MRC Transition Support CSF David Owen

1)小胶质细胞--生活在大脑中的免疫系统细胞--含有一种叫做TSPO的蛋白质。靶向TSPO的药物可以改变小胶质细胞的行为，并保护神经退行性疾病动物模型中的神经细胞。然而，TSPO的功能尚不清楚。因此，本项目的目的是了解TSPO如何保护神经细胞，从而为神经退行性疾病的新疗法铺平道路。科学进展我已经建立了一个免疫学实验室和一个设施，从干细胞（IPS细胞）中培养人类小胶质细胞。然后，我对这些细胞进行了表征，并表明它们的行为与来自接受活检患者的人类小胶质细胞相似，因此它们适合于目的。接下来，我们确定了TSPO与哪些蛋白质相关，这是试图了解蛋白质功能时的一个重要问题。我们还展示了从细胞中去除TSPO如何影响它们的免疫功能。非科学进展NW伦敦IVIG小组主席（IVIG是一种救命但令人恐惧的资源）。受邀主持NW伦敦综合GP处方集小组（做出覆盖200万人的决定）。Nodthera和INmune Bio的有偿科学顾问委员会成员。新秀星星奖（ONO制药-包括一小笔赠款（91，000英镑））。应邀在4个国际（声誉很高）会议上发言（费用已付）。

1) OVERARCHING AIMSMicroglia - cells of the immune system that live in the brain - contain a protein called TSPO. Drugs which target TSPO change microglial behaviour and protect nerve cells in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. However, the function of TSPO is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this project is to understand how TSPO protects nerve cells, and hence to pave the way for novel treatments of neurodegenerative disease.Scientific Progress I have set up an immunology laboratory and a facility to grow human microglia from stem cells (IPS cells). I then characterised the cells and showed they behave similarly to human microglia derived from patients undergoing biopsies and hence they are fit-for-purpose. We next identified which proteins TSPO associates with, which is a vital question when trying to understand the function of a protein. We also showed how removing TSPO from the cells affects their immune function. Non-Scientific ProgressChair of NW London IVIG panel (IVIG is a lifesaving but scares resource).Invited to chair NW London Integrated GP Formulary Panel (makes decisions covering 2 million people).Paid scientific advisory board member of Nodthera and INmune Bio. Rising Star Award (ONO Pharmaceuticals - including a small grant (£91,000)).Invited to speak (expenses paid) at 4 international (highly reputable) conferences .