Project Title: Establishing a Multimodal Platform for Studying α-synuclein Seed Formation
Supervisor: Dr Naoto Watamura, Professor Steve Gentleman, Professor Paul Matthews
Location: Level 5, Burlington Danes Building, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN
About Me
My PhD project focuses on investigating the mechanisms underlying α-synuclein seed formation through an integrated in vitro and in vivo framework. Currently, I am developing and validating AAV-based biosensors in vitro before applying them to physiologically relevant knock-in mouse models to monitor early aggregation events. Using a split-TEV-based molecular profiling strategy, I aim to capture the early pathological signatures associated with α-Synuclein accumulation. Ultimately, this project incorporates AI-assisted behavioral assays and Cas13-mediated RNA editing to explore the potential for functional rescue of disease-related phenotypes.
Prior to commencing my PhD, I worked as a Research Assistant, where I investigated tau pathology in animal models of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and examined structural and functional brain alterations in Parkinson’s disease mouse models. These experiences provided me with a strong foundation in neurodegenerative disease research and inspired me to pursue this PhD project, which offers an exciting opportunity to further investigate the molecular basis of proteinopathies and their contribution to disease progression.
Outside of my research, I love hiking and swimming, escape the city and getting out into nature for some fresh air. I am also a big fan of rabbit sitting, I love spending time with bunnies and caring for them!
Qualifications
- BSc Neuroscience, King's College London (2019-2022)
Presentations and Conference
Co-Authorship of poster presentations:
- “Sleep and Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s: Unravelling Pathological Changes” – Society for Neuroscience (SFN), California, November 2025
- “Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging and Spectroscopy in a mouse model of cuprizone (CPZ) induced demyelination” – European Molecular Imaging Meeting (EMIM), Bilbao, March 2025
- “Multimodal imaging of glucose transport in the Tgf344-AD rat model of Alzheimer Disease using [18F]FDG PET and 3OMG-CEST MRI” – European Molecular Imaging Meeting (EMIM), Salzburg, March 2023
- “Chemogenetic stimulation of astrocytes improves brain pathology in the 5xFAD model of Alzheimer’s disease” – Alzheimer’s Research United Kingdom (ARUK) Network meeting, London, June 2023
Selected Publications
Spatial Single-Cell Proteomics Reveals Molecular Trajectories Of Tangle-Bearing Neurons In Alzheimer's Disease. bioRxiv [Preprint]. Foiani MS, Bourdenx M, Kraller L, Nirujogi RS, Yiu A, Davies H, Patel S, Damoc LS, Mitchener L, Jaunmuktane Z, Coscia F, Duff KE. 2026 Apr 29:2026.04.26.720932. doi: 10.64898/2026.04.26.720932. PMID: 42094448; PMCID: PMC13142537.
Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in a mouse model of cuprizone-induced demyelination Esther Walters, Davide Di Censo, Elena Samoylenko, Eugene Kim, Sally Loomis, Charalampos Papaonisiforou, Camilla Simmons, Grace Flower, Katarina Ilic, Eilidh MacNicol, Maria Elisa Serrano Navacerrada, Luiza-Simona Damoc, David Virley, Steve Williams, Nicola Hamilton-Whitaker, Andrew McCreary, Diana Cash
bioRxiv 2026.02.18.706313; doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.18.706313
Contact Details
Email: l.damoc26@imperial.ac.uk
LinkedIn:
