Neurology & Neuroscience

Inflammation and Neuro-psychiatric Disorders

The project aims to assess changes in neurogenesis upon exposure of human brain neurons to specific immune-related proteins, also called cytokines, which were previously identified among patients suffering from neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Subsequently, we will investigate which genes are involved in the changes observed in neurogenesis, and caused by the cytokines.

Studying Sex Differences in Mini-Brains in the Lab

Men are more likely to develop conditions like Parkinson’s disease and autism, while women are more frequently affected by depression and Alzheimer’s disease. We will study this in brain organoids, small, three-dimensional models of the human brain grown in the lab, that can be used to study brain development and synapse formation.

Microtubule-Associate Protein Tau in Motor-Neuron Disease

We have been investigating how TDP-43 disturbs tau length and synapse function using our TDP-43 mouse model of of motor neuron disease. We have been examining the brains of these mice using cutting-edge microscopic techniques.

The role of Microbes in Parkinson’s Disease

We examine the link between gut and brain axis in the causation of Parkinson’s disease, and the causal role for Helicobacter, a bacterial genus involved in stomach ulcers and cancer, using continuous objective measurements of facets of Parkinson’s disease.

Personalising Treatment of Brain Tumours

Gliomas are a group of brain tumours that are aggressive cancers, for which treatment prolongs life by months. We have developed a novel strategy for developing new treatment in which experiments are performed on a live sample of a person’s tumour outside their body.