Page 158 - SAMRC Annual Report 2024-2025

Wound Healing and Keloid
Scarring Research Unit

Unit director:
Prof. Nonhlanhla P Khumalo
n.khumalo@uct.ac.za

Advancing Research Priorities: Plant-Based Therapies: Collaborating with UCT's

Strategic Objectives and Impact Plant Systems Biology Group to explore bioactive
anti-fibrotic compounds; and Translational
The Wound and Keloid Scarring Translational Research: Bridging laboratory breakthroughs to
Research Unit at UCT is pioneering innovative clinical applications through strategic industry and
treatments for keloid scarring, a debilitating academic partnerships.
condition that predominantly affects individuals
with pigmented skin. Current therapies are largely Impact Achieved: New treatment pathways for keloid
fibrosis and wound healing; Scientific breakthroughs
ineffective, necessitating targeted, high-impact in dermatology and regenerative medicine;
research to develop precision medicine solutions.
Capacity building, training postgraduates in cutting-
Key Interventions: 3D Keloid Model: Enables edge research methodologies; and Economic &
high-throughput drug screening for anti-fibrotic healthcare benefits, with potential therapeutic
therapies; Keloid Fibroblast Cell Line: First-of-its- commercialisation.
kind, facilitating genetic and molecular studies This research positions the Unit as a global leader
on keloid progression; Biomarker & Drug Target in dermatology innovation, delivering clinically
Discovery: Proteogenomic studies identified novel translatable solutions that will improve patient
diagnostic and therapeutic targets; Indigenous outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens.

The SAMRC Wound Healing and Keloid Translational Research Unit hosts National Diploma in Biotechnology
interns for hands-on lab experience at the Hair and Skin Research Lab.

156 SAMRC ANNUAL REPOR T 2024-25