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The Neurogenetics Lab ION

@qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics lab at UCL ION led by Professor Henry Houlden is dedicated to discovering new genes and disease mechanisms linked to neurological disorders. Neurogenetics.co.uk

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UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology @uclqsion.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
A recent visit to @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social brought together a rare disease family, clinicians and researchers highlighting the growing international effort to better understand Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS). www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-scienc...
NCBRS visit group photo
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UK Dementia Research Institute @ukdri.ac.uk · 19/02/2026
Thrilled to announce three new UK DRI Group Leaders, joining the recently established Parkinson's Research Centre in partnership with @parkinsons.org.uk 🎉 👏 Prof Laura Parkkinen (Oxford) 👏 Prof Peter Magill (Oxford) 👏 Prof Henry Houlden (UCL) Read more 👉 www.ukdri.ac.uk/news-and-eve...
Three Group Leaders Professors Parkkinen, Magill and Houlden
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Dr Lorenzo Perilli presented “Expanding the Genetic Landscape of cHSP: Clinical Evidence for SYNRG as a Novel Disease Gene” at 9th International symposium of paediatric movement disorders in Barcelona. @uclqsion.bsky.social @uclbrainscience.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
We’re hiring a Research Technician! 🔔This role will primarily support a project on the genetic studies of Parkinson’s disease in Central Asia and Transcaucasia, helping to address major gaps in PD genetics in under-represented populations. @uclqsion.bsky.social bit.ly/4tzl9mM
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UCL – University College London
UCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2022) and is No.2 in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
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Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL QSION @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Congratulations to Henry Houlden on his Appointment as Group Leader, UK DRI Parkinson's Research Centre (PRC), based at UCL. The Group Leader role will enable scientific research and develop the PRC as an international beacon in Parkinson's research [UK DRI programme award £1.7M over 5 years.]
Henry Houlden
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Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL QSION @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Congratulations to Natalia Dominik on receiving a Guarantors of Brain non-clinical postdoctoral fellowship for 3 years from October 2026.
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
By combining human genetics with functional studies, we demonstrate that homozygous loss-of-function variants in MDGA2 impair synaptic membrane trafficking and neuroligin-mediated signalling, causing a severe form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy @uclqsion.bsky.social
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Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL QSION @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Congratulations to Stephanie Efthymiou on successfully being awarded a NBA small acorns fund - 'Validating exosomal RNA profiling methods in plasma and CSF of patients with multiple sclerosis', starting in January 2026
Stephanie Efthymiou
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Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL QSION @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Congratulations to Karen Gunanayagam on successfully being awarded a Guarantors of Brain Clinical Fellowship, starting in April 2026.
Karen Gunanayagam
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Reposted by The Neurogenetics Lab ION
ICGNMD @icgnmd.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Please spread the word! Great opportunity for bioinformatician to join us at the world-leading UCL Institute of Neurology in London, UK, to research genomics of inherited neuromuscular diseases. www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/...
ucl.ac.uk
UCL – University College London
UCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2022) and is No.2 in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
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Reposted by The Neurogenetics Lab ION
Rahema @rahema-ucl.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
What a fantastic evening at our Christmas Drinks Reception! 🥂 Progress in neurogenetics is only possible through deep cross-sector collaboration. Thanks to Nanopore for sponsoring, and to everyone who joined and continues to build this mission with us! 🌍🧠 @uclqsion.bsky.social @nanoporetech.com
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
We were delighted to host our Christmas Drinks Reception sponsored by Oxford Nanopore, bringing together partners, ambassadors, funders & charities shaping our global neurogenetics work. Grateful to all who joined us & excited for continued progress in 2026! @uclqsion.bsky.social @nanoporetech.com
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Professor Henry Houlden & Dr Karen Gunanayagam recently visited Dhaka and Bogura, providing specialist neurogenetics teaching and attending clinics as part of our active clinical and research partnership in Bangladesh 🇧🇩 @uclqsion.bsky.social @uclbrainscience.bsky.social
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Reposted by The Neurogenetics Lab ION
Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL QSION @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology Hosts Neuromuscular Diseases Research Day 2025. A fantastic day bringing together clinicians, researchers and trainees to share insights and celebrate progress in NMD research. 🧠 @uclqsion.bsky.social @uclbrainscience.bsky.social Read more: bit.ly/48N8tPI
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UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology hosts Neuromuscular Diseases Research Day 2025
The latest Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD) Research Day took place in November 2025, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and partners to strengthen the future of NMD research.
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Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL QSION @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
A wonderful evening at the DNMD Christmas Drinks, bringing together colleagues from across the department. Thank you to everyone who joined us and best wishes for a well-deserved break and a happy festive season. 🎄🥂 @uclqsion.bsky.social @uclh.bsky.social @uclbrainscience.bsky.social
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European Journal of Human Genetics @ejhg-journal.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
📢 Welcome to our December #JournalClub! 🧬 This month, we’re discussing: "PIGC-related encephalopathy: Lessons learned from 18 new probands" from the latest issue of #EJHG 🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
We previously characterised recessive CHKA-related developmental & epileptic encephalopathy. This new work shows patient-derived cells have disrupted Kennedy pathway activity, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress—partially rescued by mitochondrial uncoupling. www.jbc.org/article/S002...
jbc.org
Neurodevelopmental Disease-causing Variants in Choline Kinase CHKA Gene Couple Phosphatidylcholine Synthesis to Oxidative Stress Damage and Disease Etiology
Biallelic variants in CHKA, which encodes the first enzyme in the CDP-choline pathway for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, cause an inherited disorder characterized by epilepsy, microcephaly, and...
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
We had a wonderful time at UCLH’s Research Open Day! It was a pleasure connecting with patients, families and the wider public to share a glimpse into how we’re using cutting-edge techniques to study the genetics of neurological conditions. 🧠🧬🔬 @uclh.bsky.social @uclqsion.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Members of our lab had a fantastic time at the QS CNMD Summer Drinks - a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and meet new faces from across CNMD community. Huge thanks to the QS CNMD consultants for hosting! 🥂 @uclqsion.bsky.social @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social
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Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL QSION @uclqsneuromuscular.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Members of the Houlden Lab at UCL Queen Square IoN recently took part in the Celebrating Research at UCLH Open Day! It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with patients, families, and the wider public - sharing the latest advances in neurogenetics. #UCLHResearch #Neurogenetics
Celebrating Research at UCLH Open DayCelebrating Research at UCLH Open DayCelebrating Research at UCLH Open DayCelebrating Research at UCLH Open Day
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Dr Rauan Kaiyrzhanov presented at the International Conference of Pediatric Neurology (ICPN) in Cairo 🇪🇬, sharing expert insights on movement disorders in DEEs. He also led seminars and in-depth discussions on rare neurological disease cases with Egyptian collaborators. @rauankaiyrzhanov.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Prof. Henry Houlden was in Boston recently for the launch of a landmark ALS genetics study in India led by NIMHANS, AIIMS & UCLION in partnership with TargetALS. 🇮🇳 Read more: bit.ly/40ohafF @uclqsion.bsky.social @uclbrainscience.bsky.social
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Unlocking ALS Risk in South Asian Populations: Inside a Groundbreaking Genetic Study Led by India and the UK - Target ALS
Despite an estimated 100,000 people living with ALS in India, South Asian populations have been largely excluded from global genetic studies of the disease. This gap isn’t just a statistical oversight...
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Join our team at UCL ION as a Senior Research Technician and Analyst for Next Generation Sequencing 🧬 Play a key role in advancing neurogenetics research through cutting-edge sequencing. Apply now: bit.ly/44h3XX8 @uclqsion.bsky.social @ukdri.ac.uk @uclbrainscience.bsky.social
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UCL – University College London
UCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2022) and is No.2 in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Natalia Dominik, NIHR BRC Research Fellow recently volunteered with Genetics Society at the Lambeth Country Show. Through hands-on activities like building chromosomes & the PTC taste test, she engaged the public in genetics, highlighting the vital role of science outreach. @uclqsion.bsky.social 🧬
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
Loss of XRCC1 disrupts cerebellar development in zebrafish due to toxic PARP1 accumulation. Strikingly, parp1 knockdown rescues the XRCC1 phenotype, supporting PARP1 inhibition as a potential therapy in recessive XRCC1-related neurodegenerative disorders with ataxia. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Parp1 deletion rescues cerebellar hypotrophy in xrcc1 mutant zebrafish - Scientific Reports
Scientific Reports - Parp1 deletion rescues cerebellar hypotrophy in xrcc1 mutant zebrafish
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
We previously reported a novel recessive pediatric neurodegenerative disorder linked to BORCS8. Now, we identify another BORC complex subunit, BORCS5, as a new disease gene causing a broader neurodevelopmental & neurodegenerative spectrum with clear genotype–phenotype correlation. Read the preprint:
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Our lab characterises the autosomal recessive TRMT1-related neurodevelopmental disorder through a large cohort, patient-derived cells, and zebrafish model—linking defective tRNA methylation to intellectual disability and expanding the emerging group of "tRNAopathies". www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltex...
cell.com
Biallelic pathogenic variants in TRMT1 disrupt tRNA modification and induce a neurodevelopmental disorder
We identify bi-allelic variants in TRMT1, encoding a tRNA-modification enzyme, that cause intellectual disability and developmental delay. Functional studies in human cells and zebrafish provide insig...
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Gaurav Varshney @varshneylab.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Our Collaborative work on TRMT1, a tRNA-modifying enzyme, is out in @ajhgnews.bsky.social. A team of human geneticists led by Drs. Houlden' @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social and Dragony Fu' labs identified 43 individuals from 31 families with biallelic TRMT1 variants. www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltex...
cell.com
Biallelic pathogenic variants in TRMT1 disrupt tRNA modification and induce a neurodevelopmental disorder
We identify bi-allelic variants in TRMT1, encoding a tRNA-modification enzyme, that cause intellectual disability and developmental delay. Functional studies in human cells and zebrafish provide insig...
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UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology @uclqsion.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
The Neurogenetics Lab recently welcomed families from around the world for a dedicated Patient Engagement Day focused on NARS1-related neurodevelopmental disorders, in collaboration with Rory Belle Foundation @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social @rahema-ucl.bsky.social www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/news/202...
patient engagement day group
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Recently at Brain Conference, Dr. Viorica Chelban co-chaired a session on Movement Disorders with Prof. Nick Wood, while Lottie McKay-Dalton & Reagan Lee presented posters on how pathogenic variants in glutamate & potassium ion channels contribute to NDDs. @uclqsion.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Join us at UCL ION on Thurs 27th March for an afternoon on how @nanoporetech.com & VarSome are reshaping diagnosis of NDDs and other brain disorders through sequencing & variant interpretation. 🧬🧠 @uclbrainscience.bsky.social @uclqsion.bsky.social share.hsforms.com/1XQaCRGiVQuG...
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
At MSA Health & Care Professionals Study Day, Prof Henry Houlden provided an overview of MSA offering key insights for healthcare professionals. Dr Yee Yen Goh presented on how to diagnose MSA in patients, outlining key clinical markers & diagnostic approaches. @uclqsion.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
This week, members of our lab attended LifeArc MND & Rare Dementias Science Summit, highlighting advances in NDD research. The event emphasised collaboration in driving meaningful progress across therapeutic discovery, early diagnosis & digital solutions. 🧠 @uclqsion.bsky.social @lifearc.bsky.social
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UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology @uclqsion.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
For #RareDiseaseDay2025, @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social is celebrating the invaluable contributions of our international collaborators, whose dedication is driving ground-breaking advancements in rare disease research across the globe. ucl.ac.uk/ion/news/202...
Rare Disease Day banner
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Members of our lab hosted a live Q&A for families affected by VAMP2-related disorder, bridging the gap between research and those impacted. First identified at UCL in 2019, this ultra-rare condition remains a key focus of our work! bit.ly/3Xgzmqi @uclbrainscience.bsky.social @uclqsion.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
🎙️ Meet the Speaker: Prof. Wassilios Meissner Join us at the MSA Symposium! Prof. Meissner’s talk on Distinct Progression Profiles in MSA will open an important discussion on MSA progression & its implications for treatment. 🔗 Sign up now: bit.ly/4bc61D7 @uclqsion.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Members of our lab attended the Festival of Genomics & Biodata 2025 recently which was a great opportunity to connect, share ideas and stay updated on the latest in genomic research. Looking forward to integrating new insights into our ongoing work! @uclbrainscience.bsky.social @uclqsion.bsky.social
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
As part of 2 parallel studies, we delineated a new subtype of neurodevelopmental disorder linked to biallelic GTF3C3 variants. One study models the disorder using zebrafish, while the other utilizes fly. Check both papers below: academic.oup.com/braincomms/a... www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
academic.oup.com
Biallelic variants in GTF3C3 encoding a subunit of the TFIIIC2 complex are associated with neurodevelopmental phenotypes in humans and zebrafish
Abdel-Hamid et al. identified biallelic GTF3C3 variants in four individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, including developmental delay/intellectual d
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
NDUFA13, a mitochondrial complex I subunit, was linked to complex I deficiency in only 3 patients. We now report 10 more cases, expanding the phenotypic spectrum, consolidating its role, & comparing it with other complex I deficiency subtypes. Please Check our paper: academic.oup.com/braincomms/a...
academic.oup.com
Biallelic NDUFA13 variants lead to a neurodevelopmental phenotype with gradual neurological impairment
Kaiyrzhanov et al. provide a cumulative phenotype characterization of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 1 alpha subcomplex 13 (NDUFA13)-related disease descri
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UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology @uclqsion.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Read all about our Neurogenetics Lab's collaboration with Little House of Science to host an engaging day of neuroscience and genetics for 96 children aged 4-13, igniting a passion for science among young minds! ucl.ac.uk/ion/news/202... @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social
Neurogenetics lab and Little House of Science group
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
Check out the latest article from the ION-DRI Newsletter about our lab. Learn more about our ongoing research & the work we're doing to better understand the genetic mechanisms behind neurological diseases! 🧬🧠 @uclqsion.bsky.social @uclbrainscience.bsky.social www.ucl.ac.uk/ion-dri-prog...
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
In 2013, we identified KPTN as a cause of NDD, though its function was unclear at the time. By 2017, it was shown to be part of the KICSTOR complex with KICS2, ITFG2, & SZT2, regulating mTORC1 signaling. We've now published KICS2 linked to NDD, with ITFG2 next in line. www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltex...
cell.com
Bi-allelic KICS2 mutations impair KICSTOR complex-mediated mTORC1 regulation, causing intellectual disability and epilepsy
Sequencing 8 individuals with intellectual disability identified bi-allelic variants in KICS2, which encodes a component of the KICSTOR complex. A combination of in vitro and in vivo analyses demonstr...
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
TRMT1 & TRMT1L modify tRNAs, essential for protein production. Their modifications are crucial for tRNA stability & function. Biallelic TRMT1 variants are linked to intellectual disability, while TRMT1L variants lead to a neurodegenerative disorder. Check our new paper! www.cell.com/cell-reports...
cell.com
Human TRMT1 and TRMT1L paralogs ensure the proper modification state, stability, and function of tRNAs
Zhang et al. elucidate the targets of a tRNA modification enzyme family and identify unanticipated roles for a duplicated tRNA modification enzyme that can be uncoupled from its ancestral function. These findings uncover the molecular mechanisms by which tRNAs are dysregulated in human disorders caused by tRNA modification deficiency.
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
We report 35 patients with biallelic RBL2 loss-of-function variants presenting with developmental delay/intellectual disability, hypotonia, seizures, microcephaly & brain abnormalities. Drosophila models recapitulate key features & suggest RBL2 re-expression may help rescue neurological symptoms.
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Reza Maroofian @reza-maroofian.bsky.social · 05/01/2025
In 2021, we identified a rare VWA1 founder mutation in UK & Western European populations, linked to neuromuscular disorder but elusive due to low genomic coverage. We now report an expanded phenotypic spectrum in a global cohort with this recurrent mutation & other VWA1 variants.
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
Join us for the 3rd MSA Research Symposium on Fri 25th April 2025, focused on the prodromal stage, diagnosis & management of MSA. Hear from experts Dr. Horacio Kaufmann, Prof. Tom Foltynie & Andrew Singleton. Register now for early bird tickets! bit.ly/3Du72tb @uclbrainscience.bsky.social
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MSA Research Symposium
Online registration for MSA Research Symposium.
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
Dr Viorica Chelban recently attended the PMFG Summit in Doha, Qatar where she presented latest advancements in Neurogenetics & Rare Diseases @uclbrainscience.bsky.social #PMFG2024
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
Merry Christmas from our lab! 🎄 Wishing everyone a joyful and well-deserved Christmas break, filled with peace and happiness. Here’s to a fantastic start to 2025 – we can’t wait to see what the year ahead brings! 🥂✨ @uclbrainscience.bsky.social @uclh.bsky.social
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The Neurogenetics Lab ION @qs-neurogenetics.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
A fantastic evening at the annual UCL IoN Christmas Drinks, celebrating this year’s achievements and reconnecting with colleagues from across the Institute. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!🎄🥂 @uclbrainscience.bsky.social @uclh.bsky.social
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Rauan Kaiyrzhanov @rauankaiyrzhanov.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Pioneering genomic insights into rare pediatric neurological diseases in Central Asia & Transcaucasia! Our Nature Genetics correspondence highlights the CAT-Genomics consortium's impact in underrepresented regions, advancing diagnoses & novel discoveries. bit.ly/3V6lUE3
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Elucidating the genomic basis of rare pediatric neurological diseases in Central Asia and Transcaucasia - Nature Genetics
Nature Genetics - Elucidating the genomic basis of rare pediatric neurological diseases in Central Asia and Transcaucasia
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