
Professor Phil Stephens
College Dean of International & Engagement, Professor of Cell Biology
- stephensp@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2074 2529
- University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
- Media commentator
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
College Dean of International & Engagement, Professor of Cell Biology, HTA Research Licence Designated Individual, and Academic Lead for Cardiff University Biobank.
Research group
Regenerative Biology Group
Biography
Professor Phil Stephens is currently Professor of Cell Biology and the Research Theme lead for Integrative Biosystems within the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences at Cardiff University. He moved to Cardiff University in 1994 as Post Doctoral Researcher having obtained a first class honours degree and a PhD from Leeds University. Subsequently he established the Wound Biology Group with a clinical colleague. His research interests are in the fields of oral progenitor cells, differential wound healing, ageing, tissue engineering, animal replacement model systems and cellular imaging. Within these areas he has managed research projects (Research Council, Charity and Industry) totalling over £4.5 Million, published widely, filed patents and his group have won many National and International prizes. Externally he works closely with organisations such as the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research and reviews grant applications and manuscripts for numerous national and international funders/journals.
Professional memberships
- British Society of Oral and Dental Research
- European Tissue Repair Society
- Member of the Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair.
Academic positions
2010 – 2015 Professor of Cell Biology, Vice Dean (Research), Chair of the Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, Human Tissue Act Designated Individual
2008 – 2010 Professor of Cell Biology, Head of Tissue Engineering & Reparative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff
2004 – 2008 Reader in Cell Biology, Wound Biology Group, Dept. Oral Surgery, Medicine & Pathology, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff;
2002 – 2004 Senior Lecturer in Cell Biology, Dept. Oral Surgery, Medicine & Pathology, Dental School, UWCM, Cardiff;
1998 – 2002 Lecturer in Cell Biology, Dept. Oral Surgery, Medicine & Pathology, Dental School, UWCM, Cardiff
Publications
2020
- Yang, Y.et al. 2020. Three-dimensional culture of oral progenitor cells: effects on small extracellular vesicles production and proliferative function. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine 49(4), pp. 342-349. (10.1111/jop.12981)
2018
- Masia, F.et al. 2018. Label-free quantitative chemical imaging and classification analysis of adipogenesis using mouse embryonic stem cells. Journal of Biophotonics 11(7), article number: e201700219. (10.1002/jbio.201700219)
- Caley, M.et al. 2018. Development and characterisation of a human chronic skin wound cell line - towards an alternative for animal experimentation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 19(4), article number: 1001. (10.3390/ijms19041001)
- Hidalgo San Jose, L.et al. 2018. Microfluidic encapsulation supports stem cell viability, proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Tissue Engineering Part C Methods 24(3), pp. 158-170. (10.1089/ten.TEC.2017.0368)
2016
- Locke, M., Davies, L. C. and Stephens, P. 2016. Oral mucosal progenitor cell clones resist In Vitro myogenic differentiation. Archives of Oral Biology 70, pp. 100-110. (10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.06.013)
- Howard-Jones, R. A.et al. 2016. Integration-free reprogramming of lamina propria progenitor cells. Journal of Dental Research 95(8), pp. 882-888. (10.1177/0022034516637579)
- Perkins, B. L.et al. 2016. The life science exchange: A case study of a sectoral and sub-sectoral knowledge exchange programme. Health Research Policy and Systems 14, article number: 32. (10.1186/s12961-016-0105-4)
- Morgan, A. J. L.et al. 2016. Simple and versatile 3D printed microfluidics using fused filament fabrication. PLoS ONE 11(4), article number: e0152023. (10.1371/journal.pone.0152023)
2015
- Roper, J. A.et al. 2015. Ultrasonic stimulation of mouse skin reverses the healing delays in diabetes and aging by activation of Rac1. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 135(11), pp. 2842-2851. (10.1038/jid.2015.224)
- Board-Davies, E.et al. 2015. Oral mucosal lamina propria-progenitor cells exert antibacterial properties via the secretion of osteoprotegerin and haptoglobin. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 4(11), pp. 1283-1293. (10.5966/sctm.2015-0043)
2014
- Stephens, P. and Davies, L. C. 2014. Oral mucosal progenitor cells. In: Vishwakarma, A. et al. eds. Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering in Dental Sciences. Academic Press, pp. 297-306., (10.1016/B978-0-12-397157-9.00025-4)
- Peake, M. A.et al. 2014. Identification of a transcriptional signature for the wound healing continuum. Wound Repair and Regeneration 22(3), pp. 399-405. (10.1111/wrr.12170)
- McInnes, R. L.et al. 2014. Contrasting host immuno-inflammatory responses to bacterial challenge within venous and diabetic ulcers. Wound Repair and Regeneration 22(1), pp. 58-69. (10.1111/wrr.12133)
2013
- Stephens, P., Caley, M. and Peake, M. 2013. Alternatives for animal wound model systems. In: Gourdie, R. G. and Myers, T. A. eds. Wound Regeneration and Repair., Vol. 1037. Methods in Molecular Biology Springer, pp. 177-201., (10.1007/978-1-62703-505-7_10)
- Masia, F.et al. 2013. Quantitative chemical imaging and unsupervised analysis using hyperspectral coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy. Analytical Chemistry 85(22), pp. 10820-10828. (10.1021/ac402303g)
2012
- Wildeboer, D.et al. 2012. Specific protease activity indicates the degree of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in chronic infected wounds. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases 31(9), pp. 2183-2189. (10.1007/s10096-012-1553-6)
- Wagstaffe, S. J.et al. 2012. Bispecific antibody-mediated detection of the staphylococcus aureus thermonuclease. Analytical Chemistry 84(14), pp. 5876-5884. (10.1021/ac203403d)
- Davies, L. C.et al. 2012. Oral mucosal progenitor cells are potently immunosuppressive in a dose-independent manner. Stem Cells and Development 21(9), pp. 1478-1487. (10.1089/scd.2011.0434)
2011
- Stephens, P. 2011. Dysfunctional wound healing in chronic wounds. In: Farrar, D. ed. Advanced Wound Repair Therapies. Woodhead Publishing, pp. 3-38., (10.1533/9780857093301.1.3)
2010
- Enoch, S.et al. 2010. 'Young' oral fibroblasts are geno/phenotypically distinct. Journal of Dental Research 89(12), pp. 1407-1413. (10.1177/0022034510377796)
- Hardwicke, J.et al. 2010. Bioresponsive dextrin-rhEGF conjugates: in vitro evaluation in models relevant to its proposed use as a treatment for chronic wounds. Molecular Pharmaceutics 7(3), pp. 699-707. (10.1021/mp9002656)
- Davies, L. C.et al. 2010. A multipotent neural crest derived progenitor cell population is resident within the oral mucosa lamina propria. Stem Cells and Development 19(6), pp. 819-830. (10.1089/scd.2009.0089)
- Simpson, R. M. L.et al. 2010. Aging fibroblasts resist phenotypic maturation because of impaired hyaluronan-dependent CD44/epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. American Journal of Pathology 176(3), pp. 1215-1228. (10.2353/ajpath.2010.090802)
- Stephens, P. 2010. Development of a cell-based diabetic wound assay. ATLA Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 38(SUPPL.), pp. 45-48.
2009
- Simpson, R. M. L.et al. 2009. Age-related changes in pericellular hyaluronan organization leads to impaired dermal fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. American Journal of Pathology 175(5), pp. 1915-1928. (10.2353/ajpath.2009.090045)
- Enoch, S.et al. 2009. Increased oral fibroblast lifespan is telomerase-independent. Journal of Dental Research 88(10), pp. 916-921. (10.1177/0022034509342979)
- Iversen, A.et al. 2009. A proviral role for CpG in cytomegalovirus infection. Journal of Immunology 182(9), pp. 5672-5681. (10.4049/jimmunol.0801268)
- Simpson, R. M.et al. 2009. Age related changes in pericellular hyaluronan leads to impaired dermal fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. International Journal of Experimental Pathology 90(2), pp. A128-A129.
- Enoch, S. and Stephens, P. 2009. Scarless healing: Oral mucosa as a scientific model. Wounds UK 5(1), pp. 42-48.
- Cook, H.et al. 2009. Phenotypic differences in wound healing responses are reflected by differences in ECM reorganisation and MMP-2 activation. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 24, pp. A88-A88. (10.1046/j.1365-2613.2000.0145k.x)
2008
- Wall, I. B.et al. 2008. Fibroblast dysfunction is a key factor in the non-healing of chronic venous leg ulcers. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 128(10), pp. 2526-2540. (10.1038/jid.2008.114)
- Hardwicke, J.et al. 2008. Dextrin-rhEGF conjugates as bioresponsive nanomedicines for wound repair. Journal of Controlled Release 130(3), pp. 275-283. (10.1016/j.jconrel.2008.07.023)
- Meran, S.et al. 2008. Hyaluronan facilitates transforming growth factor-β1-mediated fibroblast proliferation. Journal of Biological Chemistry 283(10), pp. 6530-6545. (10.1074/jbc.M704819200)
- Peake, M. A.et al. 2008. Identifying a Gene signature for the wound healing continuum [Abstract]. Wound Repair and Regeneration 16(6), pp. A71. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00424.x)
- Enoch, S.et al. 2008. The oral mucosa: A model of wound healing with reduced scarring. Oral Surgery 1, pp. 11-21. (10.1111/j.1752-248x.2007.00005.x)
- Mantripragada, K. K.et al. 2008. Telomerase activity is a biomarker for high grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis type I individuals. Genes Chromosomes and Cancer 47(3), pp. 238-246. (10.1002/gcc.20525)
- Meran, S.et al. 2008. Hyaluronan facilitates TGF beta 1 mediated myofibroblastic differentiation [Abstract]. Wound Repair and Regeneration 16(2), pp. A12. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2008.00371.x)
2007
- Lygoe, K. A.et al. 2007. Role of vitronectin and fibronectin receptors in oral mucosal and dermal myofibroblast differentiation. Biology of the Cell 99(11), pp. 601-614. (10.1042/BC20070008)
- Meran, S.et al. 2007. Involvement of hyaluronan in regulation of fibroblast phenotype. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 282(35), pp. 25687-25697. (10.1074/jbc.M700773200)
- Davies, C. E.et al. 2007. A prospective study of the microbiology of chronic venous leg ulcers to re-evaluate the clinical predictive value of tissue biopsies and swabs. Wound Repair and Regeneration 15(1), pp. 17-22. (10.1111/j.1524-475X.2006.00180.x)
- Stephens, P. and Genever, P. 2007. Non-epithelial oral mucosal progenitor cell populations. Oral Diseases 13(1), pp. 1-10. (10.1111/j.1601-0825.2006.01314.x)
- Andersen, A.et al. 2007. Bacterial profiling using skin grafting, standard culture and molecular bacteriological methods. Journal of Wound Care 16(4), pp. 171-175.
2004
- Moseley, R.et al. 2004. Comparison of oxidative stress biomarker profiles between acute and chronic wound environments. Wound Repair and Regeneration 12(4), pp. 419-429. (10.1111/j.1067-1927.2004.12406.x)
- Davies, C. E.et al. 2004. Use of 16S ribosomal DNA PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for analysis of the microfloras of healing and non-healing chronic venous leg ulcers. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42(8), pp. 3549-3557. (10.1128/JCM.42.8.3549-3557.2004)
- Stephens, P.et al. 2004. Crosslinking and G-protein functions of transglutaminase 2 contribute differentially to fibroblast wound healing responses. Journal of cell science 117(15), pp. 3389-3403. (10.1242/jcs.01188)
- Enoch, S.et al. 2004. Identifying the molecular and genetic basis for non-healing wounds, scarless healing and scarring: study of human fibroblasts. British Journal of Surgery 91(S1), pp. 82-82.
- Moseley, R.et al. 2004. Extracellular matrix metabolites as potential biomarkers of disease activity in wound fluid: lessons learned from other inflammatory diseases?. British Journal of Dermatology 150(3), pp. 401-413. (10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05845.x)
- Moseley, R.et al. 2004. Comparison of oxidative stress biomarker profiles between acute and chronic wound environments. Wound Repair and Regeneration 12(4), pp. 419-429. (10.1111/j.1067-1927.2004.12406.x)
2003
- Hill, K. E.et al. 2003. Molecular analysis of the microflora in chronic venous leg ulceration. Journal of Medical Microbiology 52(4), pp. 365-369. (10.1099/jmm.0.05030-0)
- Stephens, P.et al. 2003. Anaerobic cocci populating the deep tissues of chronic wounds impair cellular wound healing responses in vitro. British Journal Of Dermatology 148(3), pp. 456-466. (10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05232.x)
- Stephens, P.et al. 2003. An analysis of replicative senescence in dermal fibroblasts derived from chronic leg wounds predicts that telomerase therapy would fail to reverse their disease-specific cellular and proteolytic phenotype. Experimental Cell Research 283(1), pp. 22-35. (10.1016/S0014-4827(02)00021-6)
- White, P.et al. 2003. Deletion of the homeobox gene PRX-2 affects fetal but not adult fibroblast wound healing responses. Journal Of Investigative Dermatology 120(1), pp. 135-144. (10.1046/j.1523-1747.2003.12015.x)
2002
- Hill, K. E.et al. 2002. Heterogeneity within the gram-positive anaerobic cocci demonstrated by analysis of 16S-23S intergenic ribosomal RNA polymorphisms. Journal of Medical Microbiology 51(11), pp. 949-957.
- Wall, I. B.et al. 2002. Potential role of anaerobic cocci in impaired human wound healing. Wound Repair and Regeneration 10(6), pp. 346-353. (10.1046/j.1524-475X.2002.t01-1-10602.x)
- Stephens, P. and Thomas, D. W. 2002. The cellular proliferative phase of the wound repair process. Journal of Wound Care 11(7), pp. 253-261. (10.12968/jowc.2002.11.7.26421)
2001
- Davies, C. E.et al. 2001. Use of molecular techniques to study microbial diversity in the skin: Chronic wounds reevaluated. Wound Repair and Regeneration 9(5), pp. 332-340. (10.1046/j.1524-475x.2001.00332.x)
- Stephens, P.et al. 2001. Skin and oral fibroblasts exhibit phenotypic differences in extracellular matrix reorganization and matrix metalloproteinase activity. British Journal Of Dermatology 144(2), pp. 229-237. (10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04006.x)
- Stephens, P.et al. 2001. Phenotypic variation in the production of bioactive hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor by oral mucosal and skin fibroblasts. Wound Repair and Regeneration 9(1), pp. 34-43. (10.1046/j.1524-475x.2001.00034.x)
2000
- Cook, H.et al. 2000. Defective Extracellular Matrix Reorganization by Chronic Wound Fibroblasts is Associated with Alterations in TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and MMP-2 Activity. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 115(2), pp. 225-233. (10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00044.x)
- Thomas, D. W.et al. 2000. Randomized clinical trial of the effect of semi-occlusive dressings on the microflora and clinical outcome of acute facial wounds. Wound Repair and Regeneration 8(4), pp. 258-263. (10.1046/j.1524-475x.2000.00258.x)
1998
- Stephens, M.et al. 1998. Molecular characterisation of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy 46(1), pp. 34-40. (10.1007/s002620050457)
1997
- Lim, S. H.et al. 1997. Molecular analysis of T cell receptor beta variability in a patient with orofacial granulomatosis. Gut 40(5), pp. 683-686. (10.1136/gut.40.5.683)
- Thomas, D. W.et al. 1997. T-cell receptor Vbeta usage by lesional lymphocytes in oral lichen planus. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine 26(3), pp. 105-109. (10.1111/j.1600-0714.1997.tb00031.x)
- al-Khateeb, T.et al. 1997. An investigation of preferential fibroblast wound repopulation using a novel in vitro wound model. Journal of Periodontology 68(11), pp. 1063-1069. (10.1902/jop.1997.68.11.1063)
- Stephens, P.et al. 1997. Integrin receptor involvement in actin cable formation in an in vitro model of events associated with wound contraction. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 29(1), pp. 121-128. (10.1016/S1357-2725(96)00123-9)
1996
- Stephens, P.et al. 1996. A comparison of the ability of intra-oral and extra-oral fibroblasts to stimulate extracellular matrix reorganization in a model of wound contraction. Journal of Dental Research 75(6), pp. 1358-1364. (10.1177/00220345960750060601)
- Stephens, P.et al. 1996. An investigation of the interaction between alcohol and fibroblasts in wound healing. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 25(2), pp. 161-164. (10.1016/S0901-5027(96)80065-8)
- Lim, S. H.et al. 1996. T cell receptor Vβ repertoire of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous-cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy 42(1), pp. 69-70. (10.1007/s002620050253)
Teaching
Dental BDS (Oral Ecosystems)
MSc Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
MSc Oral Biology
MSc Implantology
Oral Mucosal Lamina Propria-Progenitor Cells for tissue repair:
Wounds in the mouth heal extremely well compared to normal skin wounds in that they demonstrate little or no scarring. We have been investigating the cells from soft tissues within the mouth and have demonstrated that they are different to skin cells and in fact are more like foetal cells. This suggested that the cells from the mouth may actually be more like stem cells. Our recent work has identified such a stem cell−like cell within the mouth that can make various tissue types, are potent at down-regulating the immune system and have anti-bacterial properties. Hence, such cells may be useful to (a) help repair/regenerate damaged or diseased tissue, (b) help down-regulate the immune system during transplantation or after individuals have suffered from an auto-immune diseases and (c) be useful in combating infections/cancer. Importantly, because tissue containing the oral cells is easy to access and heals without a scar this could be the preferential source for stem cells for future patient therapy (patents awarded and filed; funded by the MRC).
Chronic wound healing:
We have had a long-term interest in the spectrum of wound responses including those that do not heal (chronic venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers). We have already demonstrated, through our in vitro analyses, that the molecular and cellular responses of fibroblasts from chronic wounds are dysfunctional. This includes our observations that chronic wound fibroblasts demonstrate premature senescence which impacts on their ability to drive repair of the wound due to a lack of production of several key chemokines. We are now developing these chronic wound cells strains into well characterised chronic wound cell lines which may have the potential to replace some animal experimentation for the future pre-screening of materials which may have beneficial effects for chronic wound sufferers.
Stem cell tracking:
One of the major barriers to translation with respect to tracking stem cell lineage/fate has been the ability to image cells within 3D tissues in real time. Traditionally, this has been attempted using fluorescence-based light imaging techniques with 3D sectioning capabilities such as laser-scanning confocal or multi-photon microscopy to provide quantitative, real-time imaging of cells. However, such an approach is limited due to photobleaching and the phototoxic effects of the fluorochrome label/moiety utilised. Hence we are working across disciplines (Physics and Chemistry) to develop novel, non-destructive imaging modalities (PET and MRI-based) to track stem cells and their progeny in real time in patients (funded by the EPSRC and the Wellcome Trust).
Biobanking:
Through my role as HTA Designated Individual at Cardiff University I am currently establishing the Cardiff University Biobank to coordinate research access to human tissue samples and data across and outwith the University.
Collaborations:
- Paola Borri/Wolfgang Langbein – Cell-based CARS analysis
- Elijah Ablorsu – Oral progenitor cells for whole organ repair
- Steve Paisey/Ian Fallis/Angelo Amoroso – Novel methods for stem cell tracking
- Alastair Sloan/Lindsay Davies – Oral progenitor cells as anti-bacterial agents
- Rachel Errington – Cell lineage determination
- Bing Song/David Barrow – Stem cell delivery
- Mark Bass (Sheffield) – Chronic wound healing
- Simon Whawell (Sheffield) – tumour biology
- Zhidao Xia (Swansea) – Chronic wound healing
Recent Awards
- Phil Stephens: Welsh Livery Guild Merit Award (2012)
- Rachel Howard-Jones: Poster Prize (Cardiff University Postgraduate Research Day, 2009); Oral Prize (Cardiff University Postgraduate Research Day, 2011); British Society for Oral and Dental Research Senior Colgate Prize (2012); Tissue Cell Engineering Society Poster Prize (2014)
- Adam Glen: Tissue Cell Engineering Society Oral presentation prize (2013)
- Emma Board Davies: Oral presentation prize (CITER annual scientific meeting, 2014)
- Lorena Hidalgo San Jose: Oral presentation prize (CITER annual scientific meeting, 2015)
Tissue engineering and repair expertise
- Oral progenitor cell biology (lineage development/control, immunosuppression)
- Fibroblast/extracellular matrix biology
- Development of in vitro systems to replace animals in experimentation
- Live cell imaging
- Wound healing bioassays
- Access to ethically sourced clinical material for research purposes
Supervision
- Oral progenitor cell small extracellular vesicles as anti-scarring and antimicrobial agents
- Development of long-term cell tracking agents (PET, MRI)