Origins and impacts of EDS in connective tissues and skin
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Origins and impact of EDS in connective tissues and skin
IRAS ID
153295
Contact name
Suzanne Emerton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z636410620150677, UCL Data Protection
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is an inherited disease of collagen, found in connective tissues, such as skin. EDS patients suffer from joint and skin problems (skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility) along with a large range of other disorders, including, delayed wound healing with atrophic scarring, easy bruising, tissue fragility, gastrointestinal and gum problems. There are many different types of EDS, with different mechanisms of action, and not all of these are well understood. This study will used advanced microscopy techniques called atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyse the changes in collagen as a result of EDS, compared to normal collagen. These changes will be viewed at the micron and nanoscale level (between 1,000 to 100,000 x magnification), and will focus on the differences in collagen construction through a process called cross-linking. These changes could potentially help clinicians understand the root cause of EDS symptoms, and provide a deeper knowledge of cross-linking disorders in collagen. Increasing our knowledge of how collagen is affected in EDS patients, may lead to improved treatment options for patients.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0119
Date of REC Opinion
7 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion