Stargazin and AMPA receptor expression at cortical synapses in epileptic rats

Co-supervisors: Dr Kim Powell, Prof Terry O’Brien

This project will investigate the contribution of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and associated modulatory proteins to absence seizures in a genetically epileptic strain of rats.

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Stem cell therapy for cochlear implant recipients

The broad aim of our research is to determine whether stem cells can be used to replace auditory neurons in the cochlea. The auditory neurons die as a result of hearing loss, and are essential for cochlear implant function. This project will build upon our previous studies, which were aimed at delivering stem cells into the deaf cochlea whilst minimising damage to this delicate structure. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a surgical model to access the auditory nerve, such that stem cell therapy can be combined with a cochlear implant in future.

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Stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease

Co-supervisor: Dr Clare Parish

Embyonic stem (ES) cells are capable of generating large numbers of a wide variety of specialised cell types, including those that make up the central nervous system (CNS). ES cells therefore represent an attractive option for cell-based strategies to repair the CNS. This project is focussed on the development of a safe and effective procedure for utilising ES cells to repair the damage that occurs in Parkinson's disease.

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Stopping epilepsy before it starts

Supervisors: Dr. Chris Reid, Dr. Steven Petrou

Idiopathic generalised epilepsy is a common form of epilepsy with a strong genetic component. Advances in gene discovery suggests that genetic profiling will allow us to predict what chance an individual has of getting epilepsy. In an exciting recent discovery our group has shown that the impact of an epilepsy mutation in early brain development can increase the chance of adults having seizures (Chui et al Annals of Neurology 2008). Therefore, if we can stop the impact of the epilepsy mutation in early development we may be able to stop epilepsy from ever occurring. This project has two parts. First, to administer antiepileptic drugs in the early part of brain development and see if we can reverse the impact of an epilepsy mutation. Second, to record early brain activity in a mouse model of idiopathic generalised epilepsy that is based on a human epilepsy mutation. This will determine what may be going wrong with the brain in the early developmental time window. Together, projects outlined here will help devise new therapeutic strategies that may allow us to stop epilepsy from ever occurring in susceptible patients.

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Structure and function of human relaxin 3 - a novel brain peptide

Relaxin is a peptide hormone of the insulin superfamily being composed of two short chains (A and B) linked by disulphide bonds.

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