MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY LAB
@Swansea University Medical School
We are interested in how alterations in metabolic status effect brain function. My laboratory is focused on delineating the mechanism(s) of action of circulating hormones, that are regulated by feeding, on protecting against nerve cell loss associated with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. We are also keen to understand how these circulating hormones may modulate neural stem cell (NSC) plasticity in adults to promote memory function.
![Exp13 DRP-1 NeuN x63 MIP 17.11.16[1] copy.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8bff8e_2bdd06feba6e403995df5fd2ec5b8392~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_123,h_123,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/8bff8e_2bdd06feba6e403995df5fd2ec5b8392~mv2.jpg)
ABOUT THE LAB
The lab is based within the Institute of Life Science, School of Medicine @Swansea University. We use a range of in-vitro and in-vivo models to delineate cellular & molecular mechanisms linked to nervous system function and disease.
PUBLISHED WORK
CALORIE RESTRICTION ACTIVATES NEW ADULT-BORN OLFACTORY BULB NEURONES IN A GHRELIN-DEPENDENT MANNER
CALORIE RESTRICTION INCREASESÂ NEUROGENESIS VIA THE GHRELIN RECEPTOR
ACYL-GHRELIN INCREASES ADULT HIPPOCAMPAL NEUROGENESIS AND IMPROVES PATTERN SEPARATION MEMORY
THE TEAM
We are a highly collaborative group working with national and international researchers to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning neurogenesis and neuroprotection.
MARTINA SASSI
(PHD STUDENT)
Investigating novel small molecule enzyme inhibitors for treating cognitive decline and dementia
LUKE BUNTWAL
(PHD STUDENT)
The development of a solid-state hMeDIP assay for epigenetic analysis of neural stem cell function - implications for dementia
CARLA CARISI
(PHD STUDENT)
Preventing nerve cell loss in Alzheimer's disease: a role for the orexigenic hormone ghrelin?
LUKE ROBERTS
(PHD STUDENT)
The role of neuronal autophagy in ghrelin mediated neuroprotection and neurogenesis: Implications for dementia and associated disease
GANG HAN
(PHD STUDENT)
Analysing the role of hippocampal GHSR in neurogenesis
ANNIE SMITH
(MRES STUDENT)
Ghrelin AMPK mediated mitochondrial dynamics
LAURA BREMNER
(MEDICAL DPP STUDENT)
VINEETH VIMALAN
(MEDICAL DPP STUDENT)
Assessment of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mouse models of Down's syndrome & Alzheimer's disease
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Institute of Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
01792 602209