Neurodegeneration
The Importance of Research in Neurodegeneration
There are no cures and little in the way of effective treatment for neurodegenerative disease. As molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration are pieced together by basic molecular, cellular and behavioural research, common themes begin to emerge. The Neurodegeneration group is committed to using varied tools and approaches to study the causes, and work towards therapies for these diseases that increasingly affect our ageing population.
Our Research Interests in Neurodegeneration
Studies are currently focussing on the role of endocannabinoid receptors in Alzheimer's disease and how protein turnover in the neuron is important in Parkinson's disease. Another area of research is the role of cytokine signalling and STAT proteins in inflammatory processes in the central nervous system. Behavioural studies are trying to define the effects of stress on brain ageing - ageing is a major risk factor for degenerative disease. Structural MRI is used to understand the organisation of bridging veins in the brain. A therapeutic approach using synthetic derivatives of traditional Chinese medicines is being monitored in its ability to cross the blood brain barrier. The study of the bioenergetics of neurons, and how mitochondrial function is important for preventing neurodegeneration is an area of research that will be pursued. An overarching theme is to test the ability of stem cells to replace degenerated neurons in the brain. This battery of approaches aims to look, from all angles, at the neurodegenerative disease process, its prevention and potential therapies.
For more information, please email Professor Uwe Vinkemeier .
See research degree opportunities related to this group.
Group Publications
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- Behav Brain Res; Bonardi, C., de Pulford, F., Jennings, D., and Pardon, M.C.
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- Mol Cell Biol; Antunes, F., Marg, A., and Vinkemeier, U.