Research interests
For over thirty years, Professor Griffin's major research area has been geared towards understanding the biochemistry, molecular biology and physiology of a group of enzymes referred to as transglutaminases. This group of enzymes is commonly referred to as “protein biological glues” since it can crosslink proteins into stable, high molecular weight structures such as those found in skin, in fibrin cross linking during blood coagulation and in hair.
Focus has been mostly on the tissue transglutaminase (TG2), and in particular, the importance of this enzyme in cell death, matrix deposition and cell adhesion and the relationship of these functions to wound healing, tissue fibrosis and scarring, tumour progression and cystic fibrosis.
Recent work has also been concerned with the use of transglutaminases in the bioengineering of natural polymers for the development of novel biomaterials used in soft (eg: diabetic ulcers and pressure sores) and hard (eg: bone) tissue repair.
For a comprehensive overview of Prof. Griffin's published work see his School of Life & Health Sciences page.
External Activities and Appointments
- President of the European Association for Higher Education in Biotechnology.
- Fellow of the Institute of Biology.
- Evaluator for the National Research Foundation of South Africa.
- EPSRC Peer Review College Member.
- Previous Panel Member of RAE 2008.
- Subpanel member for REF 2012.
Contact
m.griffin@aston.ac.uk
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