Ewch i’r prif gynnwys
Sean Wyatt

Dr Sean Wyatt

Senior Lecturer

Ysgol y Biowyddorau

Trosolwyg

Research overview

I investigate the roles of secreted proteins in regulating the differentiation, survival and phenotype of developing vertebrate neurons. In particular, I am interested in the roles of these proteins in modulating the growth of axons and dendrites which establishes neural connectivity in the developing vertebrate nervous system. More recently, I have become engaged in research aiming to identify the mechanisms that underlie the degeneration of Substantia Nigra dopaminergic neuron axon terminals in the striatum, a process that precedes the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Cyhoeddiad

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2011

2009

2008

2006

2003

2001

2000

Erthyglau

Ymchwil

Research

I investigate how secreted proteins regulate neuronal differentiation, survival and the establishment of neural connections in the developing vertebrate nervous systems. In the last decade, I have become focussed on members of the TNF and TNF receptor superfamily’s, proteins that were originally characterised as immune modulators. It is becoming increasingly clear that many members of the TNFSF and TNFRSF play crucial roles in neural development, in particular in the establishment, maintenance and remodelling of neural connections. Techniques employed in my research group include: primary cell culture; fluorescent labelling and imaging of neuronal processes and an analysis of the length and complexity of axons and dendrites in vitro and in vivo; molecular techniques to analyse gene expression and intracellular signalling in neurons exposed to secreted proteins; transgenic approaches to determine the effects that modulating the expression of secreted proteins and their receptors has on developing neurons, both in vitro and in vivo. 

Ongoing collaborations

Dr Gerard O'Keeffe, University College Cork.

Identifying and characterising secreted signalling molecules and intracellular signal transduction pathways that regulate the growth of axons from developing dopaminergic neurons of the Substantia Nigra, with the aim of identifying approaches that may slow the degeneration of dopaminergic axon terminals within the striatum in Parkinson's disease.

Dr Tim Wells, Cardiff University School of Biosciences.

Investigating the mechanisms that underlie the cognitive deficits experienced by individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Addysgu

Current teaching

  • Year 2. Fundamental Neuroscience. Lectures on neural development (deputy module lead).
  • Year 2. Dentists. Basic Sciences, Neuroscience component comprising introductory neuroanatomy and neurophysiology (module lead).
  • Year 1. Medic Preclinical Sciences. Lectures on membrane transport and muscle contraction and practical on nerve conduction.
  • Supervision of final year projects

Past teaching

  • Year 3. Degeneration and repair in the CNS
  • Year 3. Neural Development and plasticity
  • Year 3. Molecular Neuroscience

Bywgraffiad

Ymunais ag Ysgol y Biowyddorau ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd fel Uwch-ddarlithydd ym mis Mehefin 2004. Cyn ymgymryd â'r swydd hon yng Nghaerdydd, gweithiais fel Uwch-wyddonydd yn Rinat Neuroscience cwmni biotechnoleg a leolir yn Palo Alto, California a sefydlwyd yn 2001, y flwyddyn y gwnes i ymuno â'r cwmni. Cyn ymuno â Rinat, cynhaliais Gymrodoriaeth Prifysgol y Gymdeithas Frenhinol ac roeddwn i'n gweithio yn Ysgol Filfeddygol Royal Dick ym Mhrifysgol Caeredin. Dyfarnwyd y Gymrodoriaeth ym 1999 tra roeddwn yn ôl-ddoethuriaeth yn yr Adran Bioleg ym Mhrifysgol St Andrews a symudais i Gaeredin yn gynnar yn 2000. Roeddwn wedi cyrraedd Prifysgol St Andrews i ymgymryd â fy ail swydd ôl-ddoethurol yn 1996 ar ôl cwblhau fy apwyntiad ôl-doc cyntaf yn yr Adran Patholeg Foleciwlaidd yng Ngholeg y Brifysgol, Llundain o 1993-1996. Cyn hyn, ymgymerais â PhD mewn Niwrobioleg Foleciwlaidd yn yr Adran Anatomeg yn Ysgol Feddygol St Georges, Llundain rhwng 1987 a 1992. Astudiais ar gyfer gradd BSc (Anrh) mewn Bioleg ym Mhrifysgol Southampton rhwng 1983-1986. 

Contact Details

Email WyattSL@caerdydd.ac.uk
Telephone +44 29208 76153
Campuses Adeilad Syr Martin Evans, Ystafell Cardiff School of Biosciences, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, Rhodfa'r Amgueddfa, Caerdydd, CF10 3AX