Matthias Zilbauer

Matthias Zilbauer completed his medical training and obtained his MD degree from the University of Mainz, Germany and obtained a PhD in mucosal immunology from the Institute of Child Health at University College London (UCL, UK) investigating innate immunity of the intestinal epithelium. 

Matthias completed his clinical training in paediatrics as well as paediatric gastroenterology following training in several leading international centres based in the UK and Germany. In 2013, Matthias was appointed University Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Gastroenterology the University of Cambridge and Cambridge University Hospitals. 

Supported by an MRC New Investigator Research Award, Matthias established his research group with a focus on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating intestinal epithelial stem-cell function in health, development, and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 

In 2022 Matthias joined the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute as a group leader. In 2023 he was named Clinical Professor of Paediatric Gastroenterology. 

Project/study information

The Zilbauer group's main research interest lies in the field of human intestinal epithelial stem cell biology during development, health and related diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC). 

A particular focus lies on the role of role of epigenetic mechanisms (i.e. DNA methylation) in regulating gene expression and cellular function of the human intestinal epithelium and the implication of epigenetic (re)programming on development and disease pathogenesis.  

As one of the main experimental models, they use human mucosa derived intestinal epithelial organoids. Over the past 8 years, they have generated a large living biobank containing >1000 frozen organoid lines that form the basis for future translational research efforts. 

In addition to organoids derived from intestinal mucosal samples, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into intestinal epithelium. 

Current projects focus on the development of clinical biomarkers to guide treatment of children diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, test novel treatments targeting the intestinal epithelium using our organoid model and further develop 2D and 3D culture systems which allow complex co-culture of the intestinal epithelium with other cell types (e.g. immune and stromal cells) as well as the intestinal microbiota.