We investigate neurovascular coupling (the relationship between neural activity and subsequent brain blood flow changes) in preclinical models of health, disease and ageing by using a wide array of imaging and laboratory techniques from cellular & molecular biology through to whole brain neuroimaging. Using human imaging datasets, available through our collaborators, we are able to link our preclinical findings to human disease. 

The overall aim of the research group is to understand the mechanisms of neurovascular coupling in health, how it is perturbed in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and atherosclerosis (heart disease; vascular dementia), and the possible identification of early biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for human patients. Key themes investigated include neurophysiology, neuropathology and neuroinflammation.

Our neuroimaging capabilities include 2D-optical imaging spectroscopy (which uses light to measure blood volume changes and oxygenation), 2-photon microscopy (allowing high-resolution imaging of cellular calcium activity and brain blood flow) & MRI (which allows whole brain-level imaging of brain structure and function). We routinely combine these imaging methods with electrophysiology, optogenetics, oxygen measurements, cognitive testing and immunohistochemical analysis.