Using genetics to build a better understanding of dementia
The causes of dementia are usually complex and involve a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Thanks to advances in DNA sequencing technologies, we have now discovered several genetic variations that can influence a person’s chance of developing a disease. Identifying these so-called ‘risk genes’ is providing incredible insight into the biological mechanisms involved in tipping the balance from health to disease.
In fact, with many risk genes for neurodegenerative diseases already uncovered, scientists are beginning to investigate the key relationships between them in order to improve our understanding of disease mechanisms. In addition, these studies help us gain a holistic view of how the genes interact so that we ascertain the chance that an individual will develop one of these conditions.
The Hardy Lab is aiming to build complex disease networks for different neurodegenerative diseases. Their work involves using bioinformatic approaches to analyse gene activity and genetic data from cells, human brain tissue and laboratory models. The Hardy Lab are working closely with other researchers to test the predicted networks through laboratory experiments in cells and tissues. They hope this approach will ultimately lead to the development of new treatments that can stop, slow down or reverse dementia.
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Prof Sir John Hardy
Prof Sir John Hardy is a Group Leader at the UK DRI at UCL. Find out more about his career and expertise on his profile page.
Research summary
The Hardy & Escott-Price Labs identified four new risk genes for Alzheimer’s disease, tied to the microglial response to amyloid beta. Salih et al, 2019
Building pathogenic networks for neurodegenerative diseases
In the major neurodegenerative diseases, discoveries in genetics, and the following analysis has traditionally been valued solely as a driver for molecular investigation. However, with the massive increase in identified genetic loci driven by GWAS and by whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing, the balance of information transfer is shifting: so many genetic loci have now been discovered for the major neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neuron Disease and to a lesser extent frontotemporal dementia (FTD)) that we are now able to distinguish emerging networks of genes involved in pathogenesis. Importantly, these networks now allow us to have a better understanding of genetic risk, not just in terms of individual genes but in genetic variability in processes driving pathogenesis.
It is now possible to use bioinformatics to predict which particular genes and pathways are likely to be involved in neurodegenerative diseases – the expertise of the Hardy Lab. The first successful example of this was the identification of the TREM2 network in amyloid response in mice, pointing to the new genetic loci PLCG2 and ABI3. Results from the team have also shown that nearly all the pure FTD genes are lysosomal, nearly all the FTD/ALS genes belong to the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and that ataxia genes are likely to be involved in calcium homeostasis, the ubiquitin-proteasome system or DNA repair.
This programme will involve the use of whole-genome expression analysis in cells, mouse models and human brains. The bioinformatic analysis that follows will help guide ongoing genetic investigation in these diseases, in order to unravel disease pathways. This bioinformatic information will be shared with collaborators working on cell and animal systems, and those working on disease biomarkers, to drive a programme of work designed to advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and devise novel therapeutic approaches.
Main objective and research goal:
The overall aim is to build pathogenic networks for neurodegenerative diseases based on network analyses of expression and genetic data and then to begin to test these networks through experimental work in relevant tissues and cells in collaboration with others.
Key publications
Vacancies
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Key details
- Location: UK DRI at UCL
- Salary: £43,374 £51,860
- Lab: Dr Dervis Salih
The Research Departments of Neurodegenerative Disease and the UK Dementia Research at UCL are internationally recognised leaders in the study of a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases, including those leading to dementia and neuroinflammation. We have a strong focus on mechanistic dissection of genetic, molecular cellular and neuropathological processes which underlie across the neurodegeneration spectrum.
The laboratory of Dr Salih is dedicated to investigating the interplay between the immune system and cognitive function in the ageing brain focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. We study genetic variation in the human population and their effects on neurodegenerative diseases using techniques such as GWAS, transcriptomics, and epigenetics. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and advanced genomic methods to advance our understanding and treatment of dementia and age-related disorders.
About the role
We are seeking a Research Fellow to join a dynamic team that employs cutting-edge models - including iPSC-based cell biology, screening, biochemistry, genomics, imaging, and bioinformatics - to uncover new mechanistic insights into genes with variants associated with ageing and neurological function.
The overarching goal of the project is to systematically characterise the glial-specific functions of newly identified longevity-associated genes recently published by the Salih lab (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae339) - in models of ageing and Alzheimer’s disease-associated toxicity, and thus to identify which of these genes are most promising for future therapeutic targeting in neurodegenerative diseases.
You will be responsible for planning, execution and report of experiments and contribution to the formulation and submission of research publications as well as management and direction of this challenging project as opportunities allow.
The post is available from 01 August 2025 and is funded by a grant from the Medical Research Council to 31 July 2028 in the first instance.
Other positions
Astrocyte ageing & Bioinformatics (Fiona Kee, ENU) - 24 June - link
Drosophila models of neurodegeneration (Nathan Woodling, University of Glasgow) - 25th June - link
Lab members
- June Smalley (PA)
- Dr Anupriya Dalmia (Senior Researcher)
- Dr Kin Mok (Postdoctoral Researcher)
- Dr Dervis Salih (Postdoctoral Researcher)
- Dr Maryam Shoai (Postdoctoral Researcher)
- Dr Melissa Barber(Postdoctoral Researcher)
- Umran Yaman (PhD Student)
- Naciye Magusali (PhD Student)
- Hannah MacPherson (PhD Student - Jointly with Mina Ryten)
- Xinran Hao (PhD Student)
- Heleni Singer (PhD Student)
- Sophie de Regnauld de Bellescize (Student)
Collaborators
Lab funders
Thank you to all those who support the Hardy Lab!