Developing in vitro and in vivo genetic models to study aberrant neuronal network activity in dementia

Project Code

MRCNMH25Ex Nikolaou

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. Whilst cognitive decline in dementia is a progressive process affecting various aspects of mental functioning, an understanding of the early changes in the brain could provide the means for early detection, effective treatment, and the necessary support to individuals and their families. This project will utilise experimental approaches in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and zebrafish to identify and characterise the early neuronal network dysfunctions caused by AD causative gene mutations, which could lead to large-scale small molecule screens to identify novel therapeutics.

Lead Supervisor

Dr Nikolas Nikolaou

Lead Supervisor Email

N.Nikolaou@exeter.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Exeter