Testing for Parkinson's Disease

Alpha synuclein is generally accepted to be an important molecule in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease (PD). We have found that alpha synuclein is elevated in about half the people with PD and that people with an elevated alpha synuclein have a more severe form of PD. We are now using this to find out whether we can detect presymptomatic disease.

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The cation channel TRPV4 and hereditary neuropathies

Co-supervisor: Dr Laura Zamurs

In 2010, mutations in the widely expressed cation channel TRPV4 were shown to underlie a spectrum of inherited neuropathies. The pathogenic mechanism remains controversial as one lab reported reduced cell surface expression of the channel and reduced activity, while two other labs suggest the same mutations led to increased basal activity and increased activation. Honours and PhD projects are available to work in this area.

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The Control of Upper Airway Dilator Muscles in Sleep Disorders.

Supervisors: Amy Jordan and John Trinder

The human airway has limited bone or cartilage support and muscular activity is required to keep the airway open. Central activation of these muscles is reduced during sleep, resulting in the disorder Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Potential treatments include pharmocologic or electrical stimulation of upper airway muscles. However, this is hampered by a lack of understanding of the control of these muscles. This project will study the control of two critical muscles, genioglossus and tensor palatini.

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The effect of down regulating TARP and AMPA receptor on seizure expression in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg

Co-supervisors: Dr Jeremy Kennard, Prof. Terry O’Brien

This project will aim to investigate the involvement of stargazin and AMPA receptors in contributing to the epileptic phenotype of a well characterised animal model of absence epilepsy.

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The effect of early auditory deprivation on musical enjoyment and the development of musical skills in children with cochlear implants

Supervisors:Dr Julia Sarant

The aims of this study are to: 1. investigate the effect of early auditory deprivation on the development of musical skills and enjoyment and, 2. determine if a relationship exists between age at implantation, and music perception and enjoyment.

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