Research
Mechanisms underlying neurotransmission and neurodegeneration.
Neurotransmitters are released by exocytosis. We have studied the functions of mammalian proteins in exocytosis including Munc18-1 and cysteine string protein (Csp). Current work is focused on the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for the functional study of UNC-18 (orthologue of Munc18-1). We are also exploring the role of synaptic proteins in the protection of neurons from age-related neurodegeneration in the nervous system
Functions of calcium sensor proteins
Many aspects of cell function are regulated by cytosolic calcium acting through calcium-binding proteins. We are interested in two such families, the NCS proteins and the CaBPs. We are investigating the physiological roles of NCS-1 and related family members including the KChIPs which regulate the traffic of Kv4 potassium channels. Biochemical and structural approaches including use of NMR are used to identify interacting proteins and the molecular basis by which they act.
Dynamics of neuronal calcium sensor proteins
The localisation of the neuronal calcium sensor proteins proteins is analysed using fluorescent-tagged proteins and their calcium-myristoyl switch mechansim visualised in live cells.
Research grants
Functional and genomic analyses of novel epilepsy mutations
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
March 2017 - April 2020
Increasing Industry Engagement and Open Innovation in Health and Life Sciences - Proximity to Discovery Award
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
March 2016 - August 2017
Wellcome Trust Four-Year PhD Studentship with the Cellular and Molecular Physiology PhD Programme
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2014 - September 2018
Wellcome trust four-year PhD studentship with the cellular and molecular physiology PhD programme
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2012 - September 2016
Mapping mitotic calcium signals in mammalian cells with targeted sensors
LEVERHULME TRUST (UK)
February 2015 - January 2018
Wellcome Trust Four-Year PhD Studentship with the Cellular and Molecular Physiology Programme
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2011 - March 2016
Four year PhD Programme (2007)
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2007 - September 2011
Wellcome Trust Four Year PhD Studentship with the PhD Programme in Cellular and Molecular Physiology - 2009
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2009 - March 2014
2014 allocation - Wellcome ISSF non clinical fellowships
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
May 2015 - October 2018
YEAR 1 Wellcome Trust ISSF Non-Clinical Fellowships
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2011 - May 2018
Protein-protein interactions involving Munc18 in regulated exocytosis.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
January 2007 - December 2009
Establishment of an advanced electron microscopy unit.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
August 2004 - October 2009
Structural and mechanistic analysis of cysteine string protein
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
April 2010 - November 2013
Analysis of SNARE Proteins in Physiological Membrane Fusion.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2001 - March 2007
NCS-1 interactions with AP-2 and TGF beta receptor type 1 and effects on endocytosis.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2006 - April 2010
Role of Heat Shock Proteins in determining phenotypic responses to ethanol.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
November 2009 - July 2013
Regulation of the traffic of Kv4 potassium channels
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2005 - September 2009
Liverpool 3View: a national hub for 3D-EM bioscience research
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
January 2014 - December 2014
A genetic approach to the study of the neuroprotective role of cysteine string protein during normal ageing
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
April 2012 - September 2015
The mechanisms of Stim1 translocation in the activation of calcium entry
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2006 - September 2010
C.elegans as a model to study the role of SM proteins in neurotransmitter release in vivo.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
May 2006 - April 2009
Functional analysis of the calcium binding proteins hippocalcin and neurocalcin delta.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2002 - September 2006
The Function of Sec1 Proteins in Exocytosis.
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL
January 2002 - June 2005
Mechanisms underlying the regulation of voltage-gated calcium channels by NCS-1.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
January 2004 - January 2007