Karl Kadler

Karl Kadler is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Manchester in the UK, serving as Director of both the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research and the Cellular & Developmental Systems Domain within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. He holds a PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Manchester (1984) and a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Salford (1980). His research focuses on collagen fibril assembly mechanisms, extracellular matrix biology, and the role of circadian rhythms in tissue maintenance. Kadler pioneered the use of serial block face-scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) in the UK and discovered fibripositors—actin-based plasma membrane structures critical for collagen fibril formation and mechanosensing. His work bridges molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced imaging to study diseases like osteogenesis imperfecta and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Research interests include circadian regulation of collagen homeostasis, extracellular matrix turnover dynamics, and the interplay between mechanical forces and cellular processes. Recent studies highlight circadian-driven protective mechanisms for collagen and macrophage-fibroblast interactions in fibrosis. Kadler’s expertise aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. He has received the prestigious 2016 Fell-Muir Prize for contributions to extracellular matrix research and manages large-scale interdisciplinary projects including the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and the Centre for Biological Timing. His work has produced over 124 publications and 3 notable datasets, demonstrating methodological innovations in collagen imaging and circadian biology.