Essential Neurosurgery for the MLA - Functional Neurosurgery by Neuro Podcases

Essential Neurosurgery for the MLA - Spinal by Neuro Podcases

In this episode we are joined by Mr Nick Carleton-Bland to discuss the topic of ICH

Essential Neurosurgery for the MLA - Traumatic Brain Injury by Neuro Podcases

In this episode with are joined by Mr Nick Carleton-Bland to discuss some of the essential cranial Neurosurgery topics relevant to the UK Medical Licensing exam (MLA).

In episode seven of our Neuroscience Research series, Filippo Dall'Armellina and Dr. Michael Cearns speak with Dr. Nicoletta Landsberger from the University of Milan. Her research focuses on Rett syndrome: a rare, severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder and a leading cause of intellectual disability in females. They discuss how the disease progresses in Mecp2-deficient mice, the therapeutic potential of neural precursor cell transplants, and a promising non-invasive treatment strategy: intranasal delivery of nerve growth factor.

Research Highlights from the Episode:

- Paper 1: Carli et al. A comprehensive longitudinal study of magnetic resonance imaging identifies novel features of the Mecp2-deficient mouse brain. Neurobiology of Disease, 2023. PMID: 36931532.

- Paper 2: Frasca et al. Neural precursor cells rescue symptoms of Rett syndrome by activation of the Interferon γ pathway. EMBO, 2024. PMID: 39496971.

- Paper 3: Pozzer et al. Clinical-grade intranasal NGF fuels neurological and metabolic functions of Mecp2-deficient mice. Brain, 2025. PMID: 39300821.

🧠 #NeuroscienceResearch

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Visit the Neuro Podcases website: neuropodcases.co.uk

In this episode of our Neuroscience Research series, Filippo Dall'Armellina and Dr Michael Cearns speak with Professor Julie Williams (Cardiff University), a leading figure in the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease. Prof. Williams also co-hosts “In Two Minds” with Justine Pickering, so be sure to check it out.

Research highlights:

- Paper 1: Harold D et al. (2009). Genome-wide association study identifies variants at CLU and PICALM associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Nature Genetics. [PMID: 19734902].

- Paper 2: Sims R et al. (2017). Rare coding variants in PLCG2, ABI3, and TREM2 implicate microglial-mediated innate immunity in Alzheimer’s disease. Nature Genetics. [PMID: 28714976].

In this episode of our Neuroscience Research series, hosts Filippo Dall'Armellina and Michael Cearns welcome Professor Adrian Isaacs (UCL), who investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying FTD and ALS.

Research Highlights:

- Paper 1: Mizielinska S, et al. C9orf72 repeat expansions cause neurodegeneration in Drosophila through arginine-rich proteins. Science, 2014. [PMID: 25103406]

- Paper 2: Kempthorne L, et al. Dual-targeting CRISPR-CasRx reduces C9orf72 ALS/FTD sense and antisense repeat RNAs in vitro and in vivo. Nat Commun., 2025. [PMID: 39779704]

- Paper 3: Giblin A, et al. Neuronal polyunsaturated fatty acids are protective in ALS/FTD. Nat Neurosci., 2025. [PMID: 40000803]

In this episode we are joined by Dr Ingrid Hoeritzauer to discuss her approach to the diagnosis and management of functional neurological disorders.

In the fourth episode of our Neuroscience Research series, hosts Filippo Dall'Armellina and Dr. Michael Cearns are joined by Prof. Michele Jacob, Professor of Neuroscience at Tufts University. Prof. Jacob’s research focuses on autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work spans basic biology, including the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, as well as electrophysiological studies and preclinical mouse models. Together, we discuss groundbreaking evidence for therapeutic interventions targeting conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and the rare CTNNB1 syndrome.

Research Highlights from the Episode:

- Paper 1: Alexander JM, et al. Excessive β-Catenin in Excitatory Neurons Results in Reduced Social and Increased Repetitive Behaviors and Altered Expression of Multiple Genes Linked to Human Autism. Front Synaptic Neurosci. 2020 Mar 31; PMID: 32296324.

- Paper 2: Alexander JM, et al. Inhibition of GSK3α,β Rescues Cognitive Phenotypes in a Preclinical Mouse Model of CTNNB1 Syndrome. EMBO Mol Med. 2024 Sep; PMID: 39103699.

🧠 #NeuroscienceResearch

X/Twitter: @NPodcases

Visit the Neuro Podcases website: neuropodcases.co.uk