Research
Neurobiological functions of imprinted genes and their epigenetic regulation
My area of work is related to neurobiological functions of imprinted genes. Projects are focused on the analyses of two imprinted gene clusters: the Gnas locus and the Peg13-Trappc9 locus. The Gnas locus encodes variants of the cAMP signalling protein Gsα. We are specifically interested in studying their roles in neuroendocrinology and neural pathways that control energy homeostasis, energy expenditure and sympathetic nervous system activity. The Peg13-Trappc9-Kcnk9 cluster shows brain-specific imprinting and epigenetic regulation. Trappc9 encodes a subunit of the Trafficking Protein Particle complex involved in intracellular vesicle processes. Mutations of this gene are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. We are using genetically modified mice (knock-outs) as well as cellular and molecular biological approaches to investigate the gene functions. Furthermore, we are analysing the brain-specific epigenetic regulation of imprinted genes.
Labelling and imaging of stem cells in animal models
We are using reporter genes and virus vectors to label cells for imaging in animal models of disease, for example in the context of stem cell-based regenerative medicine therapies. Reporter genes for several imaging modalities are used, including luciferases and fluorescent proteins, which allow cell tracking over time in bioluminescence, fluorescence, optoacoustic or other imaging modalities. This work is done in collaboration with the Centre for Preclinical Imaging at our University.
Research grants
Developing novel tools and technologies to assess the safety and efficacy of cell-based regenerative medicine therapies, focusing on kidney disease RenalToolBox
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
November 2018 - April 2023
Regenerative Medicine Platform in Stem Cell Safety Science
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
June 2013 - March 2018
Wellcome trust four-year PhD studentship with the cellular and molecular physiology PhD programme
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2012 - September 2016
Investigation of sympathetic nervous system (sns) activity in mice deficient for the signalling protein xlalphas.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
October 2008 - September 2012
Determination of tissue-specific functions of Gnasxl derived proteins from the imprinted Gnas gene cluster.
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
November 2007 - November 2010
Research collaborations
Prof. Harish Poptani
Centre for Preclinical Imaging; PhD studentship;
Dr Bettina Wilm
Centre for Preclinical Imaging
Prof Patricia Murray
Centre for Preclinical Imaging; stem cell labelling and tracking; PhD studentship
Dr Murat Bastepe
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Dr Gavin Kelsey
The Babraham Institute
Prof George Bou-Gharios
ES cell culture and generation of knock-out mice