Biography

My research aims to understand the genetic mechanisms that control the establishment of the circuitry of the nervous system and the normal and pathological function of proteins that contribute to neurodegenerative disease. We use Drosophila as a model system to both identify and characterise genes required for axon guidance and to identify functions and pathways regulated by genes associated with neurodegenerative disease. I have published more than 35 research papers with over 4,000 citations. I am also Head of the Genetics Education Department with responsibility for the management of the Molecular Genetics BSc, Molecular Genetics MSci, Medical Genetics iBSc and Genomic Medicine MSc programmes.

Please see my Research Staff Profile for more detail.

Key Publications:

• Cate et al., 2016. Mushroom body defect is required in parallel to Netrin for midline axon guidance in Drosophila Development 
• Tuxworth et al., 2011. The Batten disease gene CLN3 is required for the response to oxidative stress Hum Mol Genet
• Kidd et al., 1998. Roundabout controls axon crossing of the CNS midline and defines a new subfamily of evolutionarily conserved guidance receptors Cell

View all publications 

Key Collaborators:

• Prof Kevin Mitchell, Trinity College, Dublin