Leeds Centre for Disease Models

We bring together world-leading researchers from across a range of disciplines to undertake fundamental and applied research into the underlying mechanisms of inherited human diseases. The main focus of our research is in the recapitulation of disease states in model systems which allow greater interrogation of the mechanism and development of therapeutic approaches. Currently a major activity towards this research activity involves the generation of 3D organ-like models (organoids) and cultures derived from stem cells that recapitulate many of the complex processes that occur in the human body. These model systems can be used to investigate the effects of patient genomic variants or environmental factors on human cellular processes. As well as gaining a better understanding of disease mechanisms, we aim to use this knowledge to develop and test new therapies in the hope that they can be used as treatments in the future.