Brain Development & Repair Group
Latest group news & Updates
Jan 2021
Review on Preeclampsia & Neurodevelopment
Preeclampsia (PE) is a common and serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that occurs in approximately 3–5% of first-time pregnancies and is a well-known leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. We are delighted to share our new and comprehensive review from Aaron Barron focusing on preeclampsia and its effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes and what are the potential pathogenic roles for inflammation and oxidative stress. To read the review just click on the 'More Info' button below.
Jan 2021
Work featured on the Science of PD website
We were delighted to see our recent work on GDF5 feature on the Science of Parkinson's disease website in an article titled 'TGF-beta: The Parkinson’s superfamily?' by Dr. Simon Stott.... 'A lot of Parkinson’s research has focused on a neurotrophic factor called glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (or GDNF). Recently, researchers have been investigating some of the other TGF-β family members in preclinical models of Parkinson’s and they have been making some interesting discoveries.' To read the article click on the 'More Info' link below.
Jan 2021
Update on PD sleep research from Prof. Sullivan
Sleep problems are very common in people with Parkinson’s, and can lead to significant issues with activities of daily life. many people with Parkinson’s have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night. In he most recent issue of the Parkinson's Association Of Ireland (PAI) news letter, Prof. Aideen Sullivan gives an update on work in this area being carried out in UCC. To read the article click on the 'More Info' link below.
Dec 2020
Congratulations Dr Susan Goulding!
This week we are delighted to say congratulations to the new Dr. Susan Goulding on the successful defence of her PhD viva. Susan was awarded a RISAM PhD scholarship and her work focused on the development of neurotrophic factors and their potential for protecting dopaminergic neurons in PD. This led to the publication of four research papers and two reviews. For an example of Susan's work click the More info button below. Well done Susan!!
Dec 2020
New SFI programme begins
This week we were delighted to start our new SFI research programme focused on the development of new approaches to neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. This grant will recruit one postdoctoral researcher and one PhD student to work on developing new neuroprotective therapies and increased understanding of the mechanisms that are central to dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.
Dec 2020
New media article in 'The Conversation'
A news article has been featured in 'The Conversation' on neurotrophic factor therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The loss of these neurons leads to involuntary tremors, stiffness and balance problems. This article describes the clinical trials and new our new work on a brain protein that may be able to prevent the loss of dopamine neurons and why this discovery could be important for developing treatments for Parkinson's.
Nov 2020
New study published in Brain
Congratulations to Susan Goulding on the publication of our recent study in Brain. In this study we show that the neurotrophic factor GDF5 exerts neuroprotection in an α-synuclein rat model of Parkinson's disease which is important as it rationalises the continued development of neurotrophic factor therapy as an approach to developing novel disease-modifying therapies for Parkison's disease.
Sept 2020
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship
This week we are delighted to congratulate Dr. Noelia Morales-Prieto who starts her Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship. Noelia fellowship - BMPARK - is aimed at investigating the neurotrophic potential of bone morphogenetic protein neurotrophic factors as novel therapies for Parkinson's disease. These are prestigious awards are very competitive so congratulations Noelia and well done!
Aug 2020
New study published in iScience
Congratulations to Jayanth Anatha on our recent publication focused on the identification of novel therapeutic targets for Parkinson's by showing that 'STRAP and NME1 mediate the neurite growth promoting effects of the neurotrophic factor GDF5' that has been published open access in the journal iScience.