Professor Anthony Isles
(he/him)
Professor, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
- Media commentator
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am a molecular and behavioural neuroscientist interested in the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to brain and behaviour. In particular, we are investigating an intriguing family of genes, the imprinted genes, which are subject to epigenetic control acquired during development resulting in expression from one parental copy only; this is in contrast to most genes in our genome that are expressed, on average, equally from both parental copies. The research is focused on addressing what these imprinted genes are doing in the brain and how they may contribute to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
I am also interested in the use and development of preclinical models for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders more generally, and am currently leading the MURIDAE cluster within the UKRI:MRC National Mouse Genetic Network
Publication
2024
- Tyson, H. R., Harrison, D. J., Higgs, M. J., Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2024. Deficiency of the paternally-expressed imprinted Peg3 gene in mice has sexually dimorphic consequences for offspring communication and social behaviour. Frontiers in Neuroscience 18, article number: 1374781. (10.3389/fnins.2024.1374781)
- Sansom, O. et al. 2024. Better translation via collaboration: The MRC National Mouse Genetics Network. Cell Genomics 4(2), article number: 100483. (10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100483)
- Bosworth, M. L., Isles, A. R., Wilkinson, L. S. and Humby, T. 2024. Sex-dependent effects of Setd1a haploinsufficiency on development and adult behaviour. PLoS ONE (10.1371/journal.pone.0298717)
2023
- John, R., Higgs, M. J. and Isles, A. R. 2023. Imprinted genes and the manipulation of parenting in mammals. Nature Reviews Genetics 24 (10.1038/s41576-023-00644-3)
- Higgs, M., Webberley, A., Allan, A., Talat, M., John, R. and Isles, A. 2023. The parenting hub of the hypothalamus is a focus of imprinted gene action. PLoS Genetics 19(10), article number: e1010961. (10.1371/journal.pgen.1010961)
2022
- Higgs, M., Hill, M., John, R. and Isles, A. 2022. Systematic investigation of imprinted gene expression and enrichment in the mouse brain explored at single-cell resolution. BMC Genomics 23, article number: 754. (10.1186/s12864-022-08986-8)
- Alsaqati, M. et al. 2022. NRSF/REST lies at the intersection between epigenetic regulation, miRNA-mediated gene control and neurodevelopmental pathways associated with Intellectual disability (ID) and Schizophrenia. Translational Psychiatry 12, article number: 438. (10.1038/s41398-022-02199-z)
- Clifton, N. et al. 2022. Developmental disruption to the cortical transcriptome and synaptosome in a model of SETD1A loss-of-function. Human Molecular Genetics 31(18), pp. 3095-3106. (10.1093/hmg/ddac105)
- Isles, A. R. 2022. The contribution of imprinted genes to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Translational Psychiatry 12, article number: 210. (10.1038/s41398-022-01972-4)
- Pregnolato, S., Sabir, H., Luyt, K., Rienecker, K. D. A., Isles, A. R. and Chakkarapani, E. 2022. Regulation of glutamate transport and neuroinflammation in a term newborn rat model of hypoxic–ischaemic brain injury. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 6, pp. 1-13. (10.1177/23982128221097568)
2021
- Harrison, D. J. et al. 2021. Placental endocrine insufficiency programs anxiety, deficits in cognition and atypical social behaviour in offspring. Human Molecular Genetics 30(19), pp. 1863-1880., article number: ddab154. (10.1093/hmg/ddab154)
- Zahova, S., Humby, T., Davies, J., Morgan, J. E. and Isles, A. 2021. Comparison of mouse models reveals a molecular distinction between psychotic illness in PWS and schizophrenia. Translational Psychiatry 11, article number: 433. (10.1038/s41398-021-01561-x)
- Clift, J., Cooke, A., Isles, A. R., Dalley, J. W. and Henson, R. N. 2021. Lifting the lid on impact and peer review. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 5, pp. 1-7. (10.1177/23982128211006574)
2020
- Dent, C. L., Rienecker, K. D. A., Ward, A., Wilkins, J. F., Humby, T. and Isles, A. R. 2020. Mice lacking paternal expression of imprinted 1 Grb10 are risk-takers. Genes, Brain and Behavior 19(7), article number: e12679. (10.1111/gbb.12679)
- Davis, B., David, F., O’Regan, C., Adam, M., Harwood, A., Crunelli, V. and Isles, A. 2020. Impairments in sensory-motor gating and information processing in a mouse model of Ehmt1 haploinsufficiency. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 4 (10.1177/2398212820928647)
- Harrison, D. J. et al. 2020. Unified behavioral scoring for preclinical models. Frontiers in Neuroscience 14, article number: 313. (10.3389/fnins.2020.00313)
- Rienecker, K., Chavasse, A., Moorwood, K., Ward, A. and Isles, A. 2020. Detailed analysis of paternal knockout Grb10 mice suggests effects on stability of social behavior, rather than social dominance. Genes, Brain and Behavior 19(1), article number: e12571. (10.1111/gbb.12571)
2019
- Davies, J. R., Wilkinson, L. S., Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2019. Prader-Willi syndrome imprinting centre deletion mice have impaired baseline and 5-HT2CR-mediated response inhibition. Human Molecular Genetics 28(18), pp. 3013-3023. (10.1093/hmg/ddz100)
- Pregnolato, S., Chakkarapani, E., Isles, A. R. and Luyt, K. 2019. Glutamate Transport and Preterm Brain Injury. Frontiers in Physiology 10, article number: 417. (10.3389/fphys.2019.00417)
- Creeth, H. D. J., McNamara, G. I., Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2019. Imprinted genes influencing the quality of maternal care. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 53, article number: 100732. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.12.003)
- Tucci, V. et al. 2019. Genomic imprinting and physiological processes in mammals. Cell 176(5), pp. 952-965. (10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.043)
- Isles, A. R., Winstanley, C. A. and Humby, T. 2019. Risk taking and impulsive behaviour: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications. Philosophical Transactions B: Biological Sciences 374(1766), pp. -., article number: 128. (10.1098/rstb.2018.0128)
- Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2019. Genomic imprinting and neurobehavioral programming by adverse early life environments: evidence from studying Cdkn1c. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 25, pp. 31-35. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.06.008)
2018
- Zahova, S. and Isles, A. 2018. The role of the Prader-Willi syndrome critical interval for epigenetic regulation, transcription and phenotype. Epigenomes 2(4), article number: 18. (10.3390/epigenomes2040018)
- Janssen, A. et al. 2018. Persistence of anxiety symptoms after elective caesarean delivery. Bjpsych Open 4(5), pp. 354-360. (10.1192/bjo.2018.48)
- Creeth, H. D. J. et al. 2018. Maternal care boosted by paternal imprinting in mammals. PLoS Biology 16(7), article number: e2006599. (10.1371/journal.pbio.2006599)
- Dent, C. L. et al. 2018. Impulsive choice in mice lacking paternal expression of Grb10 suggests intragenomic conflict in behavior. Genetics 209(1), pp. 233-239. (10.1534/genetics.118.300898)
- McNamara, G. I. et al. 2018. Dopaminergic and behavioral changes in a loss-of-imprinting model of Cdkn1c. Genes, Brain and Behavior 17(2), pp. 149-157. (10.1111/gbb.12422)
- McNamara, G., John, R. and Isles, A. 2018. Territorial behaviour and social stability in the mouse require correct expression of imprinted Cdkn1c. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 12, article number: 28. (10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00028)
- McNamara, G. I., Creeth, H. D. J., Harrison, D. J., Tansey, K. E., Andrews, R. M., Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2018. Loss of offspring Peg3 reduces neonatal ultrasonic vocalizations and increases maternal anxiety in wild-type mothers. Human Molecular Genetics 27(3), pp. 440-450. (10.1093/hmg/ddx412)
2017
- Adam, M. A. and Isles, A. R. 2017. EHMT1/GLP; biochemical function and association with brain disorders. Epigenomes 1(3), article number: 15. (10.3390/epigenomes1030015)
- Golding, D. M. et al. 2017. Paradoxical leanness in the imprinting-centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome. Journal of Endocrinology 232(1), pp. 123-135. (10.1530/JOE-16-0367)
2016
- McNamara, G. I., Davis, B. A., Dwyer, D. M., John, R. M. and Isles, A. R. 2016. Behavioural abnormalities in a novel mouse model for Silver Russell Syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 25(24), pp. 5407-5417. (10.1093/hmg/ddw357)
- Garfield, A. S., Davies, J. S., Burke, L. K., Furby, H., Wilkinson, L., Heisler, L. K. and Isles, A. R. 2016. Increased alternate splicing of Htr2c in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome leads disruption of 5HT2C receptor mediated appetite. Molecular Brain 9, article number: 95. (10.1186/s13041-016-0277-4)
- Dent, C. et al. 2016. Impulsive choices in mice lacking imprinted Nesp55. Genes, Brain and Behavior 15(8), pp. 693-701. (10.1111/gbb.12316)
- Rienecker, K., Hill, M. and Isles, A. R. 2016. Methods of epigenome editing for probing the function of genomic imprinting. Epigenomics 8(10), pp. 1389-1398. (10.2217/epi-2016-0073)
- Isles, A. R. et al. 2016. Parental origin of interstitial duplications at 15q11.2-q13.3 in schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders. PLoS Genetics 12(5), article number: e1005993. (10.1371/journal.pgen.1005993)
2015
- Escott-Price, V., Kirov, G., Rees, E., Isles, A. R., Owen, M. J. and O'Donovan, M. C. 2015. No evidence for enrichment in schizophrenia for common allelic associations at imprinted loci. PLoS ONE 10(12), pp. -., article number: e0144172. (10.1371/journal.pone.0144172)
- Creeth, H., McNamara, G., Tunster, S., Eddy, J., Isles, A. R. and John, R. 2015. Programming of maternal behaviour by the placenta: A novel animal model. Psychoneuroendocrinology 61, pp. 4., article number: PS1.1.3. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.07.397)
- Davies, J. R. et al. 2015. Calorie seeking, but not hedonic response, contributes to hyperphagia in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome. European Journal of Neuroscience 42(4), pp. 2105-2113. (10.1111/ejn.12972)
- Isles, A. R. 2015. 15q maternal duplication and neurodevelopmental disorders; UBE3A is the key. Human Mutation 36(7), pp. iii. (10.1002/humu.22656)
- Davies, J. R., Dent, C., McNamara, G. and Isles, A. R. 2015. Behavioural effects of imprinted genes. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 2, pp. 28-33. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2014.07.008)
- Isles, A. R. 2015. Neural and behavioral epigenetics; what it is, and what is hype. Genes, Brain and Behavior 14(1), pp. 64-72. (10.1111/gbb.12184)
2014
- Dent, C. L. and Isles, A. R. 2014. An Overview of measuring impulsive behavior in mice. Current Protocols in Mouse Biology 4(2), pp. 35-45. (10.1002/9780470942390.mo140015)
- Davis, B. A. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Modelling the genetic contribution to mental illness: a timely end for the psychiatric rodent?. European Journal of Neuroscience 39(11), pp. 1933-1942. (10.1111/ejn.12607)
- Rees, E. et al. 2014. Analysis of copy number variations at 15 schizophrenia-associated loci. British Journal of Psychiatry 204(2), pp. 108-114. (10.1192/bjp.bp.113.131052)
- Dent, C., Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2014. Measuring risk-taking in mice: balancing the risk between seeking reward and danger. European Journal of Neuroscience 39(4), pp. 520-530. (10.1111/ejn.12430)
- Dent, C. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Brain-expressed imprinted genes and adult behaviour: the example of Nesp and Grb10. Mammalian Genome 25(1-2), pp. 87-93. (10.1007/s00335-013-9472-0)
- McNamara, G. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Influencing the social group: the role of imprinted genes. Advances in Genetics 86, pp. 107-134. (10.1016/B978-0-12-800222-3.00006-1)
- Cowley, M. et al. 2014. Developmental programming mediated by complementary roles of imprinted Grb10 in mother and pup. PLoS Biology 12(2), pp. e1001799. (10.1371/journal.pbio.1001799)
2013
- Relkovic, D. and Isles, A. R. 2013. Behavioural and cognitive profiles of mouse models for Prader-Willi syndrome. Brain Research Bulletin 92, pp. 41-48. (10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.09.009)
- McNamara, G. I. and Isles, A. R. 2013. Dosage-sensitivity of imprinted genes expressed in the brain: 15q11–q13 and neuropsychiatric illness. Biochemical Society Transactions 41(3), pp. 721-726. (10.1042/BST20130008)
2012
- Relkovic, D., Humby, T., Hagan, J. J., Wilkinson, L. S. and Isles, A. R. 2012. Enhanced appetitive learning and reversal learning in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome. Behavioral Neuroscience 126(3), pp. 488-492. (10.1037/a0028155)
2011
- Isles, A. R. 2011. Genomic imprinting; the cost of mother's care. Bioessays 33(12), pp. 924-926. (10.1002/bies.201100115)
- Ingason, A. et al. 2011. Maternally derived microduplications at 15q11-q13: Implication of imprinted genes in psychotic illness. American Journal of Psychiatry 168(4), pp. 408-417. (10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.09111660)
- Garfield, A. S. et al. 2011. Distinct physiological and behavioural functions for parental alleles of imprinted Grb10. Nature 469(7331), pp. 534-538. (10.1038/nature09651)
2010
- Hinton, E. C., Isles, A. R., Williams, N. M. and Parkinson, J. A. 2010. Excessive appetitive arousal in Prader–Willi syndrome. Appetite 54(1), pp. 225-228. (10.1016/j.appet.2009.12.002)
- Relkovic, D. et al. 2010. Behavioural and cognitive abnormalities in an imprinting centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome. European Journal of Neuroscience 31(1), pp. 156-164. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.07048.x)
2009
- Doe, C. M. et al. 2009. Loss of the imprinted snoRNA mbii-52 leads to increased 5htr2c pre-RNA editing and altered 5HT2CR-mediated behaviour. Human Molecular Genetics 18(12), pp. 2140-2148. (10.1093/hmg/ddp137)
- Isles, A. R. 2009. Evolution of genomic imprinting in humans: Does bipedalism have a role?. Trends in Genetics 25(11), pp. 495-500. (10.1016/j.tig.2009.09.010)
2008
- Doe, C., Garfield, A., Humby, T., Relkovic, D., Wilkinson, L. S. and Isles, A. R. 2008. 5-HT2CR pre-RNA editing, alternate splicing and function in a mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology 22(s2), pp. 125. (10.1111/j.1472-8206.2008.00601.x)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain?. In: Wilkins, J. F. ed. Genomic Imprinting. Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 626. Berlin: Springer, pp. 62-70., (10.1007/978-0-387-77576-0_5)
- Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2008. Genomic imprinting and disorders of the social brain; shades of grey rather than black and white. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 31(3), pp. 265-266. (10.1017/S0140525X08004263)
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. Epigenetics: what is it and why is it important to mental disease?. British Medical Bulletin 85(1), pp. 35-45. (10.1093/bmb/ldn004)
- Isles, A. R. 2008. Feel the heat: epigenetic coding of thermotolerance in the chick (Commentary on Yossifoffet al.). European Journal of Neuroscience 28(11), pp. 2266. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06544.x)
2007
- Wilkinson, L. S., Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2007. Genomic imprinting effects on brain development and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8(11), pp. 832-843. (10.1038/nrn2235)
- Lambourne, S. L., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Emson, P. C., Spillantini, M. G. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. Impairments in impulse control in animal models transgenic for the human FTPD-17 tauV337M mutation are exacerbated by age. Human Molecular Genetics 16(14), pp. 1708-1719. (10.1093/hmg/ddm119)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. X-monosomy effects on visuospatial attention in mice: a candidate gene and implications for Turner syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry 61(12), pp. 1351-1360. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.08.011)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain? [Review]. Epigenetics 2(4), pp. 201-206. (10.4161/epi.2.4.5379)
2006
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. Genomic imprinting and the social brain. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B - Biological Sciences 361(1476), pp. 2229-2237. (10.1098/rstb.2006.1942)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. X-linked imprinting: effects on brain and behaviour. Bioessays 28(1), pp. 35-44. (10.1002/bies.20341)
- Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2006. Modes of imprinted gene action in learning disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 50(5), pp. 318-325. (10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00843.x)
2005
- Isles, A. R., Hathway, G. J., Humby, T., de la Riva, C., Kendrick, K. M. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. An mTph2 SNP gives rise to alterations in extracellular 5-HT levels, but not in performance on a delayed-reinforcement task. European Journal of Neuroscience 22(4), pp. 997-1000. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04265.x)
- Davies, W. et al. 2005. Xlr3b is a new imprinted candidate for X-linked parent-of-origin effects on cognitive function in mice. Nature Genetics 37(6), pp. 625-629. (10.1038/ng1577)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. Imprinted gene expression in the brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 29(3), pp. 421-430. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.11.007)
- Plagge, A. et al. 2005. Imprinted Nesp55 influences behavioral reactivity to novel environments. Molecular and Cellular Biology 25(8), pp. 3019-3026. (10.1128/MCB.25.8.3019-3026.2005)
- Isles, A. R. and Holland, A. J. 2005. Imprinted genes and mother-offspring interactions. Early Human Development 81(1), pp. 73-77.
2004
- Isles, A. R., Humby, T., Walters, E. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Common genetic effects on variation in impulsivity and activity in mice. Journal of Neuroscience 24(30), pp. 6733-6740. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1650-04.2004)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W., Burrmann, D., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Effects on fear reactivity in XO mice are due to haploinsufficiency of a non-PAR X gene: implications for emotional function in Turner's syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 13(17), pp. 1849-1855. (10.1093/hmg/ddh203)
2003
- Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2003. Measuring impulsivity in mice using a novel operant delayed reinforcement task: effects of behavioural manipulations and d-amphetamine. Psychopharmacology 170(4), pp. 376-382. (10.1007/s00213-003-1551-6)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S., Ward, B. O., Humby, T., de la Riva, C. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2003. Evidence for X-linked imprinted gene functioning on cognition in mice; a possible neurochemical basis, and implications for cognitive sexual dimorphism [Abstract]. Journal of Psychopharmacology 17(S), pp. A70.
2002
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2002. Genomic imprinting, hormones and behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 14(5), pp. 425-426.
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2002. Neuroendocrinology Briefings 16: Genomic Imprinting, Hormones and Behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 14(5), pp. 425-426. (10.1046/j.1365-2826.2002.00445.x)
- Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Szeto, A., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2002. A possible role for imprinted genes in inbreeding avoidance and dispersal from the natal area in mice. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 269(1492), pp. 665-670. (10.1098/rspb.2001.1911)
2001
- Isles, A. R. 2001. Reversible regulation of mouse genes. Trends Genet 17(8), pp. 441-441.
- Isles, A. R. 2001. When is a clone not a clone?. Trends Genet 17(8), pp. 441-441.
- Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2001. Urinary odour preferences in mice. Nature 409(6822), pp. 783-784. (10.1038/35057323)
- Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2001. Genetic imprinting: urinary odour preferences in mice. Nature 409(6822), pp. 783-784. (10.1038/35057323)
- Isles, A. R. et al. 2001. Conditional ablation of neurones in transgenic mice. Journal of Neurobiology 47(3), pp. 183-193. (10.1002/neu.1026)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2001. Imprinted genes and mental dysfunction. Annals of Medicine 33(6), pp. 428-436. (10.3109/07853890108995956)
2000
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2000. Imprinted genes, cognition and behaviour. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 4(8), pp. 309-318. (10.1016/S1364-6613(00)01504-7)
Articles
- Tyson, H. R., Harrison, D. J., Higgs, M. J., Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2024. Deficiency of the paternally-expressed imprinted Peg3 gene in mice has sexually dimorphic consequences for offspring communication and social behaviour. Frontiers in Neuroscience 18, article number: 1374781. (10.3389/fnins.2024.1374781)
- Sansom, O. et al. 2024. Better translation via collaboration: The MRC National Mouse Genetics Network. Cell Genomics 4(2), article number: 100483. (10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100483)
- Bosworth, M. L., Isles, A. R., Wilkinson, L. S. and Humby, T. 2024. Sex-dependent effects of Setd1a haploinsufficiency on development and adult behaviour. PLoS ONE (10.1371/journal.pone.0298717)
- John, R., Higgs, M. J. and Isles, A. R. 2023. Imprinted genes and the manipulation of parenting in mammals. Nature Reviews Genetics 24 (10.1038/s41576-023-00644-3)
- Higgs, M., Webberley, A., Allan, A., Talat, M., John, R. and Isles, A. 2023. The parenting hub of the hypothalamus is a focus of imprinted gene action. PLoS Genetics 19(10), article number: e1010961. (10.1371/journal.pgen.1010961)
- Higgs, M., Hill, M., John, R. and Isles, A. 2022. Systematic investigation of imprinted gene expression and enrichment in the mouse brain explored at single-cell resolution. BMC Genomics 23, article number: 754. (10.1186/s12864-022-08986-8)
- Alsaqati, M. et al. 2022. NRSF/REST lies at the intersection between epigenetic regulation, miRNA-mediated gene control and neurodevelopmental pathways associated with Intellectual disability (ID) and Schizophrenia. Translational Psychiatry 12, article number: 438. (10.1038/s41398-022-02199-z)
- Clifton, N. et al. 2022. Developmental disruption to the cortical transcriptome and synaptosome in a model of SETD1A loss-of-function. Human Molecular Genetics 31(18), pp. 3095-3106. (10.1093/hmg/ddac105)
- Isles, A. R. 2022. The contribution of imprinted genes to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Translational Psychiatry 12, article number: 210. (10.1038/s41398-022-01972-4)
- Pregnolato, S., Sabir, H., Luyt, K., Rienecker, K. D. A., Isles, A. R. and Chakkarapani, E. 2022. Regulation of glutamate transport and neuroinflammation in a term newborn rat model of hypoxic–ischaemic brain injury. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 6, pp. 1-13. (10.1177/23982128221097568)
- Harrison, D. J. et al. 2021. Placental endocrine insufficiency programs anxiety, deficits in cognition and atypical social behaviour in offspring. Human Molecular Genetics 30(19), pp. 1863-1880., article number: ddab154. (10.1093/hmg/ddab154)
- Zahova, S., Humby, T., Davies, J., Morgan, J. E. and Isles, A. 2021. Comparison of mouse models reveals a molecular distinction between psychotic illness in PWS and schizophrenia. Translational Psychiatry 11, article number: 433. (10.1038/s41398-021-01561-x)
- Clift, J., Cooke, A., Isles, A. R., Dalley, J. W. and Henson, R. N. 2021. Lifting the lid on impact and peer review. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 5, pp. 1-7. (10.1177/23982128211006574)
- Dent, C. L., Rienecker, K. D. A., Ward, A., Wilkins, J. F., Humby, T. and Isles, A. R. 2020. Mice lacking paternal expression of imprinted 1 Grb10 are risk-takers. Genes, Brain and Behavior 19(7), article number: e12679. (10.1111/gbb.12679)
- Davis, B., David, F., O’Regan, C., Adam, M., Harwood, A., Crunelli, V. and Isles, A. 2020. Impairments in sensory-motor gating and information processing in a mouse model of Ehmt1 haploinsufficiency. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 4 (10.1177/2398212820928647)
- Harrison, D. J. et al. 2020. Unified behavioral scoring for preclinical models. Frontiers in Neuroscience 14, article number: 313. (10.3389/fnins.2020.00313)
- Rienecker, K., Chavasse, A., Moorwood, K., Ward, A. and Isles, A. 2020. Detailed analysis of paternal knockout Grb10 mice suggests effects on stability of social behavior, rather than social dominance. Genes, Brain and Behavior 19(1), article number: e12571. (10.1111/gbb.12571)
- Davies, J. R., Wilkinson, L. S., Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2019. Prader-Willi syndrome imprinting centre deletion mice have impaired baseline and 5-HT2CR-mediated response inhibition. Human Molecular Genetics 28(18), pp. 3013-3023. (10.1093/hmg/ddz100)
- Pregnolato, S., Chakkarapani, E., Isles, A. R. and Luyt, K. 2019. Glutamate Transport and Preterm Brain Injury. Frontiers in Physiology 10, article number: 417. (10.3389/fphys.2019.00417)
- Creeth, H. D. J., McNamara, G. I., Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2019. Imprinted genes influencing the quality of maternal care. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 53, article number: 100732. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.12.003)
- Tucci, V. et al. 2019. Genomic imprinting and physiological processes in mammals. Cell 176(5), pp. 952-965. (10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.043)
- Isles, A. R., Winstanley, C. A. and Humby, T. 2019. Risk taking and impulsive behaviour: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications. Philosophical Transactions B: Biological Sciences 374(1766), pp. -., article number: 128. (10.1098/rstb.2018.0128)
- Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2019. Genomic imprinting and neurobehavioral programming by adverse early life environments: evidence from studying Cdkn1c. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 25, pp. 31-35. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.06.008)
- Zahova, S. and Isles, A. 2018. The role of the Prader-Willi syndrome critical interval for epigenetic regulation, transcription and phenotype. Epigenomes 2(4), article number: 18. (10.3390/epigenomes2040018)
- Janssen, A. et al. 2018. Persistence of anxiety symptoms after elective caesarean delivery. Bjpsych Open 4(5), pp. 354-360. (10.1192/bjo.2018.48)
- Creeth, H. D. J. et al. 2018. Maternal care boosted by paternal imprinting in mammals. PLoS Biology 16(7), article number: e2006599. (10.1371/journal.pbio.2006599)
- Dent, C. L. et al. 2018. Impulsive choice in mice lacking paternal expression of Grb10 suggests intragenomic conflict in behavior. Genetics 209(1), pp. 233-239. (10.1534/genetics.118.300898)
- McNamara, G. I. et al. 2018. Dopaminergic and behavioral changes in a loss-of-imprinting model of Cdkn1c. Genes, Brain and Behavior 17(2), pp. 149-157. (10.1111/gbb.12422)
- McNamara, G., John, R. and Isles, A. 2018. Territorial behaviour and social stability in the mouse require correct expression of imprinted Cdkn1c. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 12, article number: 28. (10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00028)
- McNamara, G. I., Creeth, H. D. J., Harrison, D. J., Tansey, K. E., Andrews, R. M., Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2018. Loss of offspring Peg3 reduces neonatal ultrasonic vocalizations and increases maternal anxiety in wild-type mothers. Human Molecular Genetics 27(3), pp. 440-450. (10.1093/hmg/ddx412)
- Adam, M. A. and Isles, A. R. 2017. EHMT1/GLP; biochemical function and association with brain disorders. Epigenomes 1(3), article number: 15. (10.3390/epigenomes1030015)
- Golding, D. M. et al. 2017. Paradoxical leanness in the imprinting-centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome. Journal of Endocrinology 232(1), pp. 123-135. (10.1530/JOE-16-0367)
- McNamara, G. I., Davis, B. A., Dwyer, D. M., John, R. M. and Isles, A. R. 2016. Behavioural abnormalities in a novel mouse model for Silver Russell Syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 25(24), pp. 5407-5417. (10.1093/hmg/ddw357)
- Garfield, A. S., Davies, J. S., Burke, L. K., Furby, H., Wilkinson, L., Heisler, L. K. and Isles, A. R. 2016. Increased alternate splicing of Htr2c in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome leads disruption of 5HT2C receptor mediated appetite. Molecular Brain 9, article number: 95. (10.1186/s13041-016-0277-4)
- Dent, C. et al. 2016. Impulsive choices in mice lacking imprinted Nesp55. Genes, Brain and Behavior 15(8), pp. 693-701. (10.1111/gbb.12316)
- Rienecker, K., Hill, M. and Isles, A. R. 2016. Methods of epigenome editing for probing the function of genomic imprinting. Epigenomics 8(10), pp. 1389-1398. (10.2217/epi-2016-0073)
- Isles, A. R. et al. 2016. Parental origin of interstitial duplications at 15q11.2-q13.3 in schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders. PLoS Genetics 12(5), article number: e1005993. (10.1371/journal.pgen.1005993)
- Escott-Price, V., Kirov, G., Rees, E., Isles, A. R., Owen, M. J. and O'Donovan, M. C. 2015. No evidence for enrichment in schizophrenia for common allelic associations at imprinted loci. PLoS ONE 10(12), pp. -., article number: e0144172. (10.1371/journal.pone.0144172)
- Creeth, H., McNamara, G., Tunster, S., Eddy, J., Isles, A. R. and John, R. 2015. Programming of maternal behaviour by the placenta: A novel animal model. Psychoneuroendocrinology 61, pp. 4., article number: PS1.1.3. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.07.397)
- Davies, J. R. et al. 2015. Calorie seeking, but not hedonic response, contributes to hyperphagia in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome. European Journal of Neuroscience 42(4), pp. 2105-2113. (10.1111/ejn.12972)
- Isles, A. R. 2015. 15q maternal duplication and neurodevelopmental disorders; UBE3A is the key. Human Mutation 36(7), pp. iii. (10.1002/humu.22656)
- Davies, J. R., Dent, C., McNamara, G. and Isles, A. R. 2015. Behavioural effects of imprinted genes. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 2, pp. 28-33. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2014.07.008)
- Isles, A. R. 2015. Neural and behavioral epigenetics; what it is, and what is hype. Genes, Brain and Behavior 14(1), pp. 64-72. (10.1111/gbb.12184)
- Dent, C. L. and Isles, A. R. 2014. An Overview of measuring impulsive behavior in mice. Current Protocols in Mouse Biology 4(2), pp. 35-45. (10.1002/9780470942390.mo140015)
- Davis, B. A. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Modelling the genetic contribution to mental illness: a timely end for the psychiatric rodent?. European Journal of Neuroscience 39(11), pp. 1933-1942. (10.1111/ejn.12607)
- Rees, E. et al. 2014. Analysis of copy number variations at 15 schizophrenia-associated loci. British Journal of Psychiatry 204(2), pp. 108-114. (10.1192/bjp.bp.113.131052)
- Dent, C., Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2014. Measuring risk-taking in mice: balancing the risk between seeking reward and danger. European Journal of Neuroscience 39(4), pp. 520-530. (10.1111/ejn.12430)
- Dent, C. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Brain-expressed imprinted genes and adult behaviour: the example of Nesp and Grb10. Mammalian Genome 25(1-2), pp. 87-93. (10.1007/s00335-013-9472-0)
- McNamara, G. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Influencing the social group: the role of imprinted genes. Advances in Genetics 86, pp. 107-134. (10.1016/B978-0-12-800222-3.00006-1)
- Cowley, M. et al. 2014. Developmental programming mediated by complementary roles of imprinted Grb10 in mother and pup. PLoS Biology 12(2), pp. e1001799. (10.1371/journal.pbio.1001799)
- Relkovic, D. and Isles, A. R. 2013. Behavioural and cognitive profiles of mouse models for Prader-Willi syndrome. Brain Research Bulletin 92, pp. 41-48. (10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.09.009)
- McNamara, G. I. and Isles, A. R. 2013. Dosage-sensitivity of imprinted genes expressed in the brain: 15q11–q13 and neuropsychiatric illness. Biochemical Society Transactions 41(3), pp. 721-726. (10.1042/BST20130008)
- Relkovic, D., Humby, T., Hagan, J. J., Wilkinson, L. S. and Isles, A. R. 2012. Enhanced appetitive learning and reversal learning in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome. Behavioral Neuroscience 126(3), pp. 488-492. (10.1037/a0028155)
- Isles, A. R. 2011. Genomic imprinting; the cost of mother's care. Bioessays 33(12), pp. 924-926. (10.1002/bies.201100115)
- Ingason, A. et al. 2011. Maternally derived microduplications at 15q11-q13: Implication of imprinted genes in psychotic illness. American Journal of Psychiatry 168(4), pp. 408-417. (10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.09111660)
- Garfield, A. S. et al. 2011. Distinct physiological and behavioural functions for parental alleles of imprinted Grb10. Nature 469(7331), pp. 534-538. (10.1038/nature09651)
- Hinton, E. C., Isles, A. R., Williams, N. M. and Parkinson, J. A. 2010. Excessive appetitive arousal in Prader–Willi syndrome. Appetite 54(1), pp. 225-228. (10.1016/j.appet.2009.12.002)
- Relkovic, D. et al. 2010. Behavioural and cognitive abnormalities in an imprinting centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome. European Journal of Neuroscience 31(1), pp. 156-164. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.07048.x)
- Doe, C. M. et al. 2009. Loss of the imprinted snoRNA mbii-52 leads to increased 5htr2c pre-RNA editing and altered 5HT2CR-mediated behaviour. Human Molecular Genetics 18(12), pp. 2140-2148. (10.1093/hmg/ddp137)
- Isles, A. R. 2009. Evolution of genomic imprinting in humans: Does bipedalism have a role?. Trends in Genetics 25(11), pp. 495-500. (10.1016/j.tig.2009.09.010)
- Doe, C., Garfield, A., Humby, T., Relkovic, D., Wilkinson, L. S. and Isles, A. R. 2008. 5-HT2CR pre-RNA editing, alternate splicing and function in a mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology 22(s2), pp. 125. (10.1111/j.1472-8206.2008.00601.x)
- Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2008. Genomic imprinting and disorders of the social brain; shades of grey rather than black and white. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 31(3), pp. 265-266. (10.1017/S0140525X08004263)
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. Epigenetics: what is it and why is it important to mental disease?. British Medical Bulletin 85(1), pp. 35-45. (10.1093/bmb/ldn004)
- Isles, A. R. 2008. Feel the heat: epigenetic coding of thermotolerance in the chick (Commentary on Yossifoffet al.). European Journal of Neuroscience 28(11), pp. 2266. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06544.x)
- Wilkinson, L. S., Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2007. Genomic imprinting effects on brain development and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8(11), pp. 832-843. (10.1038/nrn2235)
- Lambourne, S. L., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Emson, P. C., Spillantini, M. G. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. Impairments in impulse control in animal models transgenic for the human FTPD-17 tauV337M mutation are exacerbated by age. Human Molecular Genetics 16(14), pp. 1708-1719. (10.1093/hmg/ddm119)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. X-monosomy effects on visuospatial attention in mice: a candidate gene and implications for Turner syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry 61(12), pp. 1351-1360. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.08.011)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain? [Review]. Epigenetics 2(4), pp. 201-206. (10.4161/epi.2.4.5379)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. Genomic imprinting and the social brain. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B - Biological Sciences 361(1476), pp. 2229-2237. (10.1098/rstb.2006.1942)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. X-linked imprinting: effects on brain and behaviour. Bioessays 28(1), pp. 35-44. (10.1002/bies.20341)
- Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2006. Modes of imprinted gene action in learning disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 50(5), pp. 318-325. (10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00843.x)
- Isles, A. R., Hathway, G. J., Humby, T., de la Riva, C., Kendrick, K. M. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. An mTph2 SNP gives rise to alterations in extracellular 5-HT levels, but not in performance on a delayed-reinforcement task. European Journal of Neuroscience 22(4), pp. 997-1000. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04265.x)
- Davies, W. et al. 2005. Xlr3b is a new imprinted candidate for X-linked parent-of-origin effects on cognitive function in mice. Nature Genetics 37(6), pp. 625-629. (10.1038/ng1577)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. Imprinted gene expression in the brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 29(3), pp. 421-430. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.11.007)
- Plagge, A. et al. 2005. Imprinted Nesp55 influences behavioral reactivity to novel environments. Molecular and Cellular Biology 25(8), pp. 3019-3026. (10.1128/MCB.25.8.3019-3026.2005)
- Isles, A. R. and Holland, A. J. 2005. Imprinted genes and mother-offspring interactions. Early Human Development 81(1), pp. 73-77.
- Isles, A. R., Humby, T., Walters, E. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Common genetic effects on variation in impulsivity and activity in mice. Journal of Neuroscience 24(30), pp. 6733-6740. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1650-04.2004)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W., Burrmann, D., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Effects on fear reactivity in XO mice are due to haploinsufficiency of a non-PAR X gene: implications for emotional function in Turner's syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 13(17), pp. 1849-1855. (10.1093/hmg/ddh203)
- Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2003. Measuring impulsivity in mice using a novel operant delayed reinforcement task: effects of behavioural manipulations and d-amphetamine. Psychopharmacology 170(4), pp. 376-382. (10.1007/s00213-003-1551-6)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S., Ward, B. O., Humby, T., de la Riva, C. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2003. Evidence for X-linked imprinted gene functioning on cognition in mice; a possible neurochemical basis, and implications for cognitive sexual dimorphism [Abstract]. Journal of Psychopharmacology 17(S), pp. A70.
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2002. Genomic imprinting, hormones and behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 14(5), pp. 425-426.
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2002. Neuroendocrinology Briefings 16: Genomic Imprinting, Hormones and Behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 14(5), pp. 425-426. (10.1046/j.1365-2826.2002.00445.x)
- Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Szeto, A., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2002. A possible role for imprinted genes in inbreeding avoidance and dispersal from the natal area in mice. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 269(1492), pp. 665-670. (10.1098/rspb.2001.1911)
- Isles, A. R. 2001. Reversible regulation of mouse genes. Trends Genet 17(8), pp. 441-441.
- Isles, A. R. 2001. When is a clone not a clone?. Trends Genet 17(8), pp. 441-441.
- Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2001. Urinary odour preferences in mice. Nature 409(6822), pp. 783-784. (10.1038/35057323)
- Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2001. Genetic imprinting: urinary odour preferences in mice. Nature 409(6822), pp. 783-784. (10.1038/35057323)
- Isles, A. R. et al. 2001. Conditional ablation of neurones in transgenic mice. Journal of Neurobiology 47(3), pp. 183-193. (10.1002/neu.1026)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2001. Imprinted genes and mental dysfunction. Annals of Medicine 33(6), pp. 428-436. (10.3109/07853890108995956)
- Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2000. Imprinted genes, cognition and behaviour. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 4(8), pp. 309-318. (10.1016/S1364-6613(00)01504-7)
Book sections
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain?. In: Wilkins, J. F. ed. Genomic Imprinting. Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 626. Berlin: Springer, pp. 62-70., (10.1007/978-0-387-77576-0_5)
Research
My group is interested in the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to brain and behaviour. In particular, we are investigating an intriguing family of genes, the imprinted genes, which are subject to epigenetic control acquired during development resulting in expression from one parental copy (allele) only. The research is focused on addressing what these imprinted genes are doing in the brain and how they may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent research in collaboration with Prof Rosalind John (Cardiff University) is investigating whether changes in the placental expression of imprinted genes can influence both maternal behaviour and later offspring outcomes.
I am also interested in the development anduse of preclinical models for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and am currently leading the MURIDAE cluster within the UKRI:MRC National Mouse Genetic Network.
Our work requires a multi-disciplinary approach in order to examine aspects of behaviour, neurobiology and molecular genetics. We primarily examine behavioural phenotypes in rodent models and use molecular techniques for addressing gene expression and epigenetic regulation of the genome (histone modification and DNA methylation).
Current research project areas
- Imprinted genes, brain and behaviour
- Coordination of placenta, maternal brain, and offspring outcomes
- Brain and behaviorual development in genetic mouse models for schizophrenia
Research Funding
UKRI:Medical Research Council (2022-2027) - "MURIDAE: Modalities for Understanding, Recording and Integrating Data Across Early life"
UKRI:Medical Research Council / Neumora (2024-2025) - "Rescue of neuronal and behavioural deficits using a novel NMDA receptor PAMs"
The Leverhulme Trust, project grant (2022-2025) - "The contribution of maternally expressed imprinted genes to parental behaviour"
UKRI:Biolotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council, project grant (2021-24) - "Prenatal adversity and the intergenerational transmission of atypical maternal caregiving"
Teaching
Year 1 SCC Literature review supervisor
Lecturer on Genomics of Common and Rare inherited Disease (MET 950)
Intercalated Pscyhology module 'Scientific basis of psychological medicine' (ME3085)
Personal tutor to students following the MBBCh programme
Bioinformatices and Genetic Epidemiology MSc - Data project supervisor; Dissertation project supervisor
I am also currently leading the development of two modules for a new Neuroscience MSc.
Biography
Education and qualifications
- 2000: PhD (Zoology) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- 1994: BSc Zoology & Genetics, University of Sheffield, UK
Academic positions
- 2006 - present: Professor, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- 2003 - 2008 Beebe Trust Research Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- 1999 - 2003 Post-doctoral researcher, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- 1994 - 1995 ESF Trainee technician, Department of Genetics, Leicester University, UK
Committees and reviewing
Internal
- Director of the Wellcome Trust Integrative Neuroscience PhD programme (2014-2024)
- MEDIC, DENTL & PHRMY representative on the BIological Standards Committee (2022-present)
- Lead, Neuroscience and Mental Health theme, GW4 MRC BioMed doctoral training programme (2015-2022)
External
- Member of Wellcome Brain and Behavioural Sciences Discovery Advisory Group (2023-present)
- Editorial Board member, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B (2020-present)
- Associate Editor, Frontiers in Developmental Epigenetics (2017-present)
- Editorial Board member, Genes Brain and Behavior (2017-present)
- Editorial Board member, Brain and Neuroscience Advances (2017-present)
- Trustee, British Association of Neuroscience (2017-2022)
- Medical Research Council GEMM panel member (2016-2022)
- Associate Editor, European Journal of Neurosciences (2008-2020)
Supervisions
Current supervision
Isadora Sinha
Research student
Past projects
Recent PhD students (lead supervisor)
- Dr Matthew Higgs; PhD thesis A Systems Level Approach to Identify and Validate Imprinted Genes Involved in Parental Care and the Associated Neural Circuitry; Winner 2024 Genetics Society Bruce Cattanach Prize
- Dr Simona Zahova; PhD thesis Examining the role of the Prader-Willi syndrome critical interval in psychiatric illness and cognition
- Dr Matthew Bosworth; PhD thesis Functional consequences of Set1da haploinsufficiency; from gestation to behaviour
- Dr Manal Adam; PhD thesis Epigenetics and neurodevelopmental disorders: molecular and behavioural characterisation of an Ehmt1/Glp knockout mouse
- Dr Kira Rienecker; PhD thesis Paternal Grb10 in brain and behaviour
Engagement
It is essential that scientists try to explain their research field to lay audiences, and indeed that, where possible, our research is informed by our interactions with the general public. I regularly undertake engagement activities and have spoken at events such as Pint of Science, the Cardiff Philosophy Cafe, and the MRC Centenary celebrations at BayArt.
I also am keen on promoting neuroscience and was a British Neuroscaince Association Trustee from 2017-2022, where I lanched their society journal, helped with the BNA Credible Neuroscience projects and was the keynote speaker in a webinar session entitled ‘Careers in neuroscience (and beyond!)’ that was attended by early career researchers from around the world.
In addtion, I have discussed my research with parents and carers of individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome at events such as the IPWSO Leadership ECHO, and recorded podcasts for Nature and the Biochemical Society explaining my research. Our work has also been feature in news articles in the Smithsonian, Scientific American and even the Daily Mail.
Contact Details
+44 29206 88467
Hadyn Ellis Building, Room 2.48, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
Research themes
Specialisms
- Behavioural neuroscience
- Molecular biology
- Neurodevelopment