A research tissue bank for Human Skin

• Research type

  Research Tissue Bank

• IRAS ID

  302859

• Research summary

  A Research Tissue Bank for Human Skin

• REC name

  West of Scotland REC 4

• REC reference

  21/WS/0088

• Date of REC Opinion

  9 Sep 2021

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion

• Data collection arrangements

  Skin biopsy samples are requested to assist in studies helping to understand skin disease including diabetic wound healing processes and psoriasis and to develop novel therapies that may help resolve these conditions. Samples, either punch biopsies (4-5mm2) or tissue from surgical applications will be collected by clinicians involved in the study, following discussion, information about the research project and consent registration. The tissue samples will be collected in small tubes containing media that ensure the tissue remains viable for up to 24 hours. Upon arrival in the laboratory tissue will either be used directly to isolate skin cells that can be grown in culture or will be frozen and banked for future use. Isolated skin cells once grown will also be banked and can be used in extensive experiments. All tissue samples will be stored in high standard laboratory conditions that are only accessible by registered swipe card access and stored in dedicated freezer or fridge space. Any patient data will be anonymised by clinicians and researchers only have access to minimal anonymised clinical information that enable cross matching of experimental data.

• Research programme

  A major focus of research programmes that access this tissue bank are the use of skin cells isolated from normal and diabetic patients. We aim to extend this resource to include other skin conditions such as Psoriasis and eczema. The role of specific proteins and environmental changes (e.g. ischaemia or changes in micro-organisms that live on the skin) on cellular behaviour can be investigated. Agents that target proteins modified in skin disease and improve the proteins mode of action can be investigated to see if they hold therapeutic potential. Using 2D and 3D tissue culture models and biomathematical modelling parameters reduces the numbers of animals used in research and provides data that may help in clinical trials. Use of high-resolution microscopy systems will permit in-depth understanding of structural changes that occur in localised areas of diseased skin. In addition, skin cells can be used in research projects linked to 'adult stem cell therapies'. Technologies where by patient biopsy material can be taken and the adult skin cells 'reprogrammed' to form nerve or cardiac cells are now possible. The research community currently supported by the bank includes Research Teams at GCU and collaborators at a number of national and international locations.

• Storage license

  NA

• RTBTitle

  A Research Tissue Bank for Human Skin

• Establishment organisation

  Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Research Centre for Health, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University

• Establishment organisation address

  Glasgow Caledonian University

  Cowcaddens Road

  Glasgow

  G4 0BA