Professor John T. Connelly is a distinguished researcher and academic leader in the field of bioengineering, specializing in skin mechanobiology and regenerative medicine. Holding a B.S. in Biological and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University (2002) and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology (2007), Professor Connelly has established himself as a prominent figure in understanding the intricate relationship between mechanical forces and cellular behavior within the skin. His work, initiated during his postdoctoral training at the University of Cambridge under Professor Fiona Watt, delves into the fundamental roles of cell shape and the actin cytoskeleton in keratinocyte differentiation. Since establishing his independent research group at Queen Mary University of London in 2010, Professor Connelly has cultivated a multidisciplinary team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of our understanding of skin homeostasis and repair.
Academic and Research Leadership
Professor Connelly’s leadership extends beyond his research laboratory. He serves as the academic lead for the CREATE Lab at Queen Mary University of London, a cutting-edge biofabrication facility. Furthermore, he is the co-course director for the MSc in Regenerative Medicine, demonstrating his commitment to shaping the next generation of researchers and clinicians in this rapidly evolving field. His dedication to both research and education underscores his significant impact on the bioengineering and regenerative medicine communities.
Pioneering Research in Skin Mechanobiology
The Connelly lab is at the forefront of research investigating the crucial role of mechanical and biophysical forces in regulating skin function and repair processes. His team’s groundbreaking work has elucidated the complex interplay between the F-actin and keratin cytoskeletons in keratinocyte mechanosensing – the ability of skin cells to sense and respond to mechanical cues from their environment. Furthermore, Professor Connelly’s research has revealed the downstream biophysical regulation of nuclear architecture, gene expression, and metabolism, highlighting how mechanical forces can profoundly influence fundamental cellular processes within the skin.
Professor Connelly’s lab is also recognized for its innovative bioengineering approaches to model the cellular microenvironment of the skin. These advanced models are instrumental in dissecting the complexities of skin biology and pathology. Current research directions in the Connelly lab include investigating the mechanisms of impaired mechanosensing in blistering skin diseases and scar formation. This research holds significant promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies for these challenging conditions. Additionally, his lab is actively engaged in the development of next-generation human skin models utilizing 3D bioprinting technology. This pioneering work has the potential to revolutionize drug testing, personalized medicine, and tissue engineering for skin regeneration.
Teaching and Mentorship
Professor Connelly is deeply involved in teaching and mentoring students at Queen Mary University of London. He is the Course Director for the MSc in Regenerative Medicine, shaping the curriculum and guiding students through advanced concepts in this field. His teaching portfolio also includes Module Leadership for ICM7143, lecturing for BMD116, and serving as a PBL (Problem-Based Learning) facilitator. Through these diverse teaching roles, Professor Connelly provides comprehensive education and mentorship to undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering their critical thinking and research skills.
- Course Director MSc Regenerative Medicine
- Module Lead ICM7143
- Lecturer BMD116
- PBL facilitator
Key Research Interests
Professor Connelly’s laboratory’s overarching research interest lies in understanding how skin cells perceive and react to alterations in their physical surroundings. To achieve this, his lab utilizes sophisticated engineered materials and model systems to precisely control the signals presented to cells, enabling detailed investigation of cellular responses to specific biophysical cues.
Key research projects currently underway in the Connelly lab include:
- Nuclear Mechanotransduction and Epidermal Fate Decisions: Investigating the role of biophysical signals in mediating nuclear mechanotransduction – the process by which mechanical forces are transmitted to the nucleus, influencing gene expression and cell fate decisions in the epidermis.
- Matrix Mechanics in Skin Ageing and Scar Formation: Examining the influence of the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix on skin ageing processes and the development of scar tissue. This research aims to identify potential targets for interventions to promote healthy skin ageing and minimize scarring.
- Advanced 3D Skin Models using 3D Bioprinting: Developing and utilizing cutting-edge 3D bioprinted skin models to create more physiologically relevant in vitro systems for studying skin biology, disease, and drug responses. This project has the potential to significantly advance the field of skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Professor Connelly’s role as the academic lead for the CREATE Biofabrication Lab further underscores his commitment to regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and the creation of advanced in vitro models for human tissues and diseases. His ongoing work in these areas positions him as a leading innovator in the field.
Selected Publications
Professor Connelly’s research has been published in highly regarded peer-reviewed journals. His key publications highlight the significant contributions his lab has made to the understanding of skin mechanobiology.
Key Publications:
- Pundel OJ, Blowes LM, Connelly JT. “Extracellular adhesive cues physically define nucleolar structure and function”. Advanced Science. 2022; 9(10):e2105545. This publication explores the fascinating link between extracellular adhesive signals and the structural organization and function of the nucleolus, a critical component of the cell nucleus.
- Laly AC, Sliogeryte K, Keeling MC, Avisetti D, Waseem A, Gavara N, Connelly JT. “The keratin network of intermediate filaments regulates keratinocyte rigidity sensing and nuclear mechanotransduction”. Science Advances. 2021; 7(5):eabd6187. This impactful study reveals the crucial role of the keratin network in keratinocytes in sensing the rigidity of their environment and transducing these mechanical signals to the nucleus.
- Almeida FV, Gamon L, Laly AC, Pundel OJ, Bishop CL, Connelly JT. “High-content analysis of cell migration dynamics within a micropatterned screening platform”. Advanced Biosystems. 2019; 3(8):e1900011. This publication showcases the development of a novel micropatterned screening platform for high-content analysis of cell migration, a fundamental process in skin biology and wound healing.
- Kenny FN, Drymoussi Z, Delaine-Smith R, Kao AP, Laly AC, Knight MM, Philpott MP, Connelly JT. “Tissue stiffening promotes keratinocyte proliferation through activation of epidermal growth factor signalling” Journal of Cell Science, 2018; 131(10). This research uncovers the mechanism by which tissue stiffening promotes keratinocyte proliferation through the activation of epidermal growth factor signaling, providing insights into skin regeneration and fibrosis.
- Almeida FV, Walko G, McMillan JR, McGrath JA, Wiche G, Barber AH, Connelly JT. “The cytolinker plectin regulates nuclear mechanotransduction in keratinocytes” Journal of Cell Science. 2015; 128(24): 4475-86. This study identifies the cytolinker protein plectin as a key regulator of nuclear mechanotransduction in keratinocytes, further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cellular mechanosensing in the skin.
All Publications: (Link to full publication list would be here in a live webpage)
Supervision and Mentorship
Professor Connelly is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists. He supervises a team of talented researchers, guiding their projects and fostering their professional development. Current and past supervisees include:
- Sarah Hindle
- Durotimi Dina
- Holly Bachus Brook
Professor John T. Connelly’s contributions to bioengineering, skin mechanobiology, and regenerative medicine are substantial and ongoing. His research, teaching, and leadership continue to advance the field and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.
