Research Interests

The endosomal system comprises an inter-connected series of intracellular membrane-bound compartments controlling protein and lipid transport. Perturbation of the endosomal system has been implicated in the initiation and progression of several neurodegenerative disorders with neuronal endosomal swelling classed as an early hallmark of disease. We are interested in exploring this system in different cell types of the brain including neurons and astrocytes to understand how perturbation of this system can lead to disease. The lab uses a range of techniques including cell biology, quantitative proteomics and biochemistry. 

Retromer is an endosomal trimeric complex important for regulating the retrieval and trafficking of numerous proteins away from the degradative pathway. Retromer expression is significantly decreased in Alzheimer's patients, and mutations have been found in Parkinson's patients. Retromer associates with sorting nexin-27 (SNX27) when trafficking specific proteins to the cell surface, critical for cells communicating with their extracellular environment. SNX27 dysfunction has been implicated in Down’s syndrome, which greatly increases the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The lab is interested in the role of SNX27-Retromer in neurological function. 

Crucially, the role of the endosomal system in glial cells is unclear and understudied, leaving a critical gap in our knowledge. Astrocytes, a form of glial cells, are known to play an essential role in neuronal health and have been heavily implicated in neurodegenerative pathology. We are focused on understanding the role of the astrocytic endosomal system in astrocyte function, neuronal health and ultimately, neurodegenerative disease.