At the Rheumatology Research Laboratory we are investigating the root causes of the human diseases, Raynaud's Phenomenon and Scleroderma. By understanding the underlying abnormality in these diseases we will be in a position to provide clinical researchers with the information that they require to develop useful therapies and in due course a cure. Scleroderma causes changes in the small blood vessels of the skin and internal organs. New autoantobodies against the connective tissue cells appear and the body's immune system causes damage resulting in connective tissue fibrosis (similar to scarring). The fibrotic process may be limited to the skin but often affects other internal organs such as the lung, the kidney, the heart and the digestive system with serious consequences. A number of research projects are underway in the laboratory and as collaborative programmes which are aimed at directly addressing some of the most important aspects of the disease processes.
Rheumatology Research Laboratory
Director : Professor Carol Black
Head of Research : Dr David Abraham
Tissue culture laboratory: Dr Xu Shi-wen
Research Secretary: Miss Millie Williams
Overall Research goals of the Research laboratory:
The major aims of our research are to understand the root causes of the human diseases Raynaud's Phenomena and Scleroderma. By understanding the underlying abnormality in these diseases we will be in a position to provide clinical researchers with the information that they require to develop useful therapies and in due course a cure. Both Raynaud's phenomena and Scleroderma are diseases that exhibit hallmark features that include amongst others changes in the vascular/blood system, the appearance of specific autoantobodies and ensuing connective tissue fibrosis. The fibrotic process may be restricted to the skin but often affects other internal organs such as the lung, the kidney, the heart and the digestive system. A number of research projects are underway in the laboratory and as collaborative programmes which are aimed at directly addressing some of the most important aspects of the disease processes.