Prachi Stafford

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Dr Prachi Stafford BSc, MRes, PhD, FHEA

Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences

Summary

I am a Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences, where I teach a variety of courses to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. As a research-active academic, my research covers platelet biology, cell biology, and microbiology, with a particular focus on host-pathogen interactions and their role in systemic diseases. I am passionate about incorporating research into my teaching to inspire and enhance student learning. Additionally, I am dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within academia.

Prachi Stafford

About

I am a Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University, in the School of Bioscience and Chemistry. After completing a diverse academic and professional journey, I was appointed to my role in 2015. Prior to my appointment at Sheffield Hallam, I completed my BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology at the University of Sheffield, followed by a Masters in Research (MRes) in Biomolecular Science at the University of York, and a PhD in Haematology/Immunology at the Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge.

After my PhD, I worked as a research scientist at MedImmune (Cambridge), where I focused on the development of antibodies as therapeutics. I later returned to academia as a post-doctoral research scientist, and then as a Wellcome Trust Discipline Hopping Fellow at the University of Sheffield, where I studied host-pathogen interactions before transitioning to my current role at Sheffield Hallam University.

At SHU, I teach undergraduate and postgraduate students on a variety of Biological Sciences courses. I also serve as the Module Lead for the L6 Research Project module, and MSc Applied Diagnostics module. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, I am dedicated to integrating my research into teaching, allowing students to engage with ongoing, real-world research projects. This approach allows students to connect theory with practice, enhancing their learning and critical thinking skills.

My research interests lie in understanding the mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions, particularly the chronic oral pathogens Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis. These pathogens are linked to periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, and have been implicated in exacerbating systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. Using advanced -omics technologies (proteomics, phosphoproteomics, metabolomics), alongside molecular and cellular biology techniques, I explore how these pathogens interact with human epithelial cells, platelets, and endothelial cells. The goal of my research is to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to systemic conditions and identify potential therapeutic targets. I collaborate with scientists and clinicians to investigate the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions and how these might inform the development of new treatments for systemic diseases. More recently, I have also become involved in studies investigating the effects of low carbon monoxide levels on health (working with Dr Mari Herigstad, SHU), as well as exploring the role of microclots in long COVID (with Dr Caroline Dalton, SHU).

In addition to my research, I am passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within academia. I strive to create a supportive, inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into both teaching and research. I believe that diversity is essential for fostering innovation and creativity within the scientific community.

Teaching

School of Biosciences and Chemistry

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and teach in the general area of Biological Sciences at all levels on the BSc and MSc Biosciences Programme. I am also the Module Leader for the MSc. Biomedical Laboratory Techniques.

Cell Biology/Platelet Biology
Microbiology
Host-pathogen responses

BSc levels: Biomedical Science, Biology
MSc and MRes Levels: Biomedical Laboratory Science, Molecular Microbiology

Range of modules including:

  • Level 4: Introducing Professional Skills for Scientists
  • Level 5: Developing Professional Skills for Scientists
  • Level 6: Advanced Professional Skills for Scientists, Cellular Pathology and Infection, Research Project
  • Level 7: Applied Laboratory Practice, Advanced Professional Skills for Scientists, Cell and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Applied Diagnostics, Microbial Pathogenesis, Research Project, Extended Research Project

Research

Current area of research includes:

  1. Effects of periodontal pathogens on systemic disease
  2. The effects of low CO level on health (Led by Dr Mari Herigstad)
  3. The role of micro clots in long Covid (Led by Dr Caroline Dalton)

Link 1: Research into low carbon monoxide exposure

Link 2: Increased microclot counts in plasma are associated with Long COVID

External funders include: CO Research Trust, Patient Led Research Collaborative

Publications

Journal articles

Knowles, A.A., Campbell, S.G., Cross, N.A., & Stafford, P. (2023). Dysregulation of Stress-Induced Translational Control by Porphyromonas gingivalis in Host Cells. Microorganisms, 11 (3). http://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030606

Knowles, A., Campbell, S., Cross, N., & Stafford, P. (2021). Bacterial manipulation of the Integrated Stress Response: a new perspective on infection. Frontiers in Microbiology, 12. http://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.645161

Stafford, P., Henri, D., Turner, I., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2020). Reshaping education. Part 1: Practical Thinking in a Pandemic. The Biologist, 67 (5), 24-29. https://thebiologist.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/reshaping-education-practical-thinking-in-a-pandemic

Stafford, P., Henri, D., Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). Practical thinking in a pandemic. The Biologist. https://www.rsb.org.uk/biologist-features/reshaping-education-practical-thinking-in-a-pandemic

Andrews, A.M., Haywood-Small, S., Smith, T., & Stafford, P. (2017). Interactions of periodontal pathogens with megakaryocytic cells and platelets. Journal of Oral Microbiology, 9 (sup1), 1325245. http://doi.org/10.1080/20002297.2017.1325245

Naylor, K.L., Widziolek, M., Hunt, S., Connolly, M., Hicks, M., Stafford, P., ... Stafford, G.P. (2016). Role of OmpA2 surface regions of Porphyromonas gingivalis in host-pathogen interactions with oral epithelial cells. Microbiology Open, 6 (1). http://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.401

Hakami, F., Darda, L., Stafford, P., Woll, P., Lambert, D.W., & Hunter, K.D. (2014). The roles of HOXD10 in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). British journal of cancer, 111 (4), 807-16. http://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.2014.372

Stafford, P., Higham, J., Pinnock, A., Murdoch, C., Douglas, C.W.I., Stafford, G.P., & Lambert, D.W. (2013). Gingipain-dependent degradation of mammalian target of rapamycin pathway proteins by the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis during invasion. Molecular oral microbiology, 28 (5), 366-378. http://doi.org/10.1111/omi.12030

Roy, S., Phansopa, C., Stafford, P., Honma, K., Douglas, C.W.I., Sharma, A., & Stafford, G.P. (2012). Beta-hexosaminidase activity of the oral pathogen Tannerella forsythia influences biofilm formation on glycoprotein substrates. FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology, 65 (1), 116-120. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-695X.2012.00933.x

STAFFORD PRACHI, , WATKINS NICHOLAS, , & OUWEHAND WILLEM, (2009). DETECTION OF HUMAN PLATELET ANTIGEN (HPA) ANTIBODIES. .

STAFFORD PRACHI, , WATKINS NICHOLAS, , & OUWEHAND WILLEM, (2008). DETECTION OF HUMAN PLATELET ANTIGEN (HPA) ANTIBODIES. .

Stafford, P., Garner, S.F., Rankin, A., Kekomaki, R., Watkins, N.A., & Ouwehand, W.H. (2008). A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the human ITGB3 gene is associated with the platelet-specific alloantigen Va (HPA-17bw) involved in fetal maternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Transfusion, 48 (7), 1432-1438. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1537-2995.2008.01737.x

Stafford, P., Ghevaert, C., Campbell, K., Proulx, C., Smith, G., Williamson, L.M., ... Ouwehand, W.H. (2008). Immunologic and structural analysis of eight novel domain-deletion beta3 integrin peptides designed for detection of HPA-1 antibodies. Journal Of Thrombosis And Haemostasis, 6 (2), 366-375. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.02858.x

Stafford, P., Garner, S.F., Huiskes, E., Kaplan, C., Kekomaki, R., Santoso, S., ... Ouwehand, W.H. (2008). Three novel beta3 domain-deletion peptides for the sensitive and specific detection of HPA-4 and six low frequency beta3-HPA antibodies. Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH, 6 (2), 376-383. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.02843.x

STAFFORD Prachi, , WATKINS Nicholas, , & OUWEHAND Willem, (2007). DETECTION OF HUMAN PLATELET ANTIGEN (HPA) ANTIBODIES. .

Ghevaert, C., Campbell, K., Stafford, P., Metcalfe, P., Casbard, A., Smith, G.A., ... Ouwehand, W.H. (2007). HPA-1a antibody potency and bioactivity do not predict severity of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Transfusion, 47 (7), 1296-1305.

Jennings, N.S., Harmer, I.J., Campbell, K., Stafford, P., Smith, G.A., Metcalfe, P., ... Ouwehand, W.H. (2007). Molecular characterization of the variable domains of an alphaIIbbeta3-specific immunoglobulin M kappa platelet cold agglutinin in a follicular lymphoma patient with treatment refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia: idiotypic overlap between alphaIIbbeta3 integrin antibodies. Transfusion, 47 (3), 499-510. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1537-2995.2006.01142.x

Jennings, N.S., Smethurst, P.A., Knight, C.G., O'Connor, M.N., Joutsi-Korhonen, L., Stafford, P., ... Ouwehand, W.H. (2006). Production of calmodulin-tagged proteins in Drosophila Schneider S2 cells: a novel system for antigen production and phage antibody isolation. Journal of immunological methods, 316 (1-2), 75-83. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jim.2006.08.003

Hughes, D.L., Stafford, P., Hamaia, S.W., Harmer, L.J., Schoolmeester, A., Deckmyn, H., ... Watkins, N.A. (2005). Platelet integrin alpha2 I-domain specific antibodies produced via domain specific DNA vaccination combined with variable gene phage display. Thrombosis and haemostasis, 94 (6), 1318-1326. http://doi.org/10.1160/th05-06-0410

Hughes, D.L., Stafford, P., Hamaia, S.W., Harmer, L.J., Schoolmeester, A., Deckmyn, H., ... Watkins, N.A. (2005). Platelet integrin alpha2 I-domain specific antibodies produced via domain specific DNA vaccination combined with variable gene phage display. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 94 (6), 1318-1326. http://doi.org/10.1160/TH05–06–0410

Adebisi, A.A., Anyogu, A., Freestone, N., Knight, G., Manoharan, A., McEvoy, J., & Stafford, P. (n.d.). Bridging the gaps. The Biologist. https://www.rsb.org.uk/biologist-opinion/closing-the-awarding-gap-in-stem

Conference papers

Smith, C.L., Kelly, D.M., Le Maitre, C.L., & Stafford, P. (2023). Developing a microfluidic model to investigate the crosstalk between Porphyromonas gingivalis and vascular endothelial cells. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A, 29 (13-14).

Ouwehand, W.H., Stafford, P., Gheveart, C., Campbell, K., Allen, D., Smith, G., ... Watkins, N. (2006). Platelet immunology, present and future. ISBT Science Series, 1 (1), 96-102. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-2824.2006.00020.x

Theses / Dissertations

Knowles, A.A. (2023). Crosstalk between host stress-induced translational controland infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Stafford, P., Campbell, S., & Cross, N. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00535

Andrews, A. (2019). Effects of the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia on platelets. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Stafford, P. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00159

Presentations

Campbell, S., Knowles, A., Cross, N., & Stafford, P. (2022). Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains modulate host translational control during oxidative stress. Presented at: Microbiology Society annual conference, Belfast

Knowles, A., Campbell, S., Cross, N., & Stafford, P. (2021). Characterising the role of the Integrated Stress Response in the pathomechanism of the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Presented at: European oral microbiology workshop, Online conference

Knowles, A., Campbell, S., Cross, N., & Stafford, P. (2021). Characterising the role of the Integrated Stress Response in the pathomechanism of the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Presented at: Oral microbiology and immunology group workshop, Virtual conference

Posters

Knowles, A., Campbell, S., Cross, N., & Stafford, P. (2022). Characterising the role of the Integrated Stress Response in the pathomechanism of the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Presented at: Translation UK, Sheffield Hallam University

Campbell, S., Knowles, A., & Stafford, P. (2021). Characterising the role of the Integrated Stress Response in the pathomechanism of the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Presented at: Protein Synthesis and Translational Control, Virtual EMBL conference

Knowles, A., Campbell, S., & Stafford, P. (2021). Characterising the role of the Integrated Stress Response in the pathomechanism of the periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Presented at: Translation Uk, Virtual conference

Knowles, A., Campbell, S., & Stafford, P. (2020). Characterising the role of the ISR in the pathomechanism of the Periodontopathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Presented at: Translational Control (Virtual), Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, Long Island, USA

Other activities

Current external responsibilities include:

  • Member of the Department of Health, Medical Working Group (COMed) subcommittee of the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group
  • Platelet Society: Member of the committee, EDI Lead and Skills Grant Lead
  • Member of the Biosciences Awarding Gap (BAG) network steering group - an advisory group to the HUBS, Royal Society of Biology
  • External Examiner on BMS course at Birmingham City University, Birmingham

Postgraduate supervision

Current Students

Chloe Smith (3rd yr, DoS): Fluidic vascular model to investigate the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Simon Clark (2nd yr, 1st supervisor): Developmental effects and cellular mechanisms of low-level carbon monoxide exposure

Josh Durrans (2nd yr, 1st supervisor): Effect of low-level carbon monoxide exposure on cardiac development and inflammation

Meghan Hird (1st yr, 1st Supervisor): The effects of low-level carbon monoxide on the human brain

Past-Doctoral Students

Alex Knowles (DoS; 2018-2023) Now: Key Account Manager at Nikon Healthcare, UK
Thesis: Crosstalk between host stress-induced translational control and infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis

Alex Andrews (DoS; 2015-2019) Now: Account Manager, Sartorius Stedim Biotech, UK
Thesis: Effects of the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia on platelets

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