Hamid Dolatshad

My research interest is to use the latest genetic and stem cell technologies to investigate the role of gene mutations in diseases. CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionised genome editing and transformed research in molecular biology. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology allows mature cells with their genetic and chromosomal variation to be reprogrammed to become pluripotent. I use these technologies to model a number of diseases. I have generated cellular models of haematopoietic diseases using iPSCs and CRISPR/Cas9 technology, to better understand the molecular basis and pathophysiology of the disease and for drug screening.

My current research in the Gene Medicine Group includes using iPSCs and CRISPR/Cas9 Technology to model interstitial lung diseases including surfactant protein deficiencies, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This will allow the development and screening of gene delivery vectors for treatment of interstitial lung disease phenotypes observed in these models.

I also oversee the day-to-day operations of the Gene Medicine Laboratory and the embedded virus production facility, at RDM-NDCLS and am the departmental fire safety officer and the Deputy Biological Safety Officer.

I am also involved in teaching and aided the setup of the new MSc in Genomic Medicine at the Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics. I co-lead the module on Genome engineering and gene-based therapeutics.