Enhancing stem cell-derived motor neuron function as a therapeutic approach in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Project Code

MRCNMH25Ex Brown

Research Theme

Neuroscience & Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, for which there is currently no effective treatment. In this project, you will use human motor neurons derived from patient stem cells, which develop features of neurodegeneration. Using electrophysiological approaches, you will examine the impact of ALS genotypes on the electrical and synaptic properties of these neurons. Further, you will attempt to rescue these electrical deficits by modulating specific genes identified from transcriptomic data and explore the underlying molecular pathways. The key aim is to identify novel drug targets for the treatment of ALS. 

Lead Supervisor

Dr Jon Brown

Lead Supervisor Email

j.t.brown@exeter.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Exeter