Sharon Paton

I am currently involved in a variety of research projects within the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Research Group. Previously, I have been extensively involved in research and development support in developing biological products for a broad field of regenerative medicine, including large-scale production of low passage MSCs for various clinical trials.

The current focus of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory is to investigate the origin and biological properties of different postnatal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) populations that give rise to supportive connective tissues such as myelosupportive stroma, adipose tissue, smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, bone, cartilage, ligament, cementum and dentin. Our work seeks to identify critical genes and epigenetic factors that regulate MSC self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. Our continuing research into the basic properties of MSC will help develop more effective and safer stem cell based therapeutic options in the future for a wide variety of clinical diseases and conditions.

I am the Laboratory Manager of the MSC Research Group as well as Research Officer and also provide technical training and support for Honours, PhD and Senior Post Doctoral staff members.