Project Code
NMH27Ex Piers
Project Type
Wet lab
Research Theme
Neuroscience and Mental Health
Project Summary Download
Summary
Late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) risk is shaped by microglial genes, particularly the TREM2 signalling axis. The coding mutation TREM2 R47H increases disease risk, while the coding mutation in the downstream signalling molecule PLCG2 P522R appears protective. This inverse relationship provides a powerful genetic entry point to identify pathways that drive vulnerability or resilience genome wide. This project will use computational methods to discover molecular pathways showing opposite patterns across risk- and protective-variant human iPSC-derived microglia. The student will prioritise pathways, perturb candidate genes, and test whether these alter microglial effects on neuronal functions relevant to LOAD pathogenesis.
Can the project be completed part time?
Yes
Lead Supervisor
Dr Thomas Piers
Lead Supervisor Email
University Affiliation
University of Exeter
