Professor Sarah Aldred

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

The field of oxidative stress and researching chronic diseases of ageing associated with oxidative stress.

Her particular research interests focus on the pathology and mechanisms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and cardiovascular disease. Her research aims to determine the effects of exercise and dietary intervention on disease process.

Scientific Inspiration

Einstein! He liked riding bicycles and had some of his best ideas whilst exercising – as I do!

Research Groups

Centre for Neurogenetics Research

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: friendly, collaborative, questioning.

Provision of Training

I believe a PhD is a learning curve - I will support you to develop your independent thinking, critical thinking and methodological prowess. You will be supported by my experienced post doc and PhD students.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will usually meet on a weekly basis. We will always discuss a plan of action together. As you progress the balance will shift from me leading the meetings and monitoring your progress to you leading the meetings and evaluating your progress.

Communication

I am open to email, WhatsApp, or meetings - whatever we need to communicate effectively.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

These meetings will mainly be face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days a week.

Working Pattern

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Investigating the role of astrocytes in regulating brain metabolism

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Investigating the role of astrocytes in regulating brain metabolism

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Daniel Fulton

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing)

Project Outline

Background

The brain consumes 20% of total body energy available, but makes up just 2% of total body weight. A large portion of this energy demand is dedicated to cell to cell communication. The supply of energy is crucial for brain activity. Astrocytes are the most common cell type in the human brain, and are thought to be capable of supporting and regulating neuronal functions. Dysfunction of astrocytes and alteration in astrocyte metabolism has been implicated in cognitive decline and in neurodegenerative diseases, yet we still do not fully understand their role in supporting neuronal function in the healthy brain. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived models of the brain allow us model the brain under controlled conditions.

Objectives

To use iPSC-derived CNS models to investigate the metabolic interaction between Astrocytes and Neurons to sustain synaptic activity.

1. Characterise substrate utilisation capacity in astrocytes for energy production.

2. Investigate whether neuronal activity can stimulate alterations in astrocyte substrate utilisation and metabolic function.

3. Interrogate signalling cascades that regulate the link between synaptic activity and alterations in astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling.

Methods

The project will use iPSC reprogramming, to create neuronal and astrocytic cells. For objective 1, astrocytes will be examined for metabolic flexibility using extracellular flux (seahorse XF) and metabolite analysis. Objective 2 will use microelectrode array (MEA) electrophysiology. Objective 3 will examine specific signalling pathways.

References

Bonvento, G. and Bolaños, J.P., 2021. Cell metabolism, 33(8), pp.1546-1564.

Elsworthy et al., 2021. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, 114, p.103631.

Elsworthy, R.J., Crowe, J.A., King, M.C., Dunleavy, C., Fisher, E., Ludlam, A., Parri, H.R., Hill, E.J. and Aldred, S., 2022. Translational psychiatry, 12(1), pp.1-7.

APPLY HERE