Mini Brains In Motion

Andras will talk about why novel human lab grown “minibrain” models could provide an unprecedented advantage in pinpointing key problems and solutions for untreatable and devastating neurological diseases, such as motor neurone disease (MND).

This talk will outline the clinical features of HSPs and will discuss spastin, the protein made by the gene most commonly affected in hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) patients. This will touch on the cellular role of intracellular highways called microtubules, and how being able to modify microtubules is important for the normal function of nerve cells. He will also explain how whole genome sequencing is now being used on the NHS to help make diagnoses for patients, like those with HSP, who have rare genetic disorders.