Thomas Wishart

Synapses, the junctions between neurons (nerve cells), are affected in many neurodegenerative diseases.

Historically, most therapeutic interventions have focused on late-stage events within the neuron as a whole, and have been ineffective. In many neurodegenerative conditions, including the motor neuron disease SMA, the synapses show alterations long before the rest of the neuron. Understanding these changes might provide clues to identify important therapeutic targets.

We are trying to systematically unravel these synapse specific changes in a range of neurodegenerative conditions. We use state-of-the-art mass screening technologies combined with bioinformatic approaches to identify potential markers of early degeneration and future therapeutic targets.

In a recent interview with Select Science Tom Wishart describes his groups interest in understanding the factors involved in neurodegenerative disease progression and some of the tools and techniques they use in the lab.

http://www.selectscience.net/SelectScience-TV/Videos/Quantitative-Fluore...

What makes synapses vulnerable? Using Batten disease as a tool to find out. 

The brain is a very complex organ. It contains billions of cells called neurons. Neurons form a very tight network of connections. When this network is disrupted it can cause a wide range of different diseases.

In Batten disease, synapses (communication points between nerve cells/neurons) begin to break down early in disease progression. The reasons why synapses are so vulnerable is unknown.

Our laboratory is trying to work out what mechanisms govern the vulnerability of synapses and could therefore be important in regulating disease progression in a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's and motor neurone diseases.

Download Infantile Batten Disease: A Synaptic Study

For more information on Batten disease please refer to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association