Project Code
MRCNMH26Ex Witton
Project Type
Wet lab
Research Theme
Population Health Science
Project Summary Download
Summary
Microglia are the brain’s resident immune cells. The latest research suggests that, alongside conventional molecular signals, microglia function is also influenced by certain patterns of brain activity. Our team has found that a type of brain activity linked to cognition – called gamma oscillations – can regulate microglia through a particular receptor subtype, potentially triggering a neuroprotective response (DOI: bioRxiv 10.1101/2025.03.03.641001). Using a novel experimental assay developed by our lab, this project will uncover how this brain-immune signalling works to identify new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders involving malfunction of the brain’s immune system.
Lead Supervisor
Dr Jonathan Witton
Lead Supervisor Email
University Affiliation
Exeter