Genetic and environmental risk factors of Alzheimer’s Disease
Join us for an exciting talk on understanding the genetic and environmental risk factors in Alzheimer's disease by Melissa Barber, who is currently a research fellow at UKDRI. She completed her PhD in Developmental Neurobiology in Prof. John Parnavelas’ lab at UCL. Her research focuses on how genetic and environmental risk factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a particular interest in whether early-life and in-utero brain development can influence AD risk later in life.
Currently, Melissa is investigating how a novel RELN–DAB1 genetic pathway interacts with APOE4 to modify Alzheimer’s disease risk, using iPSC-derived cellular models. Working alongside Alexsej Kubelka, she uses iPSC co-culture systems to uncover the cellular mechanisms through which this pathway modulates neuroinflammation and to identify potential new therapeutic targets. This research is funded by the Alzheimer’s Society.
Talk details:
- Date: 5 Feb 2026
- Time: 5-6pm
- Location: 1.03 Malet Place Engineering Building
- Access: Standard membership required
Hope to see everyone there!