International Institutional Awards Tranche 1 University College London
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department Name: Institute of Neurology
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON (Lead Research Organisation)
- Francis Crick Institute (Collaboration)
- North Carolina State University (Collaboration)
- University of Paris, East (Collaboration)
- Northwestern University (Collaboration)
- Austral University of Chile (Collaboration)
- University of Toronto (Collaboration)
- University Hospital of Bern (Collaboration)
- Johns Hopkins University (Collaboration)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Collaboration)
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (Collaboration)
- B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (Collaboration)
- Case Western Reserve University (Collaboration)
- University of Oxford (Collaboration)
- University of Queensland (Collaboration)
- University of South Australia (Collaboration)
- Yale University (Collaboration)
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology (Collaboration)
- Harvard University (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Geraint Rees (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Flouri D
(2025)
Feasibility of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging to assess maternal hyperoxygenation in sheep pregnancy.
in The Journal of physiology
| Description | Balabani: PHYSICS- INFORMED, DATA DRIVEN TOOLS FOR FAST HEMODYNAMIC PROTOTYPING |
| Organisation | University Hospital of Bern |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Our group has developed a suite of in vitro and in silico patient specific tools to extract quantitative hemodynamic information from clinical images, providing insight to vascular pathologies and personalising interventions. As part of this collaboration with Bern, we were able to develop new computational pipelines, informed by 4D MRI data, to study the haemodynamics of vascular pathologies. We hope to to consolidate our collaborative efforts, gather pilot data and build a European consortium with a view to apply for EU Horizon funds. We also hope to take our computational tools to the next level by developing reduced order models and machine learning tools. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Through the University f Bern, we have access to clinical scanners to image in vitro vascular phantoms using clinical imaging modalities. |
| Impact | A proof of concept data driven hemodynamic computation pipeline for vascular pathologies was developed. In vitro experiments in a clinical setting were acquired in Bern for validation. A two day vascular workshop (UCL Bern Yale workshop) was organised bringing together engineers clinicians and patients to discuss current challenges and set priorities for research and clinical practise. Publications and a white paper are currently in progress. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Balabani: PHYSICS- INFORMED, DATA DRIVEN TOOLS FOR FAST HEMODYNAMIC PROTOTYPING |
| Organisation | Yale University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Our group has developed a suite of in vitro and in silico patient specific tools to extract quantitative hemodynamic information from clinical images, providing insight to vascular pathologies and personalising interventions. As part of this collaboration with Bern, we were able to develop new computational pipelines, informed by 4D MRI data, to study the haemodynamics of vascular pathologies. We hope to to consolidate our collaborative efforts, gather pilot data and build a European consortium with a view to apply for EU Horizon funds. We also hope to take our computational tools to the next level by developing reduced order models and machine learning tools. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Through the University f Bern, we have access to clinical scanners to image in vitro vascular phantoms using clinical imaging modalities. |
| Impact | A proof of concept data driven hemodynamic computation pipeline for vascular pathologies was developed. In vitro experiments in a clinical setting were acquired in Bern for validation. A two day vascular workshop (UCL Bern Yale workshop) was organised bringing together engineers clinicians and patients to discuss current challenges and set priorities for research and clinical practise. Publications and a white paper are currently in progress. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Bracewell: Targeted Vectors for Genomic Medicine: A Collaboration with the University of Queensland |
| Organisation | University of Queensland |
| Department | Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The goal is to create a straightforward and cost-effective method for producing bioengineered proteins with specific modifications. This involves using ligases for linking, with the aim of achieving efficient bioconjugation of linkers. If we obtain this proof of concept, it data it will be a critical piece of evidence for further funding. As outlined in this proposal our ambition is to create a larger partnership based around multiple targeted vector delivery technologies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | AIBN and UCL Biochemical Engineering are the largest academic centres for their type in Australia and Europe respectively. The collaboration and the centre's respective track records in translational research provides the capacity to develop technology arising from this research proposal towards industry application. The Protein Expression Facility (PEF) within AIBN is a crucial resource for researchers, offering essential equipment, capabilities, and services to support various aspects of protein science. PEF covers everything from molecular cloning and protein expression to optimization, scale-up, purification, and protein characterization. What sets PEF apart is its unique coverage across five different expression systems (E. coli, Yeast, Baculovirus/Insect, mammalian, and cell-free systems). Supported by UQ funding, this facility boasts state-of-the-art research equipment exceeding $10 million, including the Ambri250® multi-bioreactor system and largescale bioreactors (10 and 20L) for efficient scale-up optimization. PEF is recognized in the southern hemisphere for its extensive engagement with researchers in academia, industry, and government sectors, earning international acclaim for its client-focused approach. |
| Impact | There is the potential to apply for further funding from this, most notably the UKRI International Centre to Centre funding opportunity. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Diaz: Biomechanical Factors in Neointimal Hyperplasia: In silico Application to Peripheral Grafts |
| Organisation | Yale University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | From this award, we have obtained concise pilot data regarding biomechanical 'similarity metrics' of vein grafts. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The lab at Yale focuses on the mechanisms of vein-graft adaptation, remodelling, neointimal hyperplasia and graft failure. They also provided high-quality unique datasets to assist with our research. |
| Impact | Various applications have been submitted to UKRI. Funding applications to BHF and Wellcome Trust, Heart Research UK and smaller charities are planned. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Gout: Collaborative partnership with Johns Hopkins and Case Western Reserve Universities |
| Organisation | Case Western Reserve University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Prof. I. Gout's laboratory has recently discovered that a key metabolic cofactor, coenzyme A (CoA), can function as a major cellular antioxidant under oxidative or metabolic stress. Specifically, his laboratory has shown that this previously unknown function is mediated by a novel post-translational modification (PTM), termed protein CoAlation. The development of novel research tools and methodologies, and extensive collaborative interactions, recently allowed us to demonstrate for the first time that protein CoAlation is a widespread and reversible PTM that modulates the activity, subcellular localization, and conformation of proteins. We have intensified our collaborative research on protein CoAlation in cell and mouse models (CSE KO, 3xTg-AD and TBI); organised a collaborative workshop at the Johns Hopkins University to discuss ongoing studies, preparation of a paper for publication and future directions; organised collaborative visits/lectures to UCL, JHU and CWRU; and d) solidified our strategy for submitting joint grant proposals. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They showed that genetic disruption of H2S biosynthesis, using cystathionine ?-lyase knock out (CSE KO) mice and the 3xTg- AD mouse transgenic model of AD demonstrated significant upregulation of protein CoAlation in the hippocampus, as revealed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antiCoA mAb and by western blot (WB) analysis. We are now collaboratively investigating the pattern of Prdx6 CoAlation in brain samples from CSE KO, 3xTg-AD, and WT mice by WB and IHC. |
| Impact | Studies in the collaborators laboratory revealed that protein CoAlation is significantly increased in the hippocampus of CSE knockout mice (immunofluorescent analysis and immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. They also validated our published findings that protein CoAlation is increased in the brain of Alzheimer's disease mouse model (3xTg AD). |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Gout: Collaborative partnership with Johns Hopkins and Case Western Reserve Universities |
| Organisation | Johns Hopkins University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Prof. I. Gout's laboratory has recently discovered that a key metabolic cofactor, coenzyme A (CoA), can function as a major cellular antioxidant under oxidative or metabolic stress. Specifically, his laboratory has shown that this previously unknown function is mediated by a novel post-translational modification (PTM), termed protein CoAlation. The development of novel research tools and methodologies, and extensive collaborative interactions, recently allowed us to demonstrate for the first time that protein CoAlation is a widespread and reversible PTM that modulates the activity, subcellular localization, and conformation of proteins. We have intensified our collaborative research on protein CoAlation in cell and mouse models (CSE KO, 3xTg-AD and TBI); organised a collaborative workshop at the Johns Hopkins University to discuss ongoing studies, preparation of a paper for publication and future directions; organised collaborative visits/lectures to UCL, JHU and CWRU; and d) solidified our strategy for submitting joint grant proposals. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They showed that genetic disruption of H2S biosynthesis, using cystathionine ?-lyase knock out (CSE KO) mice and the 3xTg- AD mouse transgenic model of AD demonstrated significant upregulation of protein CoAlation in the hippocampus, as revealed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antiCoA mAb and by western blot (WB) analysis. We are now collaboratively investigating the pattern of Prdx6 CoAlation in brain samples from CSE KO, 3xTg-AD, and WT mice by WB and IHC. |
| Impact | Studies in the collaborators laboratory revealed that protein CoAlation is significantly increased in the hippocampus of CSE knockout mice (immunofluorescent analysis and immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. They also validated our published findings that protein CoAlation is increased in the brain of Alzheimer's disease mouse model (3xTg AD). |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Greene: Gene, nutrient, pharmaceutical interactions in embryonic development |
| Organisation | B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | We have developed experimental models to investigate potential effects of DTG. In previous studies, we have also examined the interaction of maternal nutrition and genetic susceptibility to NTDs. We found that maternal folate deficiency is insufficient to cause NTDs in mice, but can exacerbate genetic predisposition to NTDs and conversely folic acid supplementation can prevent NTDs in mice carrying mutations in Pax3. In recent studies we have tested the effect of DTG in mouse models that are genetically predisposed to partially penetrant NTDs, both in embryo culture and in vivo. We found striking gene environment interactions, with much higher rates of DTG-induced defects than observed in wildtype mice, which may model the situation in susceptible human pregnancies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners helped us to investigate three-way gene, nutrient, drug interactions and the potential modulation of diet these to support healthy development. |
| Impact | Generation of transcriptomic data supporting analysis of the effect of anti-retroviral drugs on embryonic development. This data will support production of two manuscripts. Meeting of collaborators and three platform presentations at the International Conference on Neural Tube Defects |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Greene: Gene, nutrient, pharmaceutical interactions in embryonic development |
| Organisation | Harvard University |
| Department | Harvard Medical School |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have developed experimental models to investigate potential effects of DTG. In previous studies, we have also examined the interaction of maternal nutrition and genetic susceptibility to NTDs. We found that maternal folate deficiency is insufficient to cause NTDs in mice, but can exacerbate genetic predisposition to NTDs and conversely folic acid supplementation can prevent NTDs in mice carrying mutations in Pax3. In recent studies we have tested the effect of DTG in mouse models that are genetically predisposed to partially penetrant NTDs, both in embryo culture and in vivo. We found striking gene environment interactions, with much higher rates of DTG-induced defects than observed in wildtype mice, which may model the situation in susceptible human pregnancies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners helped us to investigate three-way gene, nutrient, drug interactions and the potential modulation of diet these to support healthy development. |
| Impact | Generation of transcriptomic data supporting analysis of the effect of anti-retroviral drugs on embryonic development. This data will support production of two manuscripts. Meeting of collaborators and three platform presentations at the International Conference on Neural Tube Defects |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Greene: Gene, nutrient, pharmaceutical interactions in embryonic development |
| Organisation | Northwestern University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have developed experimental models to investigate potential effects of DTG. In previous studies, we have also examined the interaction of maternal nutrition and genetic susceptibility to NTDs. We found that maternal folate deficiency is insufficient to cause NTDs in mice, but can exacerbate genetic predisposition to NTDs and conversely folic acid supplementation can prevent NTDs in mice carrying mutations in Pax3. In recent studies we have tested the effect of DTG in mouse models that are genetically predisposed to partially penetrant NTDs, both in embryo culture and in vivo. We found striking gene environment interactions, with much higher rates of DTG-induced defects than observed in wildtype mice, which may model the situation in susceptible human pregnancies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners helped us to investigate three-way gene, nutrient, drug interactions and the potential modulation of diet these to support healthy development. |
| Impact | Generation of transcriptomic data supporting analysis of the effect of anti-retroviral drugs on embryonic development. This data will support production of two manuscripts. Meeting of collaborators and three platform presentations at the International Conference on Neural Tube Defects |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Greene: Gene, nutrient, pharmaceutical interactions in embryonic development |
| Organisation | University of Toronto |
| Country | Canada |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have developed experimental models to investigate potential effects of DTG. In previous studies, we have also examined the interaction of maternal nutrition and genetic susceptibility to NTDs. We found that maternal folate deficiency is insufficient to cause NTDs in mice, but can exacerbate genetic predisposition to NTDs and conversely folic acid supplementation can prevent NTDs in mice carrying mutations in Pax3. In recent studies we have tested the effect of DTG in mouse models that are genetically predisposed to partially penetrant NTDs, both in embryo culture and in vivo. We found striking gene environment interactions, with much higher rates of DTG-induced defects than observed in wildtype mice, which may model the situation in susceptible human pregnancies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners helped us to investigate three-way gene, nutrient, drug interactions and the potential modulation of diet these to support healthy development. |
| Impact | Generation of transcriptomic data supporting analysis of the effect of anti-retroviral drugs on embryonic development. This data will support production of two manuscripts. Meeting of collaborators and three platform presentations at the International Conference on Neural Tube Defects |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Holder: Magnetic detection Electrical Impedance Tomography Berlin PTB collaboration |
| Organisation | Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Our team developed a technique called magnetic detection EIT (MDEIT). Our goal was to produce the first ever MDEIT images as a pilot study, for which we needed to undertake studies in a research Magnetoencephalography (MEG) system. |
| Collaborator Contribution | PTB have outstanding facilities for brain magnetic field measurement with ultrasensitive MEG SQUIAD based systems and also the newer technique of more convenient atomic magnetometers. They allowed us access to these facilities to aid our research. |
| Impact | Obtained in vivo data in one subject to inform continued study of MDEIT and EIT and were planning an ARIA Neurotechnology application |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Johnson: Design and analysis of advanced purification modalities for high-value therapeutics |
| Organisation | North Carolina State University |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Dr Johnson has pioneered high resolution tools to visualise and characterise purification structures, relating their structure with function and process performance. Notably, this has included combining X-ray computed tomography data on porous geometry with confocal microscopy retention of products and impurities. The visit to RPI and NCSU has allowed me to combined my X-ray results with their confocal suite to provide a comprehensive understanding of foulant blockage across resin life cycles. New purification technologies for the manufacture of emergent viral vectors were examined. Imaging techniques (X-ray CT at UCL, confocal microscopy at RPI) were used to visualise and characterise process phenomenon in relating structure to function and performance. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner offered their confocal suite for me to conduct my experiments in. |
| Impact | It has led to me preparing applications for further funding, such as an EPSRC Fellowship. Planned collaborative publication - to be submitted in 2024, invitation to present at the AIChE meeting in October 2024. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Johnson: Design and analysis of advanced purification modalities for high-value therapeutics |
| Organisation | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Dr Johnson has pioneered high resolution tools to visualise and characterise purification structures, relating their structure with function and process performance. Notably, this has included combining X-ray computed tomography data on porous geometry with confocal microscopy retention of products and impurities. The visit to RPI and NCSU has allowed me to combined my X-ray results with their confocal suite to provide a comprehensive understanding of foulant blockage across resin life cycles. New purification technologies for the manufacture of emergent viral vectors were examined. Imaging techniques (X-ray CT at UCL, confocal microscopy at RPI) were used to visualise and characterise process phenomenon in relating structure to function and performance. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner offered their confocal suite for me to conduct my experiments in. |
| Impact | It has led to me preparing applications for further funding, such as an EPSRC Fellowship. Planned collaborative publication - to be submitted in 2024, invitation to present at the AIChE meeting in October 2024. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Melbourne/David: A Researcher Exchange Programme between UCL Institute for Women's Health and the University of South Australia Investigating MRI markers of fetal growth restriction |
| Organisation | University of South Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Our research collaboration has lead to successful new data acquisition and supported our joint presentation and attendance at an international conference (FNPS, 2024, Nottingham). The exchange has helped us successfully nurture a new project between team members in the UK and Australia developing a novel automatic fetal sheep MRI segmentation algorithm which is showing excellent results. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners in Australia provided us with access to the MRI experiments required for this proposal. |
| Impact | There has been a researcher exchange with researches from the UniSA in May/June 2024. During this time, experiments were conducted which were essential to the clinical translation of new techniques and knowledge. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Patel: International research symposium at UCL to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L) |
| Organisation | Austral University of Chile |
| Country | Chile |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We organised a symposium to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners contributed by attending this symposium as speakers and panellists. |
| Impact | Interdisciplinary talks |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Patel: International research symposium at UCL to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L) |
| Organisation | Francis Crick Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We organised a symposium to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners contributed by attending this symposium as speakers and panellists. |
| Impact | Interdisciplinary talks |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Patel: International research symposium at UCL to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L) |
| Organisation | Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We organised a symposium to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners contributed by attending this symposium as speakers and panellists. |
| Impact | Interdisciplinary talks |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Patel: International research symposium at UCL to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L) |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We organised a symposium to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners contributed by attending this symposium as speakers and panellists. |
| Impact | Interdisciplinary talks |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Patel: International research symposium at UCL to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L) |
| Organisation | University of Paris, East |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We organised a symposium to launch the Centre for Engineering Life (C=L). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners contributed by attending this symposium as speakers and panellists. |
| Impact | Interdisciplinary talks |
| Start Year | 2023 |