Alex Dunn University positionPhD student DepartmentsDepartment of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Home pageResearch ThemesInterestsI'm a PhD student studying the development of cellular-scale brain networks in vitro. I grow primary murine neuronal cultures and record spontaneous activity on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). I also analyse MEA recordings of stem-cell-derived human tissue including cerebral organoid slices. I'm interested in network formation, topology and dynamics and currently focus mainly on graph theoretical metrics. As part of my PhD, I am investigating how networks containing Mecp2-deficient neurons are disrupted. This may have translational implications as Mecp2 mutations cause most cases of Rett Syndtome. Using optognetic manipulation, I am also looking at the role of inhibitory neocortical interneurons in these networks as pathology in these cells is heavily linked to Rett Syndrome. Research Focus
EquipmentCell culture Computational modelling Electrophysiological recording techniques Micro/multi electrode arrays Microscopy Organoids (cerebral and spinal) CollaboratorsNo collaborators listed Associated News ItemsPublications2022Akarca D, Dunn AWE, Hornauer PJ, Ronchi S, Fiscella M, Wang C, Terrigno M, Jagasia R, Vértes PE, Mierau SB, Paulsen O, Eglen SJ, Hierlemann A, Astle DE, Schröter M (2022), “Homophilic wiring principles underpin neuronal network topology in vitro” bioRxiv 2022.03.09.483605 2021Szebényi K, Wenger LMD, Sun Y, Dunn AWE, Limegrover CA, Gibbons GM, Conci E, Paulsen O, Mierau SB, Balmus G, Lakatos A (2021), “Human ALS/FTD brain organoid slice cultures display distinct early astrocyte and targetable neuronal pathology” Nature Neuroscience 24: 1542-1554 |