The big questions
- How is the wiring of different intracellular components in the human CNS altered in neurodegenerative diseases?
We will use cutting-edge tools in cell engineering, high-resolution imaging and genetic screening to map how the organisation of intracellular components is disrupted across different neurodegenerative conditions. By modelling human cell types and tissues in organoids and assembloids, and visualising them quantitatively in 3D and 4D, we will build a detailed picture of how cellular architecture breaks down in disease.
- Which are the key intracellular nodes that are similarly perturbed across different diseases and can we manipulate these targets to delay disease onset and progression?
By taking a cross-disease perspective, we will identify the intracellular processes and pathways that are commonly disrupted across neurodegenerative conditions. Small molecule and genome-wide genetic screens will allow us to rapidly pinpoint genes and pathways controlling disease-associated processes, with the aim of validating shared pathological nodes as therapeutic targets and identifying interpretable fluid biomarkers.
