Dr Stephen Richardson
RCUK Academic Fellow
- Email: S.Richardson@manchester.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 5299
Regenerative Medicine
School of Developmental Biomedicine
Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
The University of Manchester
Stopford Building
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PT
Role
Memberships of Committees and Professional Bodies
1999 – present: British Society for Matrix Biology (BSMB)
2002 – present: Tissue and Cell Engineering Society (TCES)
2005 – present: International Society for Stem Cell research (ISSCR)
2006 – present: Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS)
2008 – present: British Society for Research on Ageing (BSRA)
Research
RCUK Academic Fellow, focussing on the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) ageing on tissue regeneration.
This is an extension of my work as a post-doctoral research associate developing a clinically and commercially viable regenerative medicine therapy for repair of the degenerate human intervertebral disc (IVD) using adult human MSCs. I have established collaborations with clinicians, companies and academics around the world to develop novel biomaterials and novel strategies for regeneration of the human intervertebral disc and other tissues. This work has allowed me to develop an extensive knowledge of MSC biology and tissue engineering, and has lead to the patenting of a technology for MSC differentiation to nucleus pulposus-like cells from the IVD. The work has demonstrated promising results which suggest a regenerative medicine treatment for IVD degeneration is a possibility in the near future. Current work is aiming to transfer this technology to clean-room facilities prior to pre-clinical human trials.
Methodological Knowledge
In vitro systems: Isolation, culture and characterisation of human adult stem cells from various sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue and umbillical cord. Differentiation in 2D and 3D systems (including natural and synthetic biomaterials and hydrogel cultures). Culture of a wide range of cell and tissue types, including chondrocytes, IVD cells, fibroblasts, neural cells and MSCs. Development and application of co-culture systems. Optimisation of culture conditions, through addition of compounds and growth factors and application of hypoxia and mechanical loads to improve cell growth, differentiation and matrix formation. Knowledge and training in the use of cell culture clean-room facilities.
Molecular Biology: RNA/DNA extraction from cells and complex tissues, RT-PCR, semi-quantitative PCR, real-time relative and quantitative PCR, differential display-PCR, northern blotting, southern blotting, molecular cloning and in situ hybridisation. Microarray analysis and bioinformatics experience.
Biochemistry: Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, high speed cell sorting, SDS-PAGE, western blotting and confocal microscopy.
Teaching
Co-supervision of 6 PhD students.
Intercalated BSc in Pathology course: Course committee member. Delivery of lectures (~15 students) and supervision of laboratory research projects. Blackboard web editor.
MRes in Tissue Engineering for Regenerative Medicine course: Course committee member. Tutor and project supervisor. Delivery of masterclass lecture.
North West Nanoscience Doctoral Training Centre: Personal tutor.
Qualifications
1998 – 2002: Connective Tissue Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
PhD studying ‘Canine Articular Chondrocytes: Physiological Regulation In Vitro’.
1994 – 1998: Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool
Degree Studied: BSc (HONS) Biotechnology
Degree Awarded: 2(i)
Collaborators and affiliated staff
Affiliated staff:
Dr Hamish Gilbert (PDRA): Development of Mechanically Robust Functionalised Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications in Cartilaginous Tissues. May 2011-April 2014. BBSRC funded.
PhD students:
Miss Shahnaz Khan: Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell - nucleus pulposus cell interactions for regeneration of the human intervertebral disc. September 2009 - September 2012. Faculty ORS award funded.
Miss Francesca Ludwinski: Undertstanding the pathological processes of cervical disc degeneration. September 2010 - September 2013. Depuy Spine funded.
Miss Kimberley Swinton: Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Ageing on the Efficacy of Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering /Regeneration Strategies. October 2010 - September 2013. Furlong Research Charitable Foundation funded.
Miss Louise Clarke: Efficacy testing of stem cell based tissue engineering therapies for intervertebral disc regeneration using a novel ex vivo model. September 2011 - September 2015. Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences DTA PhD Studentship funded.
Mr Christopher Smith: Production of a safer, osteogenic, tissue engineered bone allograft. October 2011 - September 2014. British Orthopaedic Association funded.
Dr Ricardo Rodrigues-Pinto: The role of notochordal cells in the intervertebral disc through ageing and degeneration: implications for tissue engineering. October 2011 - September 2014. Self-funded international student.
Collaborators:
Dr Julie Gough (School of Materials): Supervision of PhD students and technical help enabling molecular and cellular investigations into effects of PDLLA/Bioglass composite foam scaffolds on annulus fibrosus cells.
Dr Andrew Dove and Dr James Covington: (University of Warwick, Schools of Chemistry and Engineering) Development of 'smart' 3D nanocomposite biomaterials as tissue engineered scaffolds and development of novel scaffolds for bone regeneration. Development of novel chitosan-based hydrogels for tissue engineering.
Prof Rein Ulijn (University of Strathclyde): Investigating cellular responses to self-assembling and enzyme-triggered peptide hydrogels.
Dr Ali Mobasheri (University of Nottingham): Investigations into the role of facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs) and cellular water channels (aquaporins) in human articular cartilage and intervertebral disc.
Prof John Hunt, Dr Judith Curran and Dr Rui Chen (University of Liverpool): Investigating differentiation of human MSCs on PLLA scaffolds for regeneration of the human IVD.
Publications
2010
- Fraylich, M., Liu, R., Richardson, S., Baird, P., Hoyland, J., Freemont, A., Alexander, C., Shakesheff, K., Cellesi, F. & Saunders, B (2010). Thermally-triggered gelation of PLGA dispersions: towards an injectable colloidal cell delivery system. J Colloid Interface Sci, 344(1), 61-9. eScholarID:78413 | PMID:20070971 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2009.12.030
- Minogue, B., Richardson, S., Zeef, L., Freemont, A. & Hoyland, J (2010). Characterisation of the human nucleus pulposus cell phenotype and evaluation of novel marker gene expression to define adult stem cell differentiation. Arthritis Rheum, eScholarID:95360 | PMID:20722018 | DOI:10.1002/art.27710
- Minogue, B., Richardson, S., Zeef, L., Freemont, A. & Hoyland, J (2010). Transcriptional profiling of bovine intervertebral disc cells: implications for identification of normal and degenerate human intervertebral disc cell phenotypes. Arthritis Res Ther, 12(1), R22. eScholarID:78412 | PMID:20149220 | DOI:10.1186/ar2929
- Richardson, S., Hoyland, J., Mobasheri, R., Csaki, C., Shakibaei, M. & Mobasheri, A (2010). Mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine: Opportunities and challenges for articular cartilage and intervertebral disc tissue engineering. J Cell Physiol, 222(1), 23-32. eScholarID:49574 | PMID:19725073 | DOI:10.1002/jcp.21915
- Strassburg, S., Richardson, S., Freemont, A. & Hoyland, J (2010). Co-culture induces mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and modulation of the degenerate human nucleus pulposus cell phenotype. Regen Med, 5(5), 701-711. eScholarID:95361 | PMID:20868326 | DOI:10.2217/rme.10.59
- Tolofari, S., Richardson, S., Freemont, A. & Hoyland, J (2010). Expression of semaphorin 3A and its receptors in the human intervertebral disc: potential role in regulating neural ingrowth in the degenerate intervertebral disc. Arthritis Res Ther, 12(1), R1. eScholarID:78414 | PMID:20051117 | DOI:10.1186/ar2898
2009
- Jayawarna V, Richardson SM, Hirst A, Hodson NNW, Saiani A, Gough J, Ulijn R. (2009). Introducing chemical functionality in Fmoc-peptide gels for cell culture. Acta Biomater, 5(3), 934-943. eScholarID:1d20182 | DOI:10.1016/j.actbio.2009.01.006
- Pockert AJ, Richardson SM, Le Maitre CL, Lyon M, Deakin JA, Buttle DJ, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA. (2009). Modified expression of the ADAMTS enzymes and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 during human intervertebral disc degeneration. Arthritis Rhem, 60(2), 482-491. eScholarID:1d18426 | DOI:10.1002/art.24291
- Richardson, S., Doyle, P., Minogue, B., Gnanalingham, K. & Hoyland, J (2009). Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10, nerve growth factor and substance P in the painful degenerate intervertebral disc. Arthritis Res Ther, 11(4), R126. eScholarID:49575 | PMID:19695094 | DOI:10.1186/ar2793
2008
- Ali, R., Le Maitre, C., Richardson, S., Hoyland, J. & Freemont, A (2008). Connective tissue growth factor expression in human intervertebral disc: implications for angiogenesis in intervertebral disc degeneration. Biotech Histochem, 83(5), 239-245. eScholarID:49536 | PMID:19016368 | DOI:10.1080/10520290802539186
- Kalson, N., Richardson, S. & Hoyland, J (2008). Strategies for regeneration of the intervertebral disc. Regen Med, 3(5), 717-729. eScholarID:49552 | PMID:18729796 | DOI:10.2217/17460751.3.5.717
- Kwong, F., Richardson, S. & Evans, C (2008). Chordin knockdown enhances the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Arthritis Res Ther, 10(3), R65. eScholarID:80827 | PMID:18533030 | DOI:10.1186/ar2436
- Mobasheri A, Bondy C, Moley K, Mendes A, Rosa S, Richardson SM, Hoyland JA, Barrett-Jolley R, Shakibaei M. (2008). Facilitative glucose transporters in articular chondrocytes. Expression, distribution and functional regulation of GLUT isoforms by hypoxia, hypoxia mimetics, growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Adv Anat Embryol Cell Biol, 200, eScholarID:1d18178
- Richardson SM, Hoyland JA. (2008). Stem cell regeneration of degenerated intervertebral discs: current status. Curr Pain Headache Rep, 12(2), 83-88. eScholarID:1d18180 | DOI:10.1007/s11916-008-0016-3
- Richardson SM, Knowles R, Marples D, Hoyland JA, Mobasheri A. (2008). Aquaporin expression in the human intervertebral disc. J Mol Histol, 39(3), 303-309. eScholarID:1d18181 | DOI:10.1007/s10735-008-9166-1
- Richardson SM, Knowles R, Tyler J, Mobasheri A, Hoyland JA. (2008). Expression of glucose transporters GLUT-1, GLUT-3, GLUT-9 and HIF-1alpha in normal and degenerate human intervertebral disc. Histochem Cell Biol, 129(4), 503-511. eScholarID:1d18182 | DOI:10.1007/s00418-007-0372-9
- Richardson, S., Hughes, N., Hunt, J., Freemont, A. & Hoyland, J (2008). Human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to NP-like cells in chitosan-glycerophosphate hydrogels. Biomaterials, 29(1), 85-93. eScholarID:49539 | PMID:17920676 | DOI:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2007.09.018
2007
- Richardson SM, Mobasheri A, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA. (2007). Intervertebral disc biology, degeneration and novel tissue engineering and regenerative medicine therapies. Histol Histopathol, 22(9), 1033-1041. eScholarID:1d16130
- Richardson SM. (2007). Tissue engineering today, not tomorrow. Regen Med, 2(1), 91-94. eScholarID:1d16131
2006
- Richardson SM, Curran JM, Chen R, Vaughan-Thomas A, Hunt JA, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA. (2006). The differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocyte-like cells on poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds. Biomaterials, 27(22), 4069-4078. eScholarID:1d12920 | DOI:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2006.03.017
- Richardson SM, Walker RV, Parker S, Rhodes NP, Hunt JA, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA. (2006). Intervertebral Disc Cell Mediated Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation. Stem Cells, 24(3), 707-716. eScholarID:1d12057 | DOI:10.1634/stemcells.2005-0205
2005
- Le Maitre CL, Richardson SM, Baird P, Freemont AJ, Hoyland JA. (2005). Expression of receptors for putative anabolic growth factors in human intervertebral disc: implications for repair and regeneration of the disc. J Pathol, 207(4), 445-452. eScholarID:1d12054 | DOI:10.1002/path.1862
- Mobasheri A, Richardson SM, Mobasheri R, Shakibaei M, Hoyland JA. (2005). Hypoxia inducible factor-1 and facilitative glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3: putative molecular components of the oxygen and glucose sensing apparatus in articular chondrocytes. Histol Histopathol, 20(4), 1327-1338. eScholarID:1d12056
2003
- Richardson SM, Neama G, Phillips T, Bell S, Carter S, Moley K, Moley J, Vannucci S, Mobasheri A. (2003). Molecular characterization and partial cDNA cloning of facilitative glucose transporters expressed in human articular chondrocytes; stimulation of 2-deoxyglucose uptake by IGF-I and elevated MMP-2 secretion by glucose deprivation. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 11(2), 92-101. eScholarID:1d16132
2002
- Mobasheri A, Neama G, Bell S, Richardson SM, Carter S. (2002). Human articular chondrocytes express three facilitative glucose transporter isoforms: GLUT1, GLUT3 and GLUT9. Cell Biology International, 26(3), 297-300. eScholarID:1d16133
Research projects
- Development of Mechanically Robust Functionalised Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications in Cartilaginous Tissues
- Effect of mesenchymal stem cell ageing on the efficacy of musculoskeletal tissue engineering approaches
- Efficacy testing of stem cell based tissue engineering therapies for intervertebral disc regeneration using a novel ex vivo model of human intervertebral disc degeneration
- Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of MSC-nucleus pulposus cell interactions for regeneration of the human intervertebral disc
- Production of a safer, osteogenic, tissue engineered bone allograft
- The role of notochordal cells in the intervertebral disc through ageing and degeneration: implications for tissue engineering
- Understanding the Pathological Processes of Cervical Disc Degeneration