The prognosis for most neurodegenerative diseases is poor. The causes of the major diseases (eg: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis) are complex, including genetic and environmental factors. All conspire to interfere with signalling pathways in neurons and glia which sustain growth and viability. My work focuses on factors that are involved in the promotion of correct neuronal function, and to do this we use a wide range of approaches that encompass biology, chemistry and physics. 

My group is in the field of neurodegeneration and dementia research. We have made discoveries in understanding the cellular and biochemical mechanisms involved in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (specifically linking mitochondrial and synaptic dysfunction), where we have pioneered new models (including the first identification that cetaceans – whales and dolphins - also show similar pathology) and identified potential therapeutic targets with resultant industrial collaboration for novel inhibitors. Using both molecular and novel biophysical techniques, we have also discovered novel signalling pathways that are involved in the growth and development of mammalian neurons, including the first identification of the gene FRMD6/Willin as an upstream component of the Hippo pathway, which prior to our work was thought to be involved only in cancer. In collaboration, he has developed novel optical technology with the production of patents that have been further developed by industry. The interdisciplinary breadth and depth of our research is illustrated by publication of >150 research papers across journals in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.