Helena Zomer
Research Assistant Professor | University of Florida
Gainesville, FL, UNITED STATES
Helena Zomer's research focuses on regenerative medicine approaches to enhance skin wound healing and tissue repair.
Biography
Helena Zomer has more than 14 years of research experience in cellular and molecular biology with a primary focus on regenerative medicine. Her major research interest has been in studying factors leading to robust tissue regeneration using skin wound healing as a model. Because chronic skin wounds disproportionally affect older adults, her current focus is on understanding the biology of aged skin wounds. Helena's unusual background (DVM, MS, PhD) gives her a unique perspective and set of skills to answer her research questions. As a veterinarian, she follows the concept of One Health — the multidisciplinary collaborative efforts to attain optimal health for people, animals, and our environment — so that her research uses her clinical veterinary training in service of both human and animal health.
Areas of Expertise (5)
Translational Research
Regenerative Medicine
Skin Wound Healing
Stem Cells
Aging
Articles (3)
Evaluation of secretomes derived from human dermal and adipose tissue mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for skin wound healing: not as effective as cells
Stem Cell Research & TherapyZomer, et al.
2024-01-17
Although the paracrine effects of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been recognized as crucial mediators of their regenerative effects on tissue repair, the potential of MSC secretomes as effective substitutes for cellular therapies remains underexplored.
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells from face and abdomen undergo replicative senescence and loss of genetic integrity after long-term culture
Experimental Cell ResearchDelben, et al.
2021-09-01
Body fat depots are heterogeneous concerning their embryonic origin, structure, exposure to environmental stressors, and availability. Thus, investigating adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) from different sources is essential to standardization for future therapies. In vitro amplification is also critical because it may predispose cell senescence and mutations, reducing regenerative properties and safety.
Mesenchymal stromal cells from dermal and adipose tissues induce macrophage polarization to a pro-repair phenotype and improve skin wound healing
CytotherapyZomer, et. al
2020-05-22
The process of wound healing restores skin homeostasis but not full functionality; thus, novel therapeutic strategies are needed to accelerate wound closure and improve the quality of healing. In this context, tissue engineering and cellular therapies are promising approaches. Although sharing essential characteristics, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from different tissues might have distinct properties.
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