Decoding Neurodevelopmental Disorders: From Patient Variants to Disease Mechanisms

Project Code

NMH27Ba Licchesi

Project Type

Wet lab

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

Rare genetic variants are a major cause of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, epilepsy and intellectual disability, yet the underlying disease mechanisms remain poorly understood. This multidisciplinary project will investigate how disease-associated mutations disrupt the function of an essential E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in protein quality control and cellular proteostasis during brain development. Using structural biology, quantitative proteomics, human iPSC-derived neurons and zebrafish disease models, the student will uncover how genetic variation leads to neurological dysfunction. Functional consequences will also be assessed using advanced imaging and multielectrode array technology, providing new insights into rare neurological disorders and variant interpretation.

Can the project be completed part time?

No

Lead Supervisor

Dr Julien Licchesi

Lead Supervisor Email

jdfl20@bath.ac.uk

University Affiliation

University of Bath

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