DrDaniel Hesselson

Enhancing the durability of stem cell-derived islets for type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells, so a lasting cure will likely require replacing these cells. Stem cell-derived islets are one of the most promising approaches, but they need to remain functional and resilient after transplantation. In this project, we will optimise PDX1, a key regulator of pancreatic identity and beta cell function, and test engineered PDX1 variants developed in our lab using directed evolution. The aim is to identify versions that help stem cell-derived islets survive and function better under disease-relevant stress, with the long-term goal of improving future cell therapies for diabetes.

Novel delivery systems to empower complete repair after a heart attack
A heart attack causes the sudden loss of heart muscle cells and leaves behind scar tissue that the body cannot effectively repair. Current treatments can stabilise patients and reduce further damage, but they do not regenerate the lost tissue. This project focuses on developing protein therapeutics that can protect and repair the injured heart, together with delivery strategies that ensure they act at the right place and time. This project will improve lead molecules generated in our lab and test them in human cell models and animal models of heart injury, with the goal of identifying new regenerative therapies for cardiovascular disease.

Tumour-activated cancer immunotherapies
Many solid tumours protect themselves by creating local conditions that suppress immune attack, which can make cancer immunotherapies less effective and more toxic. This project aims to engineer next-generation protein and cell-based therapies that switch on only inside tumours, in response to features such as low oxygen, acidic conditions, or tumour-associated enzymes. This project will design and test novel therapies using cell-based models and preclinical models of solid cancer. The goal is to develop treatments that are more precise, more potent, and safer than current approaches.

Opportunities are available for Dalyell, honours, and PhD projects.