul, Iraq.
Dr Mohammed Al-Zubaidi (2014 – 2017). Human Stem Cell Metabolomics; Headspace Volatile Gas Analysis as an Indicator of Self-Renewal and Differentiation Status. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position - Assistant Professor, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
Dr Muhammad Ahmad (Alkataan) (2014 – 2017). Exploring the impact of hypoxia mimetic agents on multipotent stem cell biology. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Assistant Professor, University of Mosul, Iraq.
Dr Rakad Al-Jumaily (2014-2018). Molecular cytology of hypoxic cancer and stem cells. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Assistant Professor, University of Baghdad, Iraq.
Dr Jessica Bratt (2015 – 2019). Developing an alveolar model to test the regenerative potential of placental membrane. EPSRC CDT Regenerative Medicine. Current position - Key Account Manager for Nikon UK Instruments, UK.
Dr Zaid Younis (2015 – 2019). Design and fabrication of hydrogel scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration. MOSHER PhDs in Regenerative Medicine. Current position – Assistant Professor, University of Mosul, Iraq.
Dr Maximillian Wood (2016 – 2017). An Exploration of the Effect of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome on Pancreatic Beta Cells. MPhil, Keele University. Current position - ST1 [Specialty training year one] doctor.
Dr Liyun Chen (2016 – 2019). Exploring the effects of gestational diabetes on placental membrane derived stem cells. Keele University ACORN. Current position - Postdoctoral Researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, USA.
Dr Ana (Hati) Kyoseva-Dunn (2016-2021. A novel scaffold for cell-based lung tissue engineering. Current position – Teaching Fellow, Aston University, UK.

Postdoctoral Scientists

Dr Wafaa Al Tameemi (2018 – 2019)
Dr Karen Hampson (2007 – 2009). Current position - Head of Delivery: Transformation - Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Amiq Gazdhar (2008 - 2009). Current position - Group leader, Senior Scientist (Department of Pulmonary Medicine), Inselspital Universitätsspital Bern

Research Assistants

Param Mohan Singh Cheema (2009-2011)
Sanya Gupta (2010 – 2013)
Jane McKinnon. (2011 – 2013). Current position -Research Scientist. Biocomposites. Keele Science Park, UK
Shazia Mazher (2014-2016). Current position –Analytical Development Scientist. Replimune, Oxford, UK
Emily Borg D'Anastasi. (2016 – 2018). Current position - Account Manager at DBLX.
Michael Santer (2018 – 2020). Current position –Sterility Technician, Merck Sharp Dohme, UK

Selected Publications

Dale TP, Santer MD, Haris M, Zuo W, Forsyth NR. 2023. Hypoxic conditions promote a proliferative, poorly differentiated phenotype in COPD lung tissue progenitor cells in vitro. Exp Lung Res, 1-15. link> doi>
Shephard MT, Merkhan MM, Forsyth NR. 2022. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Driven T Cell Immunomodulation Is IL-10 Dependent. Int J Mol Sci, vol. 23(21). link> doi> full text>
Monaco G, Qawasmi F, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR, Stoddart MJ. 2022. Chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs in osteochondral implants under kinematic mechanical load is dependent on the underlying osteo component. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 998774, vol. 10. link> doi>
Ebrahim N, El-Halim HEA, Helal OK, El-Azab NE-E, Badr OAM, Hassouna A, Saihati HAA, Aborayah NH, Emam HT, El-Wakeel HS, Aljasir M, El-Sherbiny M, Sarg NAS, Shaker GA, Mostafa O, Sabry D, Fouly MAK, Forsyth NR, Elsherbiny NM, Salim RF. 2022. Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes on diabetes-induced retinal injury: Implication of Wnt/ b-catenin signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother, 113554, vol. 154. link> doi>
Lamparelli EP, Ciardulli MC, Giudice V, Scala P, Vitolo R, Dale TP, Selleri C, Forsyth NR, Maffulli N, Della Porta G. 2022. 3D in-vitro cultures of human bone marrow and Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stromal cells show high chondrogenic potential. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 986310, vol. 10. link> doi> full text>

Full Publications Listshow

Journal Articles

Dale TP, Santer MD, Haris M, Zuo W, Forsyth NR. 2023. Hypoxic conditions promote a proliferative, poorly differentiated phenotype in COPD lung tissue progenitor cells in vitro. Exp Lung Res, 1-15. link> doi>
Shephard MT, Merkhan MM, Forsyth NR. 2022. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Driven T Cell Immunomodulation Is IL-10 Dependent. Int J Mol Sci, vol. 23(21). link> doi> full text>
Monaco G, Qawasmi F, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR, Stoddart MJ. 2022. Chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs in osteochondral implants under kinematic mechanical load is dependent on the underlying osteo component. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 998774, vol. 10. link> doi>
Ebrahim N, El-Halim HEA, Helal OK, El-Azab NE-E, Badr OAM, Hassouna A, Saihati HAA, Aborayah NH, Emam HT, El-Wakeel HS, Aljasir M, El-Sherbiny M, Sarg NAS, Shaker GA, Mostafa O, Sabry D, Fouly MAK, Forsyth NR, Elsherbiny NM, Salim RF. 2022. Effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes on diabetes-induced retinal injury: Implication of Wnt/ b-catenin signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother, 113554, vol. 154. link> doi>
Lamparelli EP, Ciardulli MC, Giudice V, Scala P, Vitolo R, Dale TP, Selleri C, Forsyth NR, Maffulli N, Della Porta G. 2022. 3D in-vitro cultures of human bone marrow and Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stromal cells show high chondrogenic potential. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 986310, vol. 10. link> doi> full text>
Hoang DM, Pham PT, Bach TQ, Ngo ATL, Nguyen QT, Phan TTK, Nguyen GH, Le PTT, Hoang VT, Forsyth NR, Heke M, Nguyen LT. 2022. Stem cell-based therapy for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther, 272, vol. 7(1). link> doi>
Younus ZM, Roach P, Forsyth NR. 2022. Acrylamide-based hydrogels with distinct osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential. Prog Biomater, 297-309, vol. 11(3). link> doi> full text>
Dogan F, Aljumaily RMK, Kitchen M, Forsyth NR. 2022. Physoxia Influences Global and Gene-Specific Methylation in Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci, vol. 23(10). link> doi> full text>
Chen R, Ahmed MA, Forsyth NR. 2022. Dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG), a Hypoxia Mimetic Agent, Does Not Replicate a Rat Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Cell Biological Response to Reduced Oxygen Culture. Biomolecules, vol. 12(4). link> doi> full text>
Dale T, Santer M, Haris M, Zuo W, Forsyth N. 2022. Hypoxic conditions promote a proliferative, poorly differentiated, and pro-secretory phenotype in COPD lung tissue progenitor cells in vitro. doi>
Dogan F, Al Jumaily RK, Kitchen M, Forsyth N. 2022. Physoxia influences global and gene-specific methylation in pluripotent stem cells. doi>
Barreto S, Al-Zubaidi M, Dale T, Worrall A, Kapacee Z, Kimber S, Sulé-Suso J, Forsyth N, Rutter A. 2022. Physiological Oxygen Causes the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells with Possible Roles in Maintaining Self-Renewal and Pluripotency. doi> full text>
Fadayomi I, Sari S, Kitchen M, Reynisson J, Forsyth N, Li W-W. 2022. Sesquiterpene Lactones Modulated DNA Methylation through Inhibition of DNMTs in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine, Article 100074, vol. 3. doi> link> full text>
Kay AG, Treadwell K, Roach P, Morgan R, Lodge R, Hyland M, Piccinini AM, Forsyth NR, Kehoe O. 2021. Therapeutic Effects of Hypoxic and Pro-Inflammatory Priming of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Inflammatory Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci, vol. 23(1). link> doi> full text>
Thanh LN, Nguyen H-P, Ngo MD, Bui VA, Dam PTM, Bui HTP, Van Ngo D, Tran KT, Dang TTT, Duong BD, Nguyen PAT, Forsyth N, Heke M. 2021. Outcomes of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with interventional education for autism spectrum disorder (Vol 10, pg 14, 2021). STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE, 1721, vol. 10(12). link> doi>
Merkhan MM, Shephard MT, Forsyth NR. 2021. Physoxia alters human mesenchymal stem cell secretome. Journal of Tissue Engineering, Article 204173142110561, vol. 12. link> doi> link> full text>
Ebrahim N, Badr OAM, Yousef MM, Hassouna A, Sabry D, Farid AS, Mostafa O, Saihati HAA, Seleem Y, Abd El Aziz E, Khalil AH, Nawar A, Shoulah AA, Aljasir M, Mohamed AZ, El-Sherbiny M, Elsherbiny NM, Eladl MA, Forsyth NR, Salim RF. 2021. Functional Recellularization of Acellular Rat Liver Scaffold by Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Molecular Evidence for Wnt/B-Catenin Upregulation. Cells, vol. 10(11). link> doi> full text>
Kay AG, Treadwell K, Roach P, Morgan R, Lodge R, Hyland M, Piccinini AM, Forsyth N, Kehoe O. 2021. THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF HYPOXIC AND PRO-INFLAMMATORY PRIMING OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL-DERIVED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES IN INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS. doi> link> full text>
Fadayomi IE, Johnson-Ajinwo OR, Pires E, McCullagh J, Claridge TDW, Forsyth NR, Li W-W. 2021. Clerodane Diterpenoids from an Edible Plant Justicia insularis: Discovery, Cytotoxicity, and Apoptosis Induction in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells. Molecules, vol. 26(19). link> doi> full text>
Ebrahim N, Al Saihati HA, Shaman A, Dessouky AA, Farid AS, Hussien NI, Mostafa O, Seleem Y, Sabry D, Saad AS, Emam HT, Hassouna A, Badr OAM, Saffaf BA, Forsyth NR, Salim RF. 2021. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with gonadotropin therapy restore postnatal oogenesis of chemo-ablated ovaries in rats via enhancing very small embryonic-like stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther, 517, vol. 12(1). link> doi> full text>
Ciardulli MC, Lovecchio J, Scala P, Lamparelli EP, Dale TP, Giudice V, Giordano E, Selleri C, Forsyth NR, Maffulli N, Della Porta G. 2021. 3D Biomimetic Scaffold for Growth Factor Controlled Delivery: An In-Vitro Study of Tenogenic Events on Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Pharmaceutics, vol. 13(9). link> doi> full text>
Dogan F and Forsyth NR. 2021. Epigenetic features in regulation of telomeres and telomerase in stem cells. Emerg Top Life Sci, 497-505, vol. 5(4). link> doi> full text>
Monaco G, Ladner YD, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR, Alini M, Stoddart MJ. 2021. Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Differentiation for Generating Cartilage and Bone-Like Tissues In Vitro. Cells, vol. 10(8). link> doi> full text>
Dogan F, Aljumaily RMK, Kitchen M, Forsyth NR. 2021. DNMT3B Is an Oxygen-Sensitive De Novo Methylase in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cells, vol. 10(5). link> doi> full text>
Lamparelli EP, Lovecchio J, Ciardulli MC, Giudice V, Dale TP, Selleri C, Forsyth N, Giordano E, Maffulli N, Della Porta G. 2021. Chondrogenic Commitment of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Perfused Collagen Hydrogel Functionalized with hTGF-β1-Releasing PLGA Microcarrier. Pharmaceutics, vol. 13(3). link> doi> full text>
Citeroni MR, Mauro A, Ciardulli MC, Di Mattia M, El Khatib M, Russo V, Turriani M, Santer M, Della Porta G, Maffulli N, Forsyth NR, Barboni B. 2021. Amnion-Derived Teno-Inductive Secretomes: A Novel Approach to Foster Tendon Differentiation and Regeneration in an Ovine Model. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 649288, vol. 9. link> doi> full text>
Dogan F and Forsyth NR. 2021. Telomerase Regulation: A Role for Epigenetics. Cancers (Basel), vol. 13(6). link> doi> full text>
Palazzo I, Lamparelli EP, Ciardulli MC, Scala P, Reverchon E, Forsyth N, Maffulli N, Santoro A, Della Porta G. 2021. Supercritical emulsion extraction fabricated PLA/PLGA micro/nano carriers for growth factor delivery: Release profiles and cytotoxicity. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 120108. link> doi> link> full text>
Mycroft-West CJ, Su D, Pagani I, Rudd TR, Elli S, Gandhi NS, Guimond SE, Miller GJ, Meneghetti MCZ, Nader HB, Li Y, Nunes QM, Procter P, Mancini N, Clementi M, Bisio A, Forsyth NR, Ferro V, Turnbull JE, Guerrini M, Fernig DG, Vicenzi E, Yates EA, Lima MA, Skidmore MA. 2020. Heparin Inhibits Cellular Invasion by SARS-CoV-2: Structural Dependence of the Interaction of the Spike S1 Receptor-Binding Domain with Heparin. Thromb Haemost, 1700-1715, vol. 120(12). link> doi> full text>
Chen L, Wang C-T, Forsyth NR, Wu P. 2020. Transcriptional profiling reveals altered biological characteristics of chorionic stem cells from women with gestational diabetes. Stem Cell Res Ther, 319, vol. 11(1). link> doi> full text>
Jones FK, Stefan A, Kay AG, Hyland M, Morgan R, Forsyth NR, Pisconti A, Kehoe O. 2020. Syndecan-3 regulates MSC adhesion, ERK and AKT signalling in vitro and its deletion enhances MSC efficacy in a model of inflammatory arthritis in vivo. Sci Rep, 20487, vol. 10(1). link> doi> full text>
Citeroni MR, Ciardulli MC, Russo V, Della Porta G, Mauro A, El Khatib M, Di Mattia M, Galesso D, Barbera C, Forsyth NR, Maffulli N, Barboni B. 2020. In Vitro Innovation of Tendon Tissue Engineering Strategies. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 21(18). link> doi> link> full text>
Liem NT, Chinh VD, Phuong DTM, Van Doan N, Forsyth NR, Heke M, Thi PAN, Nguyen X-H. 2020. Outcomes of Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cell Transplantation for Patients in Persistent Vegetative State After Drowning: Report of Five Cases. Front Pediatr, 564, vol. 8. link> doi> full text>
Nguyen Thanh L, Nguyen H-P, Ngo MD, Bui VA, Dam PTM, Bui HTP, Ngo DV, Tran KT, Dang TTT, Duong BD, Nguyen PAT, Forsyth N, Heke M. 2020. Outcomes of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with interventional education for autism spectrum disorder. Stem Cells Translational Medicine. link> doi> link> full text>
Kay A, Treadwell K, Roach P, Morgan R, Lodge R, Hyland M, Piccinini A, Forsyth N, Kehoe O. 2020. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Reduce Disease Severity and Immune Responses in Inflammatory Arthritis. doi> full text>
Ciardulli MC, Marino L, Lamparelli EP, Guida M, Forsyth NR, Selleri C, Della Porta G, Maffulli N. 2020. Dose-Response Tendon-Specific Markers Induction by Growth Differentiation Factor-5 in Human Bone Marrow and Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci, vol. 21(16). link> doi> full text>
Ciardulli MC, Marino L, Lamparelli E, Guida M, Forsyth N, Selleri C, Della Porta G, Maffulli N. 2020. Dose-Response Tendon-Specific Markers Induction by Growth Differentiation Factor-5 in human bone marrow and umbilical cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells. doi> full text>
Jones F, Stefan A, Kay A, Hyland M, Morgan R, Forsyth N, Pisconti A, Kehoe O. 2020. MSCs from syndecan-3 null mice exhibit enhanced adhesion to collagen type I, hyperactivation of the AKT pathway and increased efficacy in inflammatory arthritis. doi> full text>
Ciardulli MC, Marino L, Lovecchio J, Giordano E, Forsyth NR, Selleri C, Maffulli N, Porta GD. 2020. Tendon and Cytokine Marker Expression by Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Hyaluronate/Poly-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA)/Fibrin Three-Dimensional (3D) Scaffold. Cells, vol. 9(5). link> doi> full text>
Mycroft-West C, Su D, Li Y, Guimond S, Rudd T, Elli S, Miller G, Nunes Q, Procter P, Bisio A, Forsyth N, Turnbull J, Guerrini M, Fernig D, Yates E, Lima M, Skidmore M. 2020. Glycosaminoglycans induce conformational change in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 Receptor Binding Domain. doi>
Mycroft-West C, Su D, Li Y, Guimond S, Rudd T, Elli S, Miller G, Nunes Q, Procter P, Bisio A, Forsyth N, Turnbull J, Guerrini M, Fernig D, Yates E, Lima M, Skidmore M. 2020. SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 Receptor Binding Domain undergoes Conformational Change upon Interaction with Low Molecular Weight Heparins. doi>
Mycroft-West C, Su D, Pagani I, Rudd T, Elli S, Guimond S, Miller G, Meneghetti M, Nader H, Li Y, Nunes Q, Procter P, Mancini N, Clementi M, Bisio A, Forsyth N, Turnbull J, Guerrini M, Fernig D, Vicenzi E, Yates E, Lima M, Skidmore M. 2020. Heparin inhibits cellular invasion by SARS-CoV-2: structural dependence of the interaction of the surface protein (spike) S1 receptor binding domain with heparin. doi>
Zhou Y-Q, Shi Y, Yang L, Sun Y-F, Han Y-F, Zhao Z-X, Wang Y-J, Liu Y, Ma Y, Zhang T, Ren T, Dale TP, Forsyth NR, Jin F-G, Qu J-M, Zuo W, Xu J-F. 2020. Genetically engineered distal airway stem cell transplantation protects mice from pulmonary infection. EMBO Mol Med, e10233, vol. 12(1). link> doi> full text>
Dale TP, Borg D'anastasi E, Haris M, Forsyth NR. 2019. Rock Inhibitor Y-27632 Enables Feeder-Free, Unlimited Expansion of Sus scrofa domesticus Swine Airway Stem Cells to Facilitate Respiratory Research. Stem Cells Int, 3010656, vol. 2019. link> doi> full text>
Chen L, Forsyth NR, Wu P. 2020. Chorionic and amniotic placental membrane-derived stem cells, from gestational diabetic women, have distinct insulin secreting cell differentiation capacities. J Tissue Eng Regen Med, 243-256, vol. 14(2). link> doi> full text>
Chen L, Merkhan MM, Forsyth NR, Wu P. 2019. Chorionic and amniotic membrane-derived stem cells have distinct, and gestational diabetes mellitus independent, proliferative, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacities. Stem Cell Res, 101537, vol. 40. link> doi> full text>
Chen R and Forsyth N. 2019. Editorial: The Development of New Classes of Hypoxia Mimetic Agents for Clinical Use. Front Cell Dev Biol, 120, vol. 7. link> doi> full text>
Al Tameemi W, Dale TP, Al-Jumaily RMK, Forsyth NR. 2019. Hypoxia-Modified Cancer Cell Metabolism. Front Cell Dev Biol, 4, vol. 7. link> doi> full text>
Chen R, Lai UH, Zhu L, Singh A, Ahmed M, Forsyth NR. 2018. Reactive Oxygen Species Formation in the Brain at Different Oxygen Levels: The Role of Hypoxia Inducible Factors. Front Cell Dev Biol, 132, vol. 6. link> doi> full text>
Dale TP and Forsyth NR. 2018. Ectopic Telomerase Expression Fails to Maintain Chondrogenic Capacity in Three-Dimensional Cultures of Clinically Relevant Cell Types. Biores Open Access, 10-24, vol. 7(1). link> doi> full text>
Dale TP, Mazher S, Webb WR, Zhou J, Maffulli N, Chen G-Q, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR. 2018. Tenogenic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Tissue Eng Part A, 361-368, vol. 24(5-6). link> doi> full text>
Wright KT, McCarthy H, Forsyth N, Roberts S. 2017. 283 - Characteristics of human bone marrow mscs are sensitive to mononuclear cell separation technique and oxygen tension. Cytotherapy, S197, vol. 19(5). doi> link>
Kumar D, Lyness A, Gerges I, Lenardi C, Forsyth NR, Liu Y. 2016. Stem Cell Delivery With Polymer Hydrogel for Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: From 3D Culture to Design of the Delivery Device for Minimally Invasive Therapy. Cell Transplant, 2213-2220, vol. 25(12). link> doi> full text>
Agrawal R, Dale TP, Al-Zubaidi MA, Benny Malgulwar P, Forsyth NR, Kulshreshtha R. 2016. Pluripotent and Multipotent Stem Cells Display Distinct Hypoxic miRNA Expression Profiles. PLoS One, e0164976, vol. 11(10). link> doi> full text>
Al Azzawi B, Merkhan MM, Kelly C, Forsyth N. 2016. Mesenchymal stem cell derived products attenuate cytokine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic beta cells. DIABETIC MEDICINE, 41, vol. 33. link>
Gerges I, Tamplenizza M, Rossi E, Tocchio A, Martello F, Recordati C, Kumar D, Forsyth NR, Liu Y, Lenardi C. 2016. A Tailor-Made Synthetic Polymer for Cell Encapsulation: Design Rationale, Synthesis, Chemical-Physics and Biological Characterizations. Macromolecular bioscience. doi>
Akram K, Patel N, Spiteri M, Forsyth NR. 2016. Lung Regeneration: Endogenous and Exogenous Stem Cell Mediated Therapeutic Approaches. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 128, vol. 17(1). doi> full text>
Kumar D, Dale TP, Yang Y, Forsyth NR. 2015. Self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells on defined synthetic electrospun nanofibers. Biomed Mater, 065017, vol. 10(6). link> doi> full text>
Dale TP, de Castro A, Kuiper NJ, Parkinson EK, Forsyth NR. 2015. Immortalisation with hTERT Impacts on Sulphated Glycosaminoglycan Secretion and Immunophenotype in a Variable and Cell Specific Manner. PloS one, e0133745, vol. 10(7). doi> full text>
Patel N, Belcher J, Thorpe G, Forsyth NR, Spiteri MA. 2015. Measurement of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and neutrophil elastase in saliva of COPD patients and healthy controls: correlation to self-reported wellbeing parameters. Respir Res, 62, vol. 16(1). link> doi> full text>
Kay AG, Dale TP, Akram KM, Mohan P, Hampson K, Maffulli N, Spiteri MA, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR. 2015. BMP2 repression and optimized culture conditions promote human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell isolation. Regen Med, 109-125, vol. 10(2). link> doi> full text>
Dunphy SE, Bratt JAJ, Akram KM, Forsyth NR, El Haj AJ. 2014. Hydrogels for lung tissue engineering: Biomechanical properties of thin collagen-elastin constructs. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 251-259, vol. 38. link> doi> link>
Heathman TRJ, Webb WR, Han J, Dan Z, Chen GQ, Forsyth NR, El Haj AJ, Zhang ZR, Sun X. 2014. Controlled production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) nanoparticles for targeted and sustained drug delivery. J Pharm Sci, 2498-2508, vol. 103(8). link> doi>
Kumar D, Gerges I, Tamplenizza M, Lenardi C, Forsyth NR, Liu Y. 2014. Three-dimensional hypoxic culture of human mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in a photocurable, biodegradable polymer hydrogel: a potential injectable cellular product for nucleus pulposus regeneration. Acta Biomater, 3463-3474, vol. 10(8). link> doi>
Dale TP, De Castro A, Parkinson EK, Kuiper NJ, Forsyth NR. 2014. Immortalisation with hTERT impacts on sulphated glycosaminoglycan secretion and chondrogenic potential in a variable and cell specific manner. JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, 366, vol. 8. link>
Sulé-Suso J, Forsyth NR, Untereiner V, Sockalingum GD. 2014. Vibrational spectroscopy in stem cell characterisation: is there a niche?. Trends Biotechnol, 254-262, vol. 32(5). link> doi>
Dunphy SE, Bratt JAJ, Akram KM, Forsyth NR, El Haj AJ. 2014. Hydrogels for lung tissue engineering: Biomechanical properties of thin collagen-elastin constructs. JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS, 251-259, vol. 38. link> doi>
Dong C-L, Webb WR, Peng Q, Tang JZ, Forsyth NR, Chen G-Q, El Haj AJ. 2015. Sustained PDGF-BB release from PHBHHx loaded nanoparticles in 3D hydrogel/stem cell model. J Biomed Mater Res A, 282-288, vol. 103(1). link> doi> full text>
Akram KM, Lomas NJ, Forsyth NR, Spiteri MA. 2014. Alveolar epithelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis display upregulation of TRAIL, DR4 and DR5 expression with simultaneous preferential over-expression of pro-apoptotic marker p53. Int J Clin Exp Pathol, 552-564, vol. 7(2). link>
Pijanka JK, Stone N, Rutter AV, Forsyth N, Sockalingum GD, Yang Y, Sulé-Suso J. 2013. Identification of different subsets of lung cells using Raman microspectroscopy and whole cell nucleus isolation. Analyst, 5052-5058, vol. 138(17). link> doi>
Webb WR, Dale TP, Lomas AJ, Zeng G, Wimpenny I, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR, Chen G-Q. 2013. The application of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) scaffolds for tendon repair in the rat model. Biomaterials, 6683-6694, vol. 34(28). link> doi>
Lomas AJ, Webb WR, Han J, Chen G-Q, Sun X, Zhang Z, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR. 2013. Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)/collagen hybrid scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Tissue Eng Part C Methods, 577-585, vol. 19(8). link> doi>
Akram KM, Samad S, Spiteri MA, Forsyth NR. 2013. Mesenchymal stem cells promote alveolar epithelial cell wound repair in vitro through distinct migratory and paracrine mechanisms. Respir Res, 9, vol. 14(1). link> doi> full text>
Kumar D, Gupta S, Yang Y, Forsyth NR. 2013. αV β5 and CD44 are oxygen-regulated human embryonic stem cell attachment factors. Biomed Res Int, 729281, vol. 2013. link> doi> full text>
Lomas AJ, Chen GG, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR. 2012. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) supports adhesion and migration of mesenchymal stem cells and tenocytes. World J Stem Cells, 94-100, vol. 4(9). link> doi>
Forsyth N. 2012. Keynote: Experiences of leading a taught MSc in cell & tissue engineering. JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, 416, vol. 6. link>
Lomas AJ, Chen GQ, El Haj AJ, Forsyth NR. 2012. Mechanostimulation of human mesenchymal stem cells in PHBHHx/collagen hybrid scaffolds for tendon tissue engineering applications. JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, 46, vol. 6. link>
Kumar D, Roach P, Forsyth NR, Yang Y. 2012. Study of adsorbed proteins on nanofibrous substrates. JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, 210, vol. 6. link>
Akram KM, Lomas NJ, Spiteri MA, Forsyth NR. 2013. Club cells inhibit alveolar epithelial wound repair via TRAIL-dependent apoptosis. Eur Respir J, 683-694, vol. 41(3). link> doi>
Akram KM, Samad S, Spiteri M, Forsyth NR. 2013. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy and lung diseases. Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol, 105-129, vol. 130. link> doi>
Zhang H, Kay A, Forsyth NR, Liu K-K, El Haj AJ. 2012. Gene expression of single human mesenchymal stem cell in response to fluid shear. J Tissue Eng, 2041731412451988, vol. 3(1). link> doi> full text>
Shin E, Forsyth N, Fricker RA. Physiologic oxygen levels increase the differentiation and maturation of GABAergic neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Studies.
Shin E, Forsyth NR, Fricker RA. The effect of physiological oxygen levels on GABAergic neuronal differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Studies, 3, vol. 2(1). doi> link>
Lomas NJ, Watts KL, Akram KM, Forsyth NR, Spiteri MA. 2012. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: immunohistochemical analysis provides fresh insights into lung tissue remodelling with implications for novel prognostic markers. Int J Clin Exp Pathol, 58-71, vol. 5(1). link>
Oliva F, Gatti S, Porcellini G, Forsyth NR, Maffulli N. 2012. Growth factors and tendon healing. Med Sport Sci, 53-64, vol. 57. link> doi>
Gomes NMV, Ryder OA, Houck ML, Charter SJ, Walker W, Forsyth NR, Austad SN, Venditti C, Pagel M, Shay JW, Wright WE. 2011. Comparative biology of mammalian telomeres: hypotheses on ancestral states and the roles of telomeres in longevity determination. Aging Cell, 761-768, vol. 10(5). link> doi>
Kay A, Richardson J, Forsyth NR. 2011. Physiological normoxia and chondrogenic potential of chondrocytes. Front Biosci (Elite Ed), 1365-1374, vol. 3(4). link> doi>
Pijanka JK, Kumar D, Dale T, Yousef I, Parkes G, Untereiner V, Yang Y, Dumas P, Collins D, Manfait M, Sockalingum GD, Forsyth NR, Sulé-Suso J. 2010. Vibrational spectroscopy differentiates between multipotent and pluripotent stem cells. Analyst, 3126-3132, vol. 135(12). link> doi>
Wimpenny I, Hampson K, Yang Y, Ashammakhi N, Forsyth NR. 2010. One-step recovery of marrow stromal cells on nanofibers. Tissue Eng Part C Methods, 503-509, vol. 16(3). link> doi>
Bullough R, Finnigan T, Kay A, Maffulli N, Forsyth NR. 2008. Tendon repair through stem cell intervention: cellular and molecular approaches. Disabil Rehabil, 1746-1751, vol. 30(20-22). link> doi>
Forsyth NR, Kay A, Hampson K, Downing A, Talbot R, McWhir J. 2008. Transcriptome alterations due to physiological normoxic (2% O2) culture of human embryonic stem cells. Regen Med, 817-833, vol. 3(6). link> doi>
Rahman R, Forsyth NR, Cui W. 2008. Telomeric 3'-overhang length is associated with the size of telomeres. Exp Gerontol, 258-265, vol. 43(4). link> doi>
Tremoleda JL, Forsyth NR, Khan NS, Wojtacha D, Christodoulou I, Tye BJ, Racey SN, Collishaw S, Sottile V, Thomson AJ, Simpson AHWR, Noble BS, McWhir J. 2008. Bone tissue formation from human embryonic stem cells in vivo. Cloning Stem Cells, 119-132, vol. 10(1). link> doi>
Forsyth NR and McWhir J. 2008. Human embryonic stem cell telomere length impacts directly on clonal progenitor isolation frequency. Rejuvenation Res, 5-17, vol. 11(1). link> doi>
Maida Y, Kyo S, Forsyth NR, Takakura M, Sakaguchi J, Mizumoto Y, Hashimoto M, Nakamura M, Nakao S, Inoue M. 2006. Distinct telomere length regulation in premalignant cervical and endometrial lesions: implications for the roles of telomeres in uterine carcinogenesis. J Pathol, 214-223, vol. 210(2). link> doi>
Hewitt Z, Forsyth NR, Waterfall M, Wojtacha D, Thomson AJ, McWhir J. 2006. Fluorescence-activated single cell sorting of human embryonic stem cells. Cloning Stem Cells, 225-234, vol. 8(3). link> doi>
FORSYTH NR, Musio A, Simpson AHRW, Vezzoni P. 2006. Physiologic Oxygen Enhances Human Embryonic Stem Cell Clonal Recovery and Reduces Chromosomal Abnormalities. Cloning and Stem Cells, 16-23, vol. 8(1). doi>
Forsyth NR, Elder FFB, Shay JW, Wright WE. 2005. Lagomorphs (rabbits, pikas and hares) do not use telomere-directed replicative aging in vitro. Mech Ageing Dev, 685-691, vol. 126(6-7). link> doi>
FORSYTH NR, Boman B, Damle S, Morales CP. 2004. Spontaneous Immortalization of Clinically Normal Colon-Derived Fibroblasts from a Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Patient. Neoplasia, 258-265, vol. 6(3). doi>
Walter M, Forsyth NR, Wright WE, Shay JW, Roth MG. 2004. The establishment of telomerase-immortalized Tangier disease cell lines indicates the existence of an apolipoprotein A-I-inducible but ABCA1-independent cholesterol efflux pathway. J Biol Chem, 20866-20873, vol. 279(20). link> doi>
Forsyth NR, Morales CP, Damle S, Boman B, Wright WE, Kopelovich L, Shay JW. 2004. Spontaneous immortalization of clinically normal colon-derived fibroblasts from a familial adenomatous polyposis patient. Neoplasia, 258-265, vol. 6(3). link> doi>
FORSYTH NR, Evans AP, Shay JW, Wright WE. 2003. Developmental differences in the immortalization of lung fibroblasts by telomerase. Aging Cell, 235-243, vol. 2(5). doi>
Bryce SD, Morrison V, Craig NJ, Forsyth NR, Fitzsimmons SA, Ireland H, Cuthbert AP, Newbold RF, Parkinson EK. 2002. A mortality gene(s) for the human adenocarcinoma line HeLa maps to a 130-kb region of human chromosome 4q22-q23. Neoplasia, 544-550, vol. 4(6). link> doi>
FORSYTH NR, Craig NJ, Fitzsimmons SA, Morrison V. 2002. Functional evidence for a squamous cell carcinoma mortality gene(s) on human chromosome 4. Oncogene, 5135-5147, vol. 21(33). doi>
Forsyth NR, Wright WE, Shay JW. 2002. Telomerase and differentiation in multicellular organisms: turn it off, turn it on, and turn it off again. Differentiation, 188-197, vol. 69(4-5). link> doi>
Parkinson EK, Munro J, Steeghs K, Morrison V, Ireland H, Forsyth N, Fitzsimmons S, Bryce S. 2000. Replicative senescence as a barrier to human cancer. Biochem Soc Trans, 226-233, vol. 28(2). link> doi>
Bryce SD, Forsyth NR, Fitzsimmons SA, Clark LJ, Bertram MJ, Cuthbert AP, Newbold RF, Pereira-Smith OM, Parkinson EK. 1999. Genetic and functional analyses exclude mortality factor 4 (MORF4) as a keratinocyte senescence gene. Cancer Res, 2038-2040, vol. 59(9). link>
Forsyth NR and Dogan F. Oxygen-sensitive TERT Promoter Methylation Regulates Telomerase Activity. doi>

Other

Vikranth T, Dale T, Forsyth N. 2022. Decellularised pleural membranes in pulmonary regenerative medicine. EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL (vol. 60). link> doi>
Vikranth T, Dale T, Forsyth N. 2022. Decellularised Pleural Membrane Patches In Pulmonary Regenerative Medicine. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A (pp. 249-250, vol. 28). link> doi> full text>
Barboni B, Russo V, Canciello A, Citeroni MR, Yang Y, Forsyth NR. 2022. EPITHELIAL-TO-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION FOR STEMNESS CONTROL AND BIOENGINEERING STRATEGIES. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A (p. S598, vol. 28). link> doi>
Dale TP, Santer M, Iftikar S, Haris M, Forsyth NR. 2022. SUCCESSFUL ISOLATION AND CULTURE OF MULTIPOTENTIAL DISTAL AIRWAY STEM CELLS FROM COPD PATIENTS. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A (pp. S451-S452, vol. 28). link> doi> full text>
Vikranth T, Dale T, Forsyth N. 2022. DECELLULARISED PLEURAL PATCHES FOR PROLONGED ALVEOLAR AIR LEAKS. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A (pp. S394-S395, vol. 28). link>
Kay AG, Treadwell K, Roach P, Morgan R, Lodge R, Hyland M, Piccinini AM, Forsyth NR, Kehoe O. 2021. Hypoxic and pro-inflammatory priming of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to reduce disease severity and immune responses in inflammatory arthritis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (p. 405, vol. 51). link> doi>
Kay AG, Treadwell K, Morgan R, Lodge R, Hyland M, Piccinini AM, Forsyth N, Kehoe O. 2021. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for inflammatory arthritis: from the cell to its extracellular vesicles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY (p. A13, vol. 102). link> doi> full text>
Ahmad MA and Forsyth NR. 2021. Do hypoxia mimetic agents provide fidelity in replication of engineered oxygen control measures in human mesenchymal stem cell isolation and culture?. FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE (vol. 165). link> doi>
Elttayef A, Al-Azzawi B, Forsyth NR, Kelly C, Yang Y. 2019. Enhancing pseudoislet biofunctionality using gelatin bead technology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS (pp. 53-59, vol. 68). link> doi>
Stefan A, Kay AG, Forsyth N, Jones FK, Pisconti A, Kehoe O. 2018. The in vitro effect of syndecan-3 gene knockout on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells' properties. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY (p. A8, vol. 99). link>
Fadayomi IE, Forsyth N, Li W-W. 2017. Role of sesquiterpene lactones against human ovarian cancer. BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY (pp. 134-135, vol. 139). link> doi>
Mohammad AZ, Suso JS, Forsyth N. 2015. Precision control of dissolved oxygen in mammalian cell culture media impacts on in situ volatile generation and promotes improved mesenchymal stem cell yield accompanied by reduced transcriptional variability. FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE (p. S16, vol. 86). link> doi>
Samad S, Akram KM, Forsyth NR, Spiteri M. 2012. MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL CONDITIONED MEDIA (MSC-CM) SUPPRESS WNT-3A AND TGF-beta 1-INDUCED MYOFIBROBLASTIC DIFFERENTIATION. THORAX (pp. A35-A36, vol. 67). link> doi>
Akram KM, Spiteri M, Forsyth NR. 2010. CLARA CELLS INHIBIT ALVEOLAR EPITHELIAL WOUND REPAIR THROUGH A TRAIL-DEPENDENT APOPTOSIS MECHANISM. THORAX (pp. A62-A63, vol. 65). link> doi>
Tremoleda JL, Forsyth NR, Khan N, Wojtacha D, Christodoulou I, Tye BJ, Racey SN, Collishaw S, Sottile V, Thomson AJ, Simpson AHWR, Noble B, McWhir J. 2006. Bone tissue formation from human embryonic stem cells in vivo. JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH (p. 1171, vol. 21). link>

Funding

Research Funding:

Innovation Keele Development Fund

£25,000 March 2008 ‘Prototype Development Award’.

£25,000 March 2008 ‘Stem Cell Strategies for the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis and Fibrotic Lung Disorders’. (Joint award with Professor Monica Spiteri).

American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society – Research Grant

£5,000 March 2008 ‘Can human bone marrow-derived stem cells differentiate into tendon-forming cells?’ (Joint award with Professor Nicola Maffulli).

British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society – Research Grant

£5,000 January 2008 ‘Can bone marrow derived stem cells differentiate into tendon forming cells?’

Royal Society – Conference Grant

£1,400 January 2008 - funded attendance at Keystone Hypoxia Symposium, Vancouver, Canada.

Keele University – Postdoctoral Scientist

£70,000 June 2007

Mercia Spinner Award – Prototype Development Award

£15,000 April 2007

Keele University – Phd Student

£80,000 November 2006

Genomia Fund – Research Grant

£32,000 May 2006.

Team members

Current Research Team Members:

Tina Dale – EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Regenerative Medicine PhD student. 2011-present. “An exploration of cell suitability for articular cartilage repair and regeneration therapies”.

Dr Buthainah Al-Azzawi – Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research PhD student. 2012-present. “The use of stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of diabetes”.

Marwan Merkhan - Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research PhD student. 2012-present. “Immunomodulatory properties of the hMSCs secretome”.

Mohammed Al-Zubaidi - Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research PhD student. 2013-present. “Determination of headspace trace gases and their roles in stem cell biology”

Rakad Al Jumaily - Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research PhD student. 2014-present. “Molecular cytology of hypoxic cancer and stem cells; an epigenetic approach”

Muhammad Ahmed - Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research PhD student. 2014-present. “The effects of hypoxia mimetic agents on PC12 cell and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.”

Dr Andrei Stefan – co-supervision with Dr Oksana Kehoe.

Shazia Mazher. Research Technician and Clean Room Support.

Visiting Project Students:

Maximillian Wood. 3rd Year Keele Medical Student SSC. “Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of diabetes”.

Sarika Premi. 3rd Year Keele Medical Student SSC. A characterisation of the underlying mechanisms driving human mesenchymal stem cell-induced immunomodulation”.

Megan Barrow. MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering. Tendon Tissue Engineering.

Amalia Ruiz Serrano. MSc Cell and Tissue Engineering. Tendon Tissue Engineering.

Omar Alhaidari. 3rd-year medical student (IMSIU in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). "Analysis of volatile organic compounds in the headspace of differentiated progeny of human induced pluripotent stem cells".

School address:
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Hornbeam Building
Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG

Research centre address:
School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering
Guy Hilton Research Centre
Thornburrow Drive
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 7QB
Tel: +44 (0) 1782 674988

Jack Ashley building accessibility

Undergraduate enquiries:
Email: enquiries@keele.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1782 734010

Postgraduate enquiries:
Please contact the CPD4ALL team:
Email: phab.postgraduate@keele.ac.uk

Keele Centre for Medicines Optimisation (KCMO)
Tel: +44 (0)1782 733831 / 734131

The Virtual Patient project enquiries:
Contact our Digital Development team:
Email: pharmacy.digital@keele.ac.uk