Amyloid-ß, the poison in your human machine

Event Details

Please join us at The Showroom on the University of Chichester campus for complimentary refreshments from 18:00, the Inaugural Lecture will start at 18:30. Please note - entry to the lecture is FREE, but parking charges on campus will apply. Download the Pay by Phone app, or visit https://www.paybyphone.co.uk for more details.

What to expect from the lecture

This lecture outlines my contributions to amyloid-ß research, a key player in Alzheimer’s disease. My research began in parasite immunology before transitioning into Neuroendocrinology during my PhD, where I investigated brain-derived peptides for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Further training in molecular and computational techniques enabled me to secure funding to focus on amyloid-ß.

Through bioinformatics and laboratory work, I identified a highly toxic phosphorylated form of amyloid-ß, plus its interactions with antioxidant and kinases enzymes. I also discovered a novel neuropeptide, kissorphin, which blocked amyloid-ß toxicity. Additionally, the body’s endocannabinoids were shown to have neuroprotective effects against amyloid-ß.

These discoveries support the idea that the body has built-in defenses against amyloid-ß toxicity, offering potential to exploit in Alzheimer’s disease.

Nat joined the University of Chichester as Professor in Biomedical Science in 2024 with the aim to contribute to the establishment of the Community Diagnostics Centre and to develop new Biomedical Science courses at the University. He originally trained in Biological Sciences, specialising in Zoology, by undertaking a BSc at the University of Edinburgh. This was followed by a PhD in Neuroendocrinology at the University of London, where he was the first Marjorie A. Robinson Fellow funded by the Society for Endocrinology.

Nat has gained experience in Clinical Biochemistry at NHS Departments in both Newcastle and London, and worked at several Universities across London and Leeds. He has built an international reputation in the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery and Diagnostics research field.

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