Research: Cellular and molecular neurobiology

About our research

We use a range of cellular and molecular approaches to investigate fundamental neurological processes.

In particular, we are interested in causes, early detection and prevention from neurological disorders including:

• stroke

• Alzheimer’s disease

• vascular dementia

• dementia with Lewy bodies

• Parkinson’s disease

Neuroinflammation in stroke, vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Many of our studies support the key involvement of neuroinflammation in the progression of the neuropathological changes observed in both stroke and age-related cognitive decline.

Working with multi-centre human cohorts, longitudinal studies and animal models, we use blood cells, brain tissues and in vitro models to study links between inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, and cognitive health.

This allows us to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of these conditions.

We are also interested in the role of sleep and the prevention of plaque development.

Neuronal signalling in cognitive impairment

Our research aims to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways regulating synaptic plasticity and cognitive function in ageing and neurodegenerative disease.

A particular interest is determining the role of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors mGluR-mediated protein kinase cascade in the role of balancing intrinsic network excitability in the hippocampus of genetically modified mouse models.

Batten disease

Batten disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder that leads to neurodegeneration.

Affecting children, this fatal disease results from the build-up of fatty substances in tissues that lead to neuronal cell death.

We study the genes important in the development of this disease, using stem cell models to identify key molecular mechanisms important in neurodegeneration.

Neural control of breathing

We study the cellular signalling and molecular mechanisms involved in the autonomic drive to breathe.

There is a growing understanding that sleep disruption and sleep-disordered breathing may be an important factor for the progression of neurodegenerative disorders.

Our laboratory is investigating altered potassium ion channels and receptors in ageing brainstem respiratory control centres. We’re exploring their role in the prognosis and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.