Dr. Jordi Bella

Biography

Jordi Bella is a lecturer in the Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine at the University of Manchester. His research focuses on the structure-function studies of cell-matrix adhesion proteins, aiming to understand the intricate relationships between structure and function in these proteins. These proteins play critical roles in physiological and pathological processes, such as immune responses and metastasis, which depend on cell-adhesion events. Bella investigates the biological functions localized within key domains that participate in interactions with ligands through recombinant techniques. He collaborates with Martin Humphries to study the interaction between cell-surface integrins and matrix molecules, particularly fibronectin. His research extends to the role of cell adhesion proteins as gateways for invasive pathogens, shedding light on control mechanisms in cell-adhesion interactions. Additionally, he explores the structures of collagens and their interactions in forming the extracellular matrix, aiming to understand their implications in connective tissue disorders. Bella's expertise is aligned with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the fields of biology, biophysics, and biochemistry.

Research Interests