Project Title: Deciphering epigenetic regulation of astrocyte functional states in healthy ageing and in Alzheimer’s disease
Supervisors: Dr Raffaella Nativio, Professor Simone Di Giovanni
Location: Level 7, Sir Michael Uren Hub, White City Campus, 86 Wood Lane, W12 0BZ
About Me
I am a PhD student in the Nativio lab in the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London, investigating the epigenetic pathways of different astrocyte functional states in healthy ageing and in Alzheimer’s disease. Prior to my PhD, I completed a BSc in Biomedical Science at University College London (UCL) where I did my final year project on the dysregulation of Ca2+ homeostasis in Alzheimer’s disease, which ignited my interest in the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. I then went on to do an MRes in Drug Discovery and Development at Imperial, where I undertook a project in the Nativio lab and ventured into the study of epigenetics in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. After completing my MRes, I stayed on in the Nativio lab and am now pursuing a PhD as a Research Assistant in the lab.
Qualifications
- 2021-2022: MRes Drug Discovery and Development, Imperial College London
- 2018-2021: BSc Biomedical Science, University College London
Research Interests
Ageing is the biggest risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite this, some individuals develop neurodegenerative diseases while others age healthily. I am interested in investigating the epigenetic pathways which drive the molecular and cellular signatures that may differ in healthy ageing and in neurodegenerative diseases. My research will focus on studying the different astrocyte stress states, specifically senescence and reactivity, with the aim of identifying specific epigenetic factors responsible for modulating the distinct astrocyte states.
Contact Details
Email: j.chong21@imperial.ac.uk
LinkedIn: jia-qi-chong-400354207
How temperature and circadian rhythms intersect to regulate a protein shown to protect against neurodegeneration
A new study led by Dr Marco Brancaccio (UK DRI at Imperial) and Dr Marieke Hoekstra (former UK DRI at Imperial, now VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research) offers a deeper insight into how a neuroprotective pathway is regulated both by temperature and the body clock. This research, published in the journal PNAS, could open up new therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disease. Read more on the UK DRI website
Introducing Cynthia Sandor: Pioneering earlier detection of Parkinson’s
Dr Cynthia Sandor, former Emerging Leader at the UK DRI at Cardiff, joins the UK DRI at Imperial as a Group Leader, where she will be tackling early diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
With a background in genetics, Dr Sandor uses computational methods to bring greater understanding to the underlying molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s. Read more about Cynthia's work on the UK DRI website.
