Project Code MRCNMH25Br Mifsud Research Theme Neuroscience & Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Hyaluronan (HA) is a structural component found in the spaces between the cells. HA is involved in a range of physiological functions that depend on the…
Linking neuronal function to mental health: How genetic risk factors impair cognitive flexibility and neural plasticity in schizophrenia.
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Mellor Research Theme Neuroscience & Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Genetic risk factors for schizophrenia are clustered around genes that regulate synaptic function and adaptation, indicating common disrupted biological processes that underpin the cognitive impairments in…
How star cells of the brain help save the heart
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Mastitskaya Research Theme Neuroscience and Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Glucagon-like peptide-1 is a hormone and neurotransmitter peptide known for its role in appetite control and glucose metabolism. Other health benefiting effects of GLP-1, in particular…
Investigating the relationship between substance use and self-harm using multiple methods
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Mars Research Theme Neuroscience and Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary This interdisciplinary PhD will provide transferable skills in epidemiology, advanced statistical methods, interviewing, study design, recruitment, and management. The project will provide an in-depth understanding of…
Examining risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in serious mental illness
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Khandaker Research Theme Neuroscience and Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Cognitive problems (e.g., impaired memory/attention) are a core yet often overlooked feature of serious mental illness (SMI). Currently, little is known about what contributes to the…
Computing and translating mechanisms of neural network dysfunction associated with psychiatric risk
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Jones Research Theme Neuroscience and Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Psychotic disorders are common, chronic and poorly-treated; his cannot change until we understand their biological basis. This PhD project will integrate mouse electrophysiology and computational generative…
The impact of parental mental health on the neural substrate of early executive function development
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Holmboe Research Theme Neuroscience and Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary In recent years we have made new discoveries in how young children develop executive functions – important skills that allow children to adapt flexibly in their…
Towards a better understanding and treatments for the rare genetic brain disorder called CASK
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Hodge Research Theme Neuroscience and Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary CASK is a protein found at synapses between neurons in the brain. Human mutations cause brain and behavioural problems including severe epilepsy, sleep, movement and learning…
Unlocking the secrets of fentanyl: exploring the anomalous pharmacology of fentanyl at the µ-opioid receptor
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Corey Research Theme Neuroscience and Mental Health Project Summary Download Summary Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid that is responsible for more US overdoses than any other drug, yet much remains to be understood about its pharmacology.…
Cannabinoids in the ticking network of the brainstem satiety centre
Project Code MRCNMH25Br Chrobok Research Theme Cross-CuttingInfection, Immunity, Antimicrobial Resistance and RepairNeuroscience and Mental HealthPopulation Health Sciences Project Summary Download Summary Most physiological processes including feeding follow circadian (~24h) cycles. In mammals, these rhythms are generated by endogenous ‘body clocks’…