Sara Brown Research Group

Investigating genetic mechanisms in atopic eczema (and related conditions) – to design better treatments

Section Head: Genetic and Experimental Medicine

Professor Sara Brown

Professor and Group Leader

Contact details

  • Grant Chair of Dermatology and Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Clinical Science, University of Edinburgh
  • Honorary Consultant Dermatologist, NHS Lothian
  • Co-Director, Edinburgh Clinical Academic Training scheme

Research in a Nutshell

Sara is a clinical academic dermatologist, caring for patients of all ages with a range of skin diseases, including specialist clinics for eczema and genetic skin disease. Sara’s research focusses on understanding how a person’s genetic make-up (their DNA) predisposes them to atopic eczema and associated systemic conditions. 

The research team working in Sara Brown’s lab uses human skin cells to create a skin organoid model which can be precisely manipulated to investigate specific molecular genetic effects. These studies are informed by genome-wide and population-based research with international collaboration. The Brown lab is also researching gene-environment interactions, to address important questions regarding why eczema has increased in prevalence in recent decades. Human cells are also used to screen drugs and drug-like compounds for their effects on skin.

The ultimate aim of Sara’s work is to define molecular targets for the development of new treatments and prevention strategies for people affected by eczema, dry skin (ichthyoses) and related allergic conditions.

Sara Brown Research Group

People

NameRole
Sara BrownProfessor and Group Leader
Martina EliasResearch Fellow
Luke JohnstonPostdoctoral Research Associate
Eleanor EarpECAT PhD Student
Silvia ShenMRC Precision Medicine PhD Student
Emily MortimerMRS PhD Student
Nicola LyttleResearch Technician
Lauren KellyDermatology Research Coordinator
Andrii LakovlievCross-Disciplinary Postdoctoral Fellow (XDF)

Key Publications

Collaborations

  • Sara is an affiliate of the Centre for Inflammation Research
  • Sara is an affiliate of the Usher Institute
  • MRC/UKRI-funded UK Molecular Mechanisms Cluster, Edinburgh
  • Alex von Kriegsheim, Mass Spec Core, IGC, Edinburgh
  • Sally Lowell, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh
  • Wilson Poon and David Moore, School of Physics and Astronomy, Edinburgh
  • Beverley Hood, Edinburgh College of Art
  • Lavinia Paternoster, University of Bristol
  • Catherine Smith, Kings College London
  • Matthew Ridd, University of Bristol
  • Marie Loh - LKC/NYU, Singapore
  • Edinburgh skin research network (Ed-SKIN)
  • SKINTEGRITY research network
  • European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR)

Partners and Funders

  • Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship in Clinical Science
  • ScotPEN Wellcome Engagement Award
  • Biomarkers in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis (BIOMAP)
  • European Lead Factory – ELF/IMI - Innovative Medicines Initiative
  • NIHR HTA award – in collaboration with the University of Bristol
  • Rosetrees Trust and The Stoneygate Trust – in collaboration with the University of Bristol
  • Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust
  • Medical Research Scotland
  • MRC Impact Accelerator Award
  • National Eczema Society
  • MRC/AZ/University of Cambridge Functional Genomics Screening Lab
  • Anonymous philanthropic donors

 

Scientific Themes

Genetics, genomics, dermatology, atopic eczema, genetic epidemiology, environment, organoid model, transcriptomics, phenotypic screen, proteomics

Disease Areas

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), allergies, genetic skin disorders, dry skin conditions (ichthyoses)

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