In this episode of our Neuroscience Research series, hosts Filippo Dall'Armellina and Michael Cearns welcome Professor Adrian Isaacs (UCL), who investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying FTD and ALS.
Research Highlights:
- Paper 1: Mizielinska S, et al. C9orf72 repeat expansions cause neurodegeneration in Drosophila through arginine-rich proteins. Science, 2014. [PMID: 25103406]
- Paper 2: Kempthorne L, et al. Dual-targeting CRISPR-CasRx reduces C9orf72 ALS/FTD sense and antisense repeat RNAs in vitro and in vivo. Nat Commun., 2025. [PMID: 39779704]
- Paper 3: Giblin A, et al. Neuronal polyunsaturated fatty acids are protective in ALS/FTD. Nat Neurosci., 2025. [PMID: 40000803]
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33:07
Functional neurological disorder
In this episode we are joined by Dr Ingrid Hoeritzauer to discuss her approach to the diagnosis and management of functional neurological disorders.
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45:37
Neurodevelopmental disorders with Prof. Michele Jacob
In the fourth episode of our Neuroscience Research series, hosts Filippo Dall'Armellina and Dr. Michael Cearns are joined by Prof. Michele Jacob, Professor of Neuroscience at Tufts University. Prof. Jacob’s research focuses on autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work spans basic biology, including the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, as well as electrophysiological studies and preclinical mouse models. Together, we discuss groundbreaking evidence for therapeutic interventions targeting conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and the rare CTNNB1 syndrome.
Research Highlights from the Episode:
- Paper 1: Alexander JM, et al. Excessive β-Catenin in Excitatory Neurons Results in Reduced Social and Increased Repetitive Behaviors and Altered Expression of Multiple Genes Linked to Human Autism. Front Synaptic Neurosci. 2020 Mar 31; PMID: 32296324.
- Paper 2: Alexander JM, et al. Inhibition of GSK3α,β Rescues Cognitive Phenotypes in a Preclinical Mouse Model of CTNNB1 Syndrome. EMBO Mol Med. 2024 Sep; PMID: 39103699.
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36:21
Brain injury in Covid-19 with Ben Michael
In this episode of our Neuroscience Research series, hosts Filippo Dall'Armellina and Dr. Michael Cearns engage in a fascinating conversation with Professor Ben Michael, Director of The Brain Infection & Inflammation Group at the University of Liverpool. Together, they delve into the emerging field of neuro-COVID and Covid-19 associated neurological complications, exploring the ongoing research and the challenges of understanding this novel and complex topic.
Research Highlights:
- Needham EJ, et al. Brain injury in COVID-19 is associated with dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses. Brain. 2022.
- Michael BD, et al. Para-infectious brain injury in COVID-19 persists at follow-up despite attenuated cytokine and autoantibody responses. Nat Commun. 2023.
- Wook GK, et al. Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 cognitive deficits at one year are global and associated with elevated brain injury markers and grey matter volume reduction. Nat Med. 2024.
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36:06
Surgical trials and meningiomas with Prof. Michael Jenkinson
In this episode of our Neuroscience Research series, hosts Filippo Dall'Armellina and Michael Cearns engage in a compelling discussion with Professor Michael Jenkinson, Chair of Surgical Trials at the University of Liverpool. They explore his pioneering work in surgical trials to understand meningiomas, a type of brain tumours.
Research Highlights from the Episode:
- IMPACT study publication: Islim AI, et al. External validation and recalibration of an incidental meningioma prognostic model - IMPACT. BMJ Open. 2022.
- STOP'EM trial. Learn more about it at https://www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR129748.
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Neuro Podcases Website at neuropodcases.co.uk
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