Project Title: Age-dependent mechanisms of α-Synuclein dynamics in synaptic function
Supervisor: Dr Carola Radulescu, Professor David Owen, Professor Steve Gentleman
Location: Level 5, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN
About Me
I am a PhD student in the Radulescu laboratory in the Department of Brain Sciences, within the UK Dementia Research Institute centre at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. My project involves investigating alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and its interactions with binding partners at the synaptic terminal during ageing, aiming to establish how molecular and functional age-related changes may impact Parkinson’s disease pathology. By combining expansion microscopy coupled with cyclic immunofluorescence (ExM-CycIF) with virus-mediated αSyn overexpression, calcium imaging and behavioural testing across ageing, we aim to identify key molecular targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat Parkinson’s Disease as well as other synucleinopathies.
My interest in neuroscience began during my BSc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, where my final year project explored cognitive flexibility in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome. Fascinated by the complexities of the brain and eager to expand my research skills, I completed an MRes in Experimental Neuroscience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. During my MRes I conducted 3 distinct projects which broadly investigated Alzheimer’s disease, synaptic plasticity and cognitive flexibility in self-harm behaviour. I discovered my deep interest in synaptic plasticity and its possible interactions with neurodegenerative diseases and ageing. Given the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, and the impact these have on the lives of individuals and those around them, I am very passionate about uncovering how these pathways break down and identifying strategies to prevent disease progression.
Outside of research I enjoy playing the guitar, cooking and sports.
Qualifications
Degree Qualifications:
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2023-2024: MRes Experimental Neuroscience, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
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2019-2023: BSc Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh
Research Interests
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Neurodegeneration and brain aging
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Synaptic biology and plasticity
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Advanced functional imaging and microscopy
Research Interests
Melgosa-Ecenarro, L., Radulescu, C. I., Doostdar, N., Airey, J., Chaloner, F. A., Zabouri, N., Pedretti, G., Osso, F., Garrido Perez, L., Pilch, K. S., Wang, X., Mallach, A., Sadeh, S., Jackson, J., Matthews, P. M., & Barnes, S. J. (2026). Selective weakening of population-coupled synaptic activity in vivo in a mouse model of amyloid-beta pathology. Nature Communications, 17(1), 3646.
Outreach
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2025 - present: Vice-treasurer of the Early Career Researcher (ECR) committee in the Department of Brain Sciences at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Actively representing the interests of PhD students and early career scientists, contributing to departmental initiatives, academic community-building, and career development events.
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2025, 2026: Great Exhibition Road Festival
Contact Details
Email: l.garrido23@imperial.ac.uk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leire-garrido-perez-46b4a9225
