Professor Sara Brown

Sara's research focuses on investigating genetic mechanisms in atopic eczema (and related conditions) to help design better treatments.

Grant Chair of Dermatology and Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Clinical Science

NHS Lothian (Honorary Consultant Dermatologist)
Edinburgh Academic Training Scheme (Co-Director)

Contact details

Group Members

Martina Elias, Research Fellow

Luke Johnston, Postdoctoral Research Associate

Eleanor Earp, ECAT PhD Student

Silvia Shen, MRC Precision Medicine PhD Student

Emily Mortimer, MRS PhD Student

Nicola Lyttle, Research Technician

Lauren Kelly, Dermatology Research Coordinator

Andrii Lakovliev, Cross-Disciplinary Postdoctoral Fellow (XDF)

Background

Professor Sara Brown moved her laboratory and clinical work to Edinburgh in December 2020. Sara is a clinical academic dermatologist, caring for patients of all ages with a wide range of skin diseases. Her research interest is in understanding how a person's genetic make-up predisposes them to inflammatory skin disease, atopic eczema, and associated systemic conditions.

Research Overview

The Brown lab uses primary human keratinocytes (the building blocks of epidermis) and a skin organoid model to investigate specific molecular genetic effects. These studies are informed by genome-wide and population-based research with international collaboration. The Brown lab is also researching gene-environment interactions, to address important questions regarding why eczema has increased in prevalence in recent decades. Human cells are also used to screen drugs and drug-like compounds for their effects on skin. The ultimate aim is to define targets for new and better treatments.

Biographical Profile

Sara graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1996 with a first-class degree in Parasitology and Entomology and MBChB with Honours. She moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne for general medical training and specialised in Dermatology, staying in Newcastle where she benefited from the environment where clinical academic enquiry was very much encouraged. Training with Professor Nick Reynolds, Professor Heather Cordell and Professor (now Sir) John Burn, Sara obtained an MD with Commendation in 2008. After completion of her clinical training, Sara moved to Dublin for a fellowship in Paediatric Dermatology with Professor Alan Irvine and Dr Rosemarie Watson. In 2009 Sara was awarded a Wellcome Intermediate Clinical Fellowship to support her ongoing research located in the laboratory of Professor Irwin McLean, a leader in the field of Epithelial Genetics and at the forefront of eczema genetic research, in Dundee, Scotland. In 2013 Sara established her independent laboratory within the School of Medicine, University of Dundee, and in 2015 she was awarded a Wellcome Senior Fellowship to continue her research in eczema genetics. This fellowship award was renewed in 2021. Throughout her career, Sara has taken every opportunity to interact with patients and the public, sharing the challenges of living with eczema, learning from patients and families affected by eczema and discussing important research ideas.

Read more about the Brown lab and its public engagement activities on the Brown Lab external website using the link below.

Public engagement activities - Brown Lab website