We use solid-state NMR spectroscopy to bring new insight to biomolecules in the extracellular matrix that are relevant to human health and disease. We are based at the University of Warwick, UK.
News
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October 13, 2025
The start of a new academic year brings three new (and old) additions to the lab: Abi comes back for a MSc, working on a project related to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Kacper joins us as a MPhys project student, investigating hydrated ECMs. Josiah will work with us and Mohan Balasubramanian on fungal adaptation as part of his intercalated Masters. Looking forward to getting started once we have completed all the safety inductions!
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September 20, 2025
Job alert! We are looking to recruit a postdoc to start in early 2026 to work on a project on fungal adaptation, in collaboration with Mohan Balasubramanian and others. The postdoc should have experience of solid-state NMR applied to biological systems, and should have or be keen to develop their expertise in fungal biology. The position is funded by the Wellcome Trust and the official job application link will be available later. Inquiries are welcome!
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September 15, 2025Ying and Ananya attended the Alpine Conference for Magnetic Resonance at Chamonix. Ananya presented a roundtable on the fungal cell wall work while Ying was kept on her feet by being part of the organising committee!
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March 19, 2025Ananya was invited to present at the 2025 Symposium of the UK High-field Solid-State NMR Facility! She gave a talk on “Probing Fungal Cell Wall Composition: A Structural Journey through glucan Layers and Mutant Variability” to a full lecture room and a good number of online participants. Great job!
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March 11, 2025
As a finalist in the STEM for Britain competition, Ananya presented a poster on “Applying solid-state NMR to explore molecular architecture in fungal and human matrices” at the House of Commons in London. Well done!!! Many thanks to colleagues at the Department of Physics, especially Ally Calecote, for helping Ananya to develop her presentation.
Research
ECM changes in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Using ssNMR and cell culture of human fibroblast cell lines for Ehler-Danlos syndrome (EDS), we can understand molecular-level mechanisms that underlie key symptoms of this genetic disease.
Cell wall of fission yeast
Fission yeast is a key model organism in fungal and cell cycle research. SsNMR provide a means to quantify changes in cell wall composition upon novel and specific genetic manipulations.
ECM changes in ageing and cardiovascular disease
Using an isotopically-labelled mouse and mammalian cell culture, we developed ssNMR approaches to investigate ECM changes in ageing and cardiovascular disease.
Pigmentation in alkaptonuria
Alkaptonuria is a rare disease that can lead to servere pigmentation of various body tissues, which is associated with tissue degradation. While visually striking, the chemical nature of the pigment is still not well-understood. By characterizing in vitro-generated pigment using a variety of chemical techniques, we aim to understand the nature of the pigmentation species and illuminate new clinical approaches to prevent or reverse its formation.
People
Dr Wing Ying Chow
Research Students
