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.
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.
Contact
m.griffin@aston.ac.uk
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