Michael Sherratt

Michael Sherratt is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine. His research focuses on the mechanical properties of tissues and their changes during aging, particularly in elastic fibers and cardiac proteins like titin. He holds a BSc from Manchester University (1989), an MSc from UMIST (1992), and a PhD (1997) from Cay Kielty’s lab at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research. His work bridges the physical and life sciences, using techniques like atomic force microscopy and scanning acoustic microscopy. He has contributed to studies on fibrillin microfibrils, the impact of environmental factors on tissue elasticity, and the role of titin in heart function. Awards include an Age UK Fellowship and recognition for outstanding research papers. Active collaborations span multiple universities and institutes, including the School of Materials for tissue elasticity studies. He also contributes to teaching, supervising PhD students and medical projects. His research addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and aging.

Research Interests:

• Mechanical properties of elastic fibers and titin in aging
• Environmental influences (UV, smoking, diabetes) on tissue structure
• Nano/micro-mechanical analysis of ECM proteins
• Development of scanning acoustic microscopy

Awards:

• Age UK Fellowship (2005)
• AgeUk Senior Fellowship (2008)
• Best research image award (2011)
• Outstanding paper award (2012)

Teaching & Mentorship: Supervises industrially funded PhD students and medical projects, participates in first-year medical degree programs. Collaborates widely with researchers in dermatology, cardiology, and materials science.

Labs/Teams: Works with the Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing and Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to study tissue mechanics and aging.