Elucidating the mechanisms of pathology in neurodevelopmental white matter diseases

Our research interests are to dissect the mechanism of auto-inflammatory neurological disorders using zebrafish as an animal model.

Leukodystrophies are devastating rare monogenic neurological diseases with loss of white matter. Many leukodystrophies have been described (over 200) due to advances in sequencing capabilities to identify mutations in new genes. However, for most of those diseases, there is limited research and models available and there is no treatment available.

We have previously published the first zebrafish model to study leukodystrophies (Haud et al, PNAS, 2011) and used this model to identify cellular drivers (Hamilton et al, Glia 2020). To expand the number of models available and boost research on leukodystrophies, We created LEUKOLABS, a new network to unite leukodystrophy researchers in the UK. Through this network, multiple research models will be combined to study new leukodystrophy identified and the student will be working towards elucidating the mechanism of pathology. This will advance our understanding of these rare diseases and contribute to the development of therapies.

The York Biomedical Research Institute at the University of York is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religion/belief, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.