Discovery of novel gene mutations in cerebellar ataxia
Elucidating key pathways affected in cerebellar disorders
Differentiation of human iPSC-derived cerebellar neurons and organoids
Understanding Cerebellar Development and Disease
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© Scientific American
Welcome to the CEREBELLAR DISEASE Group!
We are interested in discovering the genes and biological mechanisms that regulate the development of the cerebellum and in exploring how the impairment of these mechanisms leads to cerebellar diseases.
The cerebellum is well-known as the primary centre of motor coordination and learning in the central nervous system. However, increasing evidence suggests a much wider function for the "little brain", including in higher cognitive functions such as language, emotion and social reward processing. We understand surprisingly little about the molecular processes that underlie the formation of the cerebellum and that, when disrupted, lead to disease. The goal of our research is to provide fundamental insights into the genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the development and different diseases of the cerebellum.
One of the diseases that we are very interested in is cerebellar ataxia. We have recently identified the first dominant gene mutations in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 41 (SCA41) and Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 44 (SCA44), and our ongoing work focuses on elucidating the role of mGluR1-TRPC3 signaling in cerebellar ataxia and how this can be exploited therapeutically.
Our group is one of the few laboratories worldwide who have developed a robust protocol to generate cerebellar neurons and organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This exciting technology allows us, for the first time, to study the development and function of human cerebellar neurons in the dish using available cells from healthy people as well as patients with cerebellar disorders.
Together, our work provides a more rigorous understanding of the genes and pathways behind cerebellar diseases. We hope that our findings will ultimately help to inspire improved clinical treatments for patients.
Our team
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Esther Becker
Professor of Translational Neuroscience
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Elizabeth Apsley
DPhil Student
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Sevda Boyanova
Research Assistant
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Yin Cheng
DPhil Student
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Bethan Cole
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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Jodie Collingridge
DPhil Student
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Mohamed Ibrahim
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Join the lab
We are an enthusiastic group of people from different backgrounds, who all share our passion for science. Enquiries from motivated and talented students and post-docs to discuss available research projects and funding possibilities are always welcome. Get in touch
Opportunities for DPhil/PhD projects in the Becker group are available through a number of graduate programmes:
- DPhil in Clinical Neurosciences (direct entry)
- DPhil in Neuroscience (structured programme)
- OXION Programme
- Interdisciplinary Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership
Outreach and Access
UNIQ+
We are offering projects and mentorship through the University's UNIQ+ graduate access programme aimed to provide students from under-represented backgrounds an opportunity to experience postgraduate study.
In2science
Our lab is proud to participate in the in2science programme that provides research placements for year 12 science students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Empowered Women
Esther was one of the invited keynote speakers at the Empowered Women event in April 2014 that was hosted by the Charity Wishful Smiles together with Barry Gardiner MP at the Houses of Parliament.
In the media
The use of patient stem cell-derived mini-brains to study A-T, supported by Action for A-T
From school desk to lab bench: local students take part in In2Science programme
Report on the 2nd Biennual Oxford Rare Disease Initiative Conference
Using stem cells to battle brain diseases ATLAS of Science
Mutated gene gets mice 'moonwalking' New Scientist