Overview
I am a postdoc in the lab of Prof. Marcela Votruba. I am interested primarily in glial cell biology, with a key focus on cellular bioenergetics, and neuron-glia interactions, and how this might be used to help us treat a range of chronic neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
Publication
2024
- Firth, W. et al. 2024. Regulation of astrocyte metabolism by mitochondrial translocator protein 18 kDa. Journal of Neurochemistry 168(7), pp. 1374-1401. (10.1111/jnc.16089)
- Firth, W., Pye, K. and Weightman Potter, P. G. 2024. Astrocytes at the intersection of ageing, obesity, and neurodegeneration. Clinical Science 138(8), pp. 515-536. (10.1042/CS20230148)
Articles
- Firth, W. et al. 2024. Regulation of astrocyte metabolism by mitochondrial translocator protein 18 kDa. Journal of Neurochemistry 168(7), pp. 1374-1401. (10.1111/jnc.16089)
- Firth, W., Pye, K. and Weightman Potter, P. G. 2024. Astrocytes at the intersection of ageing, obesity, and neurodegeneration. Clinical Science 138(8), pp. 515-536. (10.1042/CS20230148)
Research
My research interests centre around the themes of (astro)glial biology, with a particular emphasis on cellular metabolism, and the impact of this on neuron-glia interactions. My research focusses on overarching themes at the cross-section of cellular metabolism and neuroimmunology. In Prof. Votruba's lab, I am applying my skills and experience to study the bioenergetic and structural deficits associated with retinopathies, such as Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, to characterise changes to neurons and glia, in the hopes of contributing to the development of novel therapeutic pathways.
Biography
PhD Medical Studies - 2020-2023 - University of Exeter, Exeter, UK. Supervisors: Professor Kate Ellacott, Dr Craig Beall. Project title: 'The role of mitochondrial translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO) in regulating astrocyte metabolism'.
BSc (Hons.) Medical Sciences (Neuroscience) - 2017-2020 - University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Honours and awards
Network Glia e.V. stipend (awarded July 2023, Berlin, Germany)
Professional memberships
Society for Endocrinology - 2023 - present
British Society for Neuroendocrinology - 2021 - present
Academic positions
Postdoctoral research associate - Jan 2024-present - Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
Postdoctoral research associate - Dec 2023 - University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
Speaking engagements
British Society for Neuroendocrinology Annual Meeting 2023 - Exeter, UK (poster)
XVI European Meeting on Glial Cells in Health and Disease (2023) - Berlin, Germany (poster)
Pint of Science 2022 - Beautiful Minds - Exeter, UK (talk)
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Animal cell and molecular biology
- Biochemistry and cell biology
- Bioenergetics
- Glial cell biology
- Energy homeostasis