Miss Charlotte Illsley

August 2022 - Present 

Lecturer in Integrated Dental Science

May 2021 - July 2022 

Research Fellow 

October 2017 - April 2021

Research Associate in Stem Cell and Cancer Biology

April 2017 - Present 

PhD student in Cell and Molecular Biology 

Qualifications

2016, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK

Professional membership

• International Association of Dental Research

• British Society for Oral and Dental Research

• Association of Science Educators in Dentistry 
  

Teaching interests

Charlotte currently teaches years 1 and 2 Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Dental Therapy & Hygiene (BDTH) students at Plymouth and is an academic tutor for year 1 BDS students.

• Molecular biology
• Anatomy, Function and Physiology of craniofacial tissues,
• Stem cell maintenance and differentiation,
• Cell signalling,
• Tissue engineering for regeneration and disease,
  
• Cancer Biology,
• Regenerative Medicine.

Research interests

(1) Skin and squamous cell carcinoma 

Investigating mechanisms and key proteins involved in epidermal stratification and differentiation.

Investigating novel molecular mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of non-melanoma skin cancer and potential therapies.

(2) Tissue engineering and 3D bio-printing 

Using a pneumatic micro-extrusion 3D bio-printer to test different bio-materials and develop 3D skin and oral mucosal models to help reduce and replace animal models in research. 

Working alongside industry partners in Cornwall, as part of an ERDF grant, the skin models were used to test novel skin care ingredients. This research was broadcast by BBC spotlight and covered by other local news. You can read the article published by the University of Plymouth using the link below:

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/3d-bioprinter-revolutionises-skin-research

https://www.cellink.com/faces-bioprinting-meet/

(3) Oral cancer

Investigating mechanisms and key proteins in oral cancer invasion and metastasis.

(4) Tooth development and orthodontic research  

Within Professor Bing Hu's research team, Charlotte also uses different models to study key molecular pathways and proteins involved in tooth eruption and PDL mechanical strain and tooth movement.

Other research

Publications

Walker, J.V., Zhuang, H., Singer, D., Illsley, C.S., Kok, W.L., Sivaraj, K.K., Gao, Y., Bolton, C., Liu, Y., Zhao, M., Grayson, P.R.C., Wang, S., Karbanová, J., Lee, T., Ardu, S., Lai, Q., Liu, J., Kassem, M., Chen, S., Yang, K., Bai, Y., Tredwin, C., Zambon, A.C., Corbeil, D., Adams, R., Abdallah, B.M., Hu, B. Transit Amplifying Cells Coordinate Mouse Incisor Mesenchymal Stem Cell Activation. Nature Communications, 2019, in press.

Denes, B.J., Bolton, C., Illsley, C. S., Kok, W., Walker, J.V., Poetsch, A., Tredwin, C., Kiliaridis, S., Hu, B.(2019). Notch signalling coordinates periodontal ligament maturation through regulating Lamin A. Journal of Dental Research. doi:10.1177/0022034519871448.

Other academic activities

Conferences attended

PER-IADR Oral Health Research Congress 2022, Marseille 

ASEiD Symposium 2022, Plymouth

Annual Postgraduate Research Event University of Plymouth Faculty of Health 2022, Plymouth

BSODR 2019, Leeds

Clinical Research Network South West Peninsula Cancer Research Symposium 2019, Truro

Annual Research Event University of Plymouth Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry 2018, Plymouth (Best oral presentation prize winner)

IADR 2018, London

BSODR 2017, Plymouth

Related articles on the University website

• A new method of tooth repair? Scientists uncover mechanisms that could help future dental treatment
• Speciality Crops
• 3D bioprinter revolutionises skin research