Investigating the role microRNAs play in the pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease and whether they could be targeted therapeutically

Project Code

MRCNMH26Ex Lunnon

Project Type

Wet lab

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HTT gene, with age of onset influenced by additional genetic and environmental factors. This PhD project will investigate the role of microRNAs—key post-transcriptional regulators—in mediating this variability. Using cutting-edge short- and long-read sequencing technologies in post-mortem HD brain tissue, the project will identify microRNA signatures associated with age of onset and pathology, and relate these to transcriptional changes and genetics. Functional validation will be performed in an iPSC model of HTT expansion. The student will receive interdisciplinary training in genomics, neuroscience, stem cell models and bioinformatics.

Lead Supervisor

Professor Katie Lunnon

Lead Supervisor Email

k.lunnon@exeter.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Exeter