FANS Science Meeting - September

ABOUT FANS SCIENCE MEETINGS

The Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences (FANS) hosts a range of seminars, training programmes and events open to staff, students and the wider public. The FANS Science Meetings are a series of seminars providing our invited internal and external speakers with the opportunity to present the latest research and developments from across the field. The meetings are also a lively forum for all to exchange knowledge and ideas and build connections across the department and beyond.

MEETING FOCUS

Talk 1: Serotonin and autism spectrum disorder - Dr Eileen Daly

Emerging evidence suggests that abnormalities in the Serotonin (5-HT) system may be a common pathophysiological mechanism and possible treatment target in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Over 30% of people with autism have high blood levels of 5-HT and are classified as being hyperserotonaemic. Therefore, we are investigating if abnormalities of 5-HT in the brain can be related to core and co-occurring conditions (i.e. depression).

In this talk, Eileen will present the results of a novel pharmacological fMRI study using the atypical antidepressant tianeptine to modulate the 5-HT system to shift brain activity in adults with and without ASD.

Eileen is a Senior Lecturer in the FANS department (IoPPN). Her work focuses on using functional MRI to characterise pharmacological modulation of the Serotonergic system in adults with and without ASD.

Talk 2: Exploring neurobiological differences and heterogeneity in ASD - Charlotte Pretzsch

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogenous condition that is still rather poorly understood, and there are no effective pharmacological treatments for its core symptoms. In this talk, Charlotte will present her doctoral research exploring the impact of the potential treatment candidate cannabidiol (CBD) on key brain systems. Charlotte will also outline her current research within the AIMS-2-TRIALS network. This work addresses the heterogeneity in ASD by examining neurobiological subgroups and their potential to predict clinical outcomes in this condition. 

Charlotte is a postdoctoral research associate in the FANS department (IoPPN). Her research focuses on the identification and validation of multimodal neurobiological and behavioural biomarkers in ASD.

Click here to view the event poster

This event is open to all King's College London staff, students and the wider community. For more information please contact: marija-magdalena.petrinovic@kcl.ac.uk

Email: fansevents@kcl.ac.uk to register your attendance.

ABOUT FANS

FANS is one of Europe’s largest research groups and one of the few teams in the world bringing together leading experts in brain development and pro and antisocial behaviours across the lifespan.  We are part of the IOPPN, world-renowned for the quality of its research and for producing more highly cited publications in psychiatry and mental health (Scopus, 2016) than any other university in the world.