Matthew Lovatt

Developed in vitro culture systems to test transcription factor-based cell reprogramming. Set up workflows for gene therapy design and QC, analysis of AAV and lentiviruses in retinal organoids, mouse, and human retinal explants. Generated key in vitro data sets demonstrating proof of concept cell reprogramming for the generation of clinically relevant cell types.

Initiated and led project for a new research program to characterise the role of oxidative stress in patients with corneal diseases; Key member of a newly established Molecular Therapeutics Programme, a collaborative initiative between three independent research institutes, SERI, A*STAR and NUS, establishing a genome-editing platform for correction of a late-onset, degenerative, genetic disease of the cornea; Worked closely with clinicians and research scientists, and successfully bridged the gap between academic and clinical research; • Discovered novel roles for peroxiredoxins in maintaining viability of human corneal endothelial cells. • Obtained independent grant funding (SingHealth Transition Award); and • Project managed grants and supervised research assistants and students.

Laboratory Head: A Colman. Stem cell differentiation and disease models. Senior role in laboratory providing support and scientific expertise to group members. Key member of translational clinical research partnership in Singapore, providing scientific expertise in a collaboration between the Singapore Eye Research Institute and three A*STAR Institutes relating to innovations in tissue engineering of selective corneal cell layers for corneal transplantation. Researched and implemented protocols for the production of human corneal endothelium from embryonic stem cells. Managed laboratory supplies, reagents, protocols and procedures. Supervised and managed full time research officer, including constructive critical analysis of results obtained and career development. Laboratory head: M Jones. Vertebrate Developmental Signalling processes. Designed and implemented protocols to understand and translate the genetics of early embryonic development, for production of derivatives of endoderm from embryonic stem cells. Senior and key member of laboratory. Driving force behind stem cell research in laboratory previously focusing on amphibian-based research projects.

Analysed the role of catenins in the biology of human T cells; introduced and managed ex-vivo cell-based research into laboratory, whose studies previously used in vitro cell lines.

Research into the role of adaptor proteins in T cell development and signal transduction.

Utilised inducible transgenic mouse models to understand the role of kinases in T cell signalling.