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Our aim is to understand fundamental biological processes that could inform the development of targeted therapies and innovative biomarkers in neurodegenerative and neurogenetic disorders.

We are investigating disease mechanisms at different levels
We are investigating disease mechanisms at different levels

The group was established by George Tofaris to investigate cellular mechanisms that regulate the clearance of misfolded proteins or damaged organelles in age-related neurodegenerative and rare neurogenetic disorders with a primary focus on Parkinson’s disease. To this end, we are currently employing a multifaceted approach encompassing forward genetics, proteomics and transcriptomics in models of increasing cellular complexity, including the use of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to:

  • Decipher critical pathways in the regulation of alpha-synuclein homeostasis or dopaminergic cell viability more broadly
  • Understand how disruption of these mechanisms leads to disease
  • Translate this fundamental knowledge into rational mechanism-based therapies

In collaboration with the Department of Chemistry in Oxford and patient cohorts we are also investigating the role of exosomes as biomarkers in the prediction or stratification of Parkinson’s disease. 

Our work involves interactions with research groups internationally via the EU IMI Consortium IMPRiND and the pharmaceutical industry.

Funders

Selected publications

Related research themes