Our lab is interested in the fundamental mechanisms used by cells and tissues to recover from damage.

 

The Weavers lab combines state-of-the-art techniques across scales, from whole organism live-imaging, cell biology and 'omics, to ex vivo tissue culture, deep learning (AI) and human genetic epidemiology. Our research is highly inter-disciplinary and involves collaborations with clinicians, mathematicians, biophysicists and chemists.

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The ability to rapidly repair after injury is a key feature of many tissues, including the skin. This robust regenerative capacity is crucial since our bodies are frequently exposed to harmful and toxic insults - including from the environment (e.g. sunlight, smoking or pollution), mechanical insults (e.g. accidental injury or surgery) and from within our own bodies (e.g. inflammation or metabolism). Tissue damage normally triggers an inflammatory response, as immune cells (e.g. neutrophils) leave the circulation and migrate along complex routes to reach the affected area.

 

We study multiple aspects of these repair and inflammatory processes. We are exploring the molecular and biophysical mechanisms controlling immune cell migration through complex environments in vivo, and the diverse cellular processes that support tissue regeneration.

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We image all of these dynamic processes live at the subcellular level using state-of-the-art microscopy and use advanced genetic manipulation and omics to dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets for accelerating tissue repair and modulating inflammation in the clinic.

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